Disintegration and Biodegradability Testing.
Disintegration and biodegradation of consumer products.
Global pressures associated with environmental impact are not only topical and increasing in consumer awareness but are also a forefront focal point for all industry sectors, including the plastics, leather and textile industries.
The end of life (EOL) credentials of a product is a key element of its sustainability. An important consideration when selecting materials for use in product, is the ability of the material to degrade under natural conditions, to allow ecosystems to thrive with minimal interference.
Often interchangeable and misused terminology, such as ‘biodegradable’, ‘compostable’ ‘degradable’, and ‘recyclable’ can be confusing to consumers and can make understanding EOL claims challenging.
Eurofins | BLC can support with EOL terminology and product labelling claims through its sustainability offerings, which include consultancy support and testing.
Disintegration Testing
At Eurofins | BLC we offer ISO 20200 and ISO 20200 Modified testing, in which materials can be evaluated for their propensity to disintegrate in a compost-like environment.
Designed specifically for plastic materials, this test method enables the determination of the degree of disintegration under simulated aerobic composting conditions to be evaluated, via sieving and change in mass techniques. Thereby providing an indication of the likelihood of a plastic to disintegrate when placed in compost environment, in a test which can take 3 - 6 months, depending on the disintegration results.
If required, additional compost nutrient and toxicology testing can be performed on completion of the ISO 20200 testing, as an additional service, if required.
Traditionally this method is used to evaluate the disintegration of plastics. However, other industries including the leather industry can use the modified method, by substituting the plastic test substrate with a leather or textile. This method measures disintegration of the test substrate (leather) in a test that can take 3 - 6 months, depending on the disintegration results.
In addition, compost nutrient and toxicology testing can be performed on completion of the ISO 20200 testing, as an additional service, if required.
Biodegradability Testing
New test for 2020. - Eurofins | BLC is currently developing the expertise to be able to offer ISO 20136 testing.
This analysis, specifically for leather substrates, can be used to determine the biodegradability of leathers, as an indication of their EOL credentials. A true biodegradability indicator due to the measurement of CO2, this method will take approximately 1-month to complete.
For more information on Disintegration and Biodegradability testing, contact Eurofins | BLC on email info@blcleathertech.com or call us on +44 (0)1604 679 999 to discuss your requirements.