Biodegradable

It is estimated globally we use five trillion plastic bags a year and each plastic bag will take between 500 and 1,000 years to break down.  Consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and governments are now all aware of the need to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based plastics and replace them with more sustainable options. Biodegradable plastics make a sensible alternative when it is not possible to reduce, reuse or recycle.  

Made from a wide variety of different raw materials, including cellulose, starch, soy, natural fibers, and lignin, products made from biodegradable plastic, such as grocery bags, will break down in controlled environments or through the use of enzyme-assisted mechanisms.

Biodegradable plastics can break down up to 1,000 times faster than traditional plastics, thereby reducing the levels of landfills. They also use significantly less energy during manufacturing.  In addition, biodegradable plastic production emits less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. They are also less toxic, meaning if they are degrading in landfill, they are not polluting the environment. 

 

Significance:
 
  • For specific applications and regions where biodegradability is harmonized with appropriate product use and disposal.
 
Example products:
 
  • Biodegradable flower transfer pot

 

Why choose SGS for Biodegradable certification?
 
SGS Biodegradability certification helps businesses demonstrate the validity of their biodegradability attribute claims. It can be applied to a wide range of products made from biodegradable plastic, such as grocery bags, plant seedling containers, and geotextiles.   Products are tested in line with internationally recognized standards:
 
  • ISO 14855-1 – determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions
  • ASTM D5338 – standard test method for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions, incorporating thermophilic temperatures 
  • GB/T 19277.1 – determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions