ISO standard activities in standardization of biodegradability of plastics—development of test methods and definitions

Abstract

A new working group (WG22) of subcommittee (SC 5) on biodegradability was created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Plastics (TC61) in 1993. The following three aerobic test methods have recently advanced to the DIS (Draft of International Standard) stage: (1) evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability in an aqueous medium—method by determining the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer; (2) evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability in an aqueous medium—method by analysis of released carbon dioxide; and (3) evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastics under controlled composting conditions—method by analysis of released carbon dioxide. The definition of biodegradation should be as wide as possible and consistent with the meaning intended. The level of biodegradation should be established in standard test methods. In addition, WG22 plans to develop two test methods for anaerobic biodegradability as well as a test scheme for the final acceptance of the compostability.