BS EN 13359: Biodegradable products – criteria for biodegradability testing

BS EN 13359: Biodegradable Products – Criteria for Biodegradability Testing is a European Standard that specifies methods and criteria for evaluating the biodegradability of products, including materials and their components. The standard ensures that products labeled as “biodegradable” meet defined performance characteristics under specified environmental conditions. Here’s an overview of what it typically involves:

Scope and Objectives

The standard provides:

1. Testing Methods: Procedures to assess biodegradability through laboratory or field experiments.
2. Criteria: Clear benchmarks for determining whether a product meets the biodegradability standards.
3. Environmental Relevance: Guidance for testing under conditions representative of real-world environments, such as soil, water, compost, or anaerobic settings.

Key Aspects

1. Biodegradation Definition:
   • Decomposition of materials into natural elements like CO₂, CH₄, water, and biomass by microorganisms under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
2. Testing Environments:
   • Tests may simulate various environments, including:
     • Composting (industrial or home settings)
     • Soil
     • Aquatic systems (freshwater and marine)
     • Anaerobic digestion
3. Timeframe:
   • Products are assessed over a specific period, typically reflecting natural decomposition times for the relevant environment.
4. Performance Criteria:
   • A percentage of biodegradation is defined (e.g., 90% conversion to CO₂ for aerobic tests within a specific period).
   • Specific thresholds must be met to qualify as biodegradable.
5. Test Methods:
   • Respirometry tests for aerobic environments.
   • Gas production (e.g., methane and carbon dioxide) for anaerobic environments.
   • Measurement of physical disintegration for composting.
6. Eco-Toxicity:
   • Verification that the product or its degradation byproducts do not have harmful effects on the environment or organisms.
7. Marking and Labeling:
   • Standards for labeling products to ensure compliance and prevent misleading claims.

Importance of Compliance

Compliance with BS EN 13359:

Helps manufacturers align with regulatory and market expectations, including environmental certifications.

Ensures products labeled “biodegradable” meet stringent environmental and performance criteria.