Accelerated Biodegradation

Thanks to this solution, companies can analyse their formulations at early stages of development, identifying those with the greatest biodegradability potential. This facilitates agile and efficient analysis, optimising industrial and commercial decision-making.

How does the accelerated biodegradation test work?

This test exposes plastic materials to a simulated and modified composting environment within AIMPLAS laboratories to evaluate their biodegradation potential, based on the conversion of polymeric carbon into CO₂. Due to the specific conditions applied, results can be obtained significantly faster, allowing for preliminary screening of multiple formulations. As a result, companies can:

• Identify formulations with the highest biodegradation potential.
• Apply re-engineering processes in formulation and additive development.
• Optimise resources and reduce uncertainty ahead of costly certification procedures.

Standards and certifications

Although this test is not intended for the certification of compostable products, it acts as a strategic filter to select the most promising samples before proceeding with evaluations under UNE-EN 13432 and other applicable standards.

The challenge faced by the plastics sector
The plastics industry is evolving towards a more sustainable model based on the circular economy. Compostable bioplastics are emerging as a key solution, as their waste can be responsibly managed through composting or organic recycling. To obtain certification, it is essential to validate their biodegradation capacity by applying international standards such as EN-ISO 14855 in the European Union, and equivalent standards worldwide.

Currently, these studies are time-consuming and costly, which restricts testing to products already in advanced stages of development. This limits companies’ ability to explore new formulations early on, reducing agility in innovation and the optimisation of biodegradable materials and products. The accelerated biodegradation test helps companies during this critical stage of product development.