The term “biodegradable“ is often used without clearly stating its meaning. It is important to always mention the environmental conditions where the biodegradation happens and how it takes place. Biological degradation depends on natural microorganisms. That is why any statement on the biodegradability can only be given for the respective environmental surrounding, which can be e.g. an industrial composting facility, a home-compost heap or agricultural soil. General statements on the environmental degradability cannot be regarded as reliable. The proof of the complete biological degradability is verified by independent certificates based on approved standards.

For this proof, different countries assign specific test certificates which are based on different standards and ratings:

1. EU: DIN EN 13432

2. USA: ASTM 6400

3. Japan: Green PLA

4. Australia: AS 4736

In different countries, there are special certification methods which independent institutes use to test biopolymers according to their biological degradability, chemical safety and eco-toxicity. Only when a material meets the clearly defined test criteria in standardized test conditions may it be marked e.g. as compostable or biodegradable in the soil.

Image and article source from plastics-rubber.basf.com

OKCHEM PLA, PBAT and PBS Distribution Project

OKCHEM is the strategic partner of Anhui BBCA (the largest PLA producer in China) and Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe (the largest PBAT producer in China) to look for buyers and partners globally. If you want to join us in this project, please contact us at info@okchem.com. You may also make the application online at: https://www.okchem.com/agent/detail/degradableplastics/oem

Related articles:

1. About our distribution project and our partners

OKCHEM Chemicals Distribution Product List and FAQ

PLA, PBAT and PBS included in OKCHEM Distribution Project

FAQs for biodegradable plastic materials

Our Partner Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe is leading globally in the production of degradable materials

Our Partner Anhui BBCA Kicked off the 2nd Phase Production for its 300 kt/a PLA Project

2. About product background introductions

What Does Biodegradable Mean?

Bioplastics, Biodegradation and Bio-based plastics

Comparison of biodegradable materials PLA, PBAT, PHA and PBS

Is PLA biodegradable unconditionally?

Biodegradable plastics — Polylactic acid (PLA)
What’s the Difference: Biodegradable and Compostable?

Harmonised standards for bioplastics products in EU

Certificates: reliable proof of biodegradability by independent institutes

3. About market analysis and new development

Anhui Ruihong New Material Kicked off the construction of project with 25 kt/a of PVA, PLA, PBAT and PBS

China’s Kanghui Petrochemical kicked off its production of 33 kt/a PBAT/PBS on December 25
New development in PLA: Durable new PLA cup can hold boiling liquids around 140 °F (60 °C)

ECP recently introduced as promising biobased compatibilizing agent for PLA/PBAT blends

Brief Highlights of PBAT and Its production in China

The state of the bioplastics market updated by European Bioplastics (EUBP)

Biodegradable product tradeshows: 2021 China International Biodegradation & Plastic Products Exhibition

Analysis of Chinese export on PBAT and PBS from 201901 to 202011

Production capacity of PLA in China expected to reach 3.3 million tons in the coming 5 years