Certification and Registration
Biodegradation test
Category:
Biodegradation
With the rapid development of modern society, plastics have become an essential material in both economic activities and daily life. While plastic products provide significant convenience, their excessive use has also created serious environmental and health concerns. Many plastic products are discarded after a single use and eventually enter terrestrial and marine ecosystems, causing pollution that affects wildlife and human living environments.Furthermore, statistics indicate that only approximately 9% of plastics worldwide are recycled. The majority of unrecycled plastics are not biodegradable; instead, they gradually break down into smaller fragments that may eventually be ingested by marine organisms. This degradation process can take hundreds of years or even longer, creating long-term environmental challenges.
To reduce excessive plastic consumption and protect ecological systems, countries and regions worldwide have introduced various “plastic restriction” and “plastic ban” policies, including:
◉ United States:In 2015, the Microbead-Free Waters Act was introduced to prohibit the manufacture and sale of rinse-off cosmetic products containing plastic microbeads. The regulation prohibiting the manufacture of such products came into effect on July 1, 2017, while the ban on the sale and distribution of these products became effective on July 1, 2018.
◉ Canada:On November 4, 2016, the Regulations Amending the Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette. The regulation officially came into force on January 1, 2018, restricting plastic microbeads in certain cosmetic and personal care products.
◉ South Korea:In 2016, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued an administrative notice regarding amendments to cosmetic safety standards. Starting from July 2017, South Korea implemented a nationwide prohibition on the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics.
◉ United Kingdom:On January 9, 2018, the UK introduced a ban on the manufacture and sale of rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products containing plastic microbeads. The ban officially took effect on June 30, 2018.
◉ European Union:Under Directive (EU) 2019/904, from July 3, 2021, EU Member States are prohibited from placing certain single-use plastic products and oxo-degradable plastics on the market.
◉ China:According to Document No. 80 (2020) “Opinions on Further Strengthening the Control of Plastic Pollution”, China has progressively restricted or prohibited the production, sale, and use of certain plastic products in specific regions and sectors. By the end of 2022, the consumption of certain single-use plastic products had significantly decreased, while alternative products were actively promoted.
Environmental Degradation Time of Common Products
Before plastic products are introduced to the market, their compliance with regulatory requirements can be evaluated through the following testing methods.
1. Microplastic Identification
The concept of “microplastics” was first proposed in 2004. Microplastics refer to plastic fragments and particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm.Due to their small size, microplastics are difficult to collect and are not readily biodegradable. They can accumulate in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, causing environmental pollution. Through the food chain, microplastics may enter the human body and pose potential health risks. Studies indicate that people may ingest approximately 5 grams of microplastics per week on average worldwide.
Life Cycle of Microplastics
Microplastics mainly originate from two sources:one is intentionally added plastic microbeads in personal care products; the other is the loss, fragmentation, and degradation of plastic materials during manufacturing, use, and disposal.
|
Project |
Test Subject |
Test Method |
|
Testing for Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products |
Daily chemical products such as skincare products, cosmetics, toothpaste, and tooth powder |
Determination of Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics (Draft for Soliciting Opinions) |
|
Determination of Microplastics in Water Bodies |
Freshwater and seawater samples |
In-house Method |
2. Oxidative degradation (OXO) Plastic Identification
Oxidatively degradable plastics (OXO-degradable plastics) are conventional plastics containing degradation additives. Under exposure to light, heat, or oxidative conditions, these additives accelerate the fragmentation or chemical degradation of plastics.
The small fragments produced during oxidative degradation do not completely biodegrade and may eventually become microplastic pollutants, posing risks to marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, degradation additives may affect the quality of recycled plastics, preventing oxidatively degradable plastics from entering recycling systems.
|
Project |
Test Subject |
Test Method |
|
Identification of Oxidatively Degradable Plastics |
Pellets, films, sheets, bags, and other products made from polyolefin and polyester materials |
In-house Method |
3. Biodegradable Plastics Testing
Biodegradable plastics refer to materials that, under natural conditions such as soil or sand, or under specific conditions including composting, anaerobic digestion, or aqueous culture environments, can be degraded by naturally occurring microorganisms.These materials are ultimately converted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or methane (CH₄), water (H₂O), mineralized inorganic salts, and new biomass (such as microbial residues).
Life Cycle of Biodegradable Plastics
Common testing methods for biodegradable plastics include the following:
|
Project |
Applicable Materials |
Test Method |
|
Aerobic biodegradability ( Composting method ) Ultimate aerobic biodegradability |
Biodegradable plastics: PLA 、 PBAT 、 PBS 、 PBSA 、 PCL 、 PHA 、 PHB 、 PVA 、 PPC , cellulose, chitosan, starch, and modified starch |
ISO 14855-1 |
|
Aerobic biodegradability ( Composting method ) Ultimate aerobic biodegradability |
Biodegradable plastics: PLA 、 PBAT 、 PBS 、 PBSA 、 PCL 、 PHA 、 PHB 、 PVA 、 PPC , cellulose, chitosan, starch, and modified starch |
ISO 18606 The 6.3.1 Festival ( Packaging ) |
|
Biodegradability ( Laboratory method ) |
Biodegradable plastics: PLA 、 PBAT 、 PBS 、 PBSA 、 PCL 、 PHA 、 PHB 、 PVA 、 PPC , cellulose, chitosan, starch, and modified starch |
ISO 17088 The 6.2 Festival ( Compostable plastic ) |
|
Ecotoxicity ( Plant ) |
/ |
EN 13432 Annex E & OECD 208 ( Packaging ) |
|
Oxidation and biodegradability |
Plastic |
ASTM D6954 |
Note: The testing methods listed above represent only a portion of SATISFY’s available testing capabilities.
SATISFY provides identification and testing services for microplastics, oxo-degradable plastics, and biodegradable plastics in accordance with regulatory requirements across different countries and regions. Please contact SATISFY customer service for more information.
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SATISFY TECH AND SERVICE LLC delivers full-lifecycle technical solutions for children’s products, hygiene care, protective equipment, furniture, and building materials. Our framework spans compliance pre-assessment, standard upgrading, and risk control. We empower manufacturers and exporters through expert testing, certification, consulting, and standards interpretation.
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