Adding value with our service portfolio
Adding value with our service portfolio
This test program applies to finished products made from plastic materials which are designed to be composted and undergo degradation by biological processes during composting to yield CO2, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials whilst leaving no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue. This mark does not apply to products that can directly affect health and life, such as ENE products, Toys and PPE products etc.
The certification mark is awarded within the framework of voluntary testing and certification. It demonstrates that the product has been tested and certificated by the third-party organisation, TÜV SÜD. The certification mark is only affixed to the products that undergone inspection by TÜV SÜD Product Service and comply with the criteria quoted below.
Breakdown of a finished product which is made from plastic materials and designed to be compost by micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen to carbon dioxide, water and mineral salts of any other elements present and new biomass. The biodegradation rate shall not be less than 90% after a maximum of 6 months.
The physical breakdown of a finished product which is made from plastic materials and designed to be compost into very small fragments. It shall disintegrate during composting such that any remaining material is not readily distinguishable from the other organic materials in the finished compost. Additionally, the material shall not be found in significant quantities during screening prior to final distribution of the compost. After composting for a maximum of 12 weeks, not more than 10% of the original dry weight of tested the material shall be found in a sieve fraction > 2mm.
These tests refer to the negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost. The results of the tests (volatile solids, heavy metals, fluorine, SCCP, phthalates and PAH) shall be within the predefined limits based on the standard EN 14995:2006, Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH), Annex XVII, Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (POP).
Ecotoxic effects on 2 higher plants shall be determined by comparing compost produced with and without addition of a material which is made from plastic materials and designed to be compost. The seedling germination rate of the finished compost and the plant biomass in the compost shall be no less than 90% of that of corresponding blank composts to which no test or reference material was added at the start of testing.
Periodic surveillance and/or monitoring of the manufacture of a product constitutes the basic premise for certification that includes the award of a certification mark. Certification always requires product testing and regular factory inspections.
As a third-party expert organisation, TÜV SÜD Product Service verifies that the manufacturer is able to maintain consistent quality in line with the requirements throughout high-volume production and has established the necessary quality system, including incoming goods inspections, lists of materials and final product testing.
In addition, calibration of the necessary measuring and monitoring equipment must be ensured. Surveillance and/or monitoring covers the testing of safety-critical components and other materials used. If unauthorised changes are made to the product, the certificate will become invalid and the TÜV SÜD certification mark may no longer be used.
During the follow up factory inspection, samples are taken to verify the material characteristics.
The PPP 65200 is a test program for finished product made from plastic materials and designed to be composted. It lists all testing items, standards and test modules which are necessary to get the certification mark.
Within the PPP following aspects are covered:
Site Selector
Global
Americas
Asia
Europe
Middle East and Africa
