As industries shift towards sustainable packaging, assessing recyclability and biodegradability has become essential. Several international standards define testing methods to determine whether packaging materials can be recycled, composted, or naturally decomposed. These standards help businesses comply with regulations, ensure eco-friendliness, and enhance credibility.
This guide explores the most recognized standards for testing recyclability and biodegradability of packaging materials worldwide.
1. Standards for Recyclability Testing
Recyclability testing ensures that a packaging material can be collected, sorted, processed, and re-used in manufacturing new products.
A. ISO 18604:2013 – Packaging and the Environment: Material Recycling
- Defines requirements for packaging materials to be recyclable in existing recycling streams.
- Evaluates material composition, ease of separation, and reusability.
📌 Used in: Europe, Asia, and international trade markets.
B. ASTM D7611 – Resin Identification Code System
- Specifies how plastic packaging is categorized for recycling.
- Helps sorting facilities and recyclers determine material compatibility.
📌 Used in: United States, Canada, and North America.
C. EN 13430 – Packaging Recyclability Evaluation
- European standard that assesses whether packaging can be recycled efficiently.
- Requires materials to be easily separable and recyclable at scale.
📌 Used in: European Union and the UK.
D. APR Design® Guide – Association of Plastic Recyclers
- A detailed guide for testing plastic packaging recyclability.
- Determines how different plastics interact in the recycling process.
📌 Used in: North America, widely adopted in the plastics industry.
E. CEPI Recyclability Test Method
- Developed by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI).
- Tests how paper-based packaging behaves in recycling mills.
📌 Used in: Paper and pulp industries across Europe.
2. Standards for Biodegradability Testing
Biodegradability standards evaluate how materials break down naturally in the environment, reducing pollution and landfill waste.
A. ASTM D6400 – Compostability of Plastics
- Defines requirements for plastics to decompose under industrial composting conditions.
- Measures disintegration rate, toxicity, and organic content breakdown.
📌 Used in: United States and internationally.
B. ISO 14855 – Biodegradability in Aerobic Conditions
- Tests how plastics degrade in composting conditions with oxygen.
- Evaluates carbon dioxide production and material breakdown.
📌 Used in: Global sustainability certifications.
C. EN 13432 – Industrial Compostability of Packaging
- European standard requiring packaging to biodegrade within 6 months in industrial composting.
- Materials must not leave toxic residues and should support plant growth.
📌 Used in: EU, UK, and many biodegradable packaging certifications.
D. OECD 301 Series – Biodegradability Testing in Water
- Tests how materials break down in marine and freshwater environments.
- Measures biological oxygen demand (BOD) and CO₂ release.
📌 Used in: Global marine sustainability programs.
3. Emerging Certifications for Sustainable Packaging
A. FSC Certification (Forest Stewardship Council)
- Ensures paper and cardboard packaging come from responsibly managed forests.
- Promotes sustainable forestry and recycled content in packaging.
📌 Used in: Paper and wood-based packaging industries globally.
B. Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification
- Evaluates materials based on recyclability, renewability, and circular economy principles.
- Recognized in sustainable product design.
📌 Used in: Luxury, fashion, and high-end packaging brands.
C. BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Certification
- Ensures that packaging meets industrial composting standards in North America.
📌 Used in: Compostable food packaging, bioplastics, and disposable cutlery.
D. RR Index Certification
- Ensures that packaging meets industrial biodegradability standards in Asia
📌 Used in: Recyclable packaging, bioplastics, and disposable cutlery.
Conclusion
Selecting the right recyclability and biodegradability standards depends on material type, region, and industry regulations. ISO, ASTM, EN, and OECD standards provide globally recognized testing methods for evaluating sustainability claims.
♻ By following certified testing standards, businesses can ensure compliance, reduce environmental impact, and build consumer trust!
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