Biodegradable Packaging Certification Services

WHAT IS BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING CERTIFICATION?

More consumers demand environmentally friendly biodegradable products, and many authorities across the world have banned the use of conventional single-use plastic products.

Based on the requirements of EN13432 and other European standards and regulations, TÜV SÜD’s biodegradable packaging certification test programme determines the biodegradability during industrial composting of packaging and packaging materials.

The biodegradable packaging certification test results are compared with pass/fail limits to ensure that the material passes every test requirement. The quality of the compost produced should not be negatively impacted by the addition of the biodegradable packaging material.

The test criteria include:

Biodegradation – measures the packaging material’s rate of metabolic, microbial conversion into water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts of any other elements present and new cell biomass.
Disintegration – packaging material is mixed with organic waste for 12 weeks, after which time, no more than 10 percent of material fragments are allowed to be larger than 2 mm.
Toxic substances – there must be a minimal negative effect on the quality of the resulting compost.
Ecotoxicity effects – compares compost produced with and without the addition of packaging material.

WHY IS BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUSINESS?

Global consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative environmental impact of packaging waste, and many are now refusing to purchase products that use packaging that is not biodegradable.

Authorities across the world are also introducing more rigorous requirements, such as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Green Deal and, e.g., EN 13432 – “Packaging: requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation”.

Manufacturers must focus on producing environmentally friendly materials. Independent third-party tests and certifications show the biodegradability credentials of your packaging and packaging materials, providing proof that your packaging is eco-friendly. TÜV SÜD conducts comprehensive biodegradability and composability testing services to help companies comply with global packaging requirements.

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your business benefits

Since biodegradability testing focuses on the eco-friendliness and the physical deterioration of packaging materials in definite environmental settings, the testing of these biodegradable packaging materials should be run in accordance with international standards.

We provide customized biodegradable packaging testing services to guarantee that you promote and sell biodegradable products and meet the environmental safety stands of retailers or buyers. Here’s a look at the business benefits of TÜV SÜD’s biodegradable packaging testing services.

Test and certify that your products fulfill the environmental friendliness criteria	Minimise time to market by ensuring that your packaging meets regulatory requirements and can be sold in your target markets
Through third-party test and certification, it helps you to win acceptance from consumers who are likely to choose a product that is eco-friendly	Enhance your brand reputation by gaining an internationally recognized and trusted certification from TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD’S BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING TESTING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES

While providing biodegradable packaging testing services, we conduct a comprehensive range of tests that help demonstrate that your packaging is eco-friendly, proving your sustainability credentials to the market.

We provide the following biodegradable packaging testing services:

Testing of disintegration under various composting conditions
Laboratory testing for biodegradation on products, plastic materials, additives and intermediates
Ecotoxicity testing – testing of the ecological non-toxicity of your products
Chemical testing
Consulting Services

Benefits of TÜV SÜD’s biodegradable packaging certification services:

Customized services include consulting, testing, and support in obtaining certification provided by local authorities.
If you are a buyer, we help narrow down the best suppliers and manufacturers’ products and guarantee that they meet strict quality, safety and eco-friendly criteria.
If you are a manufacturer or retailer, we guarantee that the products undergo stringent biodegradability testing and assessment by third-party certification bodies to help you increase product sales and help boost your buyers’ confidence.

Learn more about TÜV SÜD certification marks for biodegradable packaging.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is biodegradable packaging compostable?

No. Not all biodegradable packaging materials are compostable. Although most biodegradable materials return to nature, sometimes they leave a metal residue that can prove harmful to the soil.

On the other hand, compostable packaging material breaks down into CO2, inorganic elements and water without leaving any toxic waste or residue behind. Performing biodegradability and compostability testing can help know whether a particular biodegradable packaging material is compostable or not.
Has biodegradable plastic been tested?

Biodegradable plastics made of plant pulp or corn starch can break down when composted. Materials like biodegradable plastics are usually tested with industrial composting tools in laboratories.

Whether the biodegradable plastic has undergone tests depends on the company that has manufactured it. TÜV SÜD’s biodegradable packaging testing services can help test biodegradable plastic and certify it accordingly.
What are the standards for biodegradable packaging testing?
The standards for biodegradable packaging testing include:
- International standards such as ASTM D6400 and ASTM D5338
- ISO 17088 and ISO 16929, or
- European standard EN 13432
TÜV SÜD adheres to the necessary standards while providing biodegradable packaging testing services.