Sustainable Solutions for Plastics
ASTM D5988
Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation* of Plastic Materials in Soil
Significance and Use (This ASTM test method is equivalent to ISO 17556)
The degree and rate of aerobic biodegradability of a plastic material in the environment determines the extent to which and time period over which plastic materials are mineralized by soil microorganisms. Disposal is becoming a major issue with the increasing use of plastics, and the results of this test method permit an estimation of the degree of biodegradability and the time period over which plastics will remain in an aerobic soil environment. This test method determines the degree of aerobic biodegradation by measuring evolved carbon dioxide as a function of time that the plastic is exposed to soil.
5.2 Soil is an extremely species-rich source of inoculum for evaluation of the biodegradability of plastics in the environment. When maintained appropriately with regard to moisture content and oxygen availability, the biological activity is quite considerable, although lower than other biologically active environments, such as activated sewage-sludge or compost.
Limitations
Claims of performance shall be limited to the numerical result obtained in the test and not be used for unqualified “biodegradable” claims. Reports shall clearly state the percentage of net gaseous carbon generation for both the test and reference samples at the completion of the test. Results shall not be extrapolated beyond the actual duration of the test.
* Biodegradation rates of EcoPure®-treated plastic materials are measured according to various ASTM test methods specific to certain biologically-active environments. Actual biodegradation rates may vary in the specific biologically-active environments according to the type and characteristics of plastic used, the product configuration, and/or the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the biologically-active environment. Claims of performance shall be limited to the numerical result obtained in the test and not be used for unqualified “biodegradable” claims. Testing reports shall clearly state the percentage of net gaseous carbon generation for both the test and reference samples at the completion of the test. Furthermore, results shall not be extrapolated past the actual duration of the test.
California Regulation 42355
Regulation 42355 in California currently prohibits the sale of plastic products and packaging that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable,’ ‘degradable,’ decomposable,’ or any form of those terms. The law also prohibits language that implies in any way that the item will break down, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales within or into the State of California, including sales over the Internet.
Maryland Environmental Code § 9-2101
Maryland Environmental Code currently prohibits the sale of plastic products and packaging that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable,’ ‘degradable,’ decomposable,’ or any form of those terms. The law also prohibits language that implies in any way that the item will break down, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales within or into the State of Maryland, including sales over the Internet.