Innovative accelerated biodegradation test that cuts evaluation time by two thirds

However, conventional biodegradation tests, as required by current regulations, are time-consuming and costly, limiting companies’ ability to explore new formulations from the early stages of development.

To address this challenge, AIMPLAS (Valencia, Spain), the Plastics Technology Centre, has developed a pioneering methodology that enables the biodegradability of plastic materials to be evaluated in just one third of the time needed for standardised tests. This innovation represents a strategic breakthrough for companies, enabling faster and more efficient industrial and commercial decision-making.

The new accelerated biodegradation test subjects materials to simulated industrial composting conditions in order to measure the conversion of polymeric carbon into CO₂. Thanks to this approach, companies can obtain preliminary results in significantly shorter timeframes, allowing them to identify the most promising formulations early on, implement re-engineering processes in formulation and additive development, and optimise resources before entering official certification procedures.

This cutting-edge solution positions AIMPLAS as a leader in the development of advanced tools to drive sustainability in the plastics sector, while providing real value to companies committed to innovation and environmental responsibility.

A strategic pre-certification tool

Although this test does not replace the standardised tests required for compostable product certification (as defined by UNE-EN 13432 and related standards), it serves as a technical and strategic filter to identify the most promising samples. This reduces risk and accelerates the path to certification in line with international standards such as EN-ISO 14855, among others.

Source

Bioplastics Magazine, 2025-05-15.

Supplier

AIMPLAS (Asociación de Investigación de Materiales Plásticos y Conexas)

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