Biodegradable plastics definition

According to the definition by Japan BioPlastic Association (JBPA), there are two types of so-called GreenPla. One is biodegradable plastic, which means that the plastic will be completely decomposed into H2O and CO2 by environmental... 

In addition, a number of standard authorities have sought to produce definitions for biodegradable plastics. 

Biodegradable Polymers Definition, Classification and Application as an Alternative to Plastic... 

The definition of biodegradable has been assessed during the past decade. Some examples of definitions of biodegradable plastic are given below. 

A number of standards authorities have sought to establish definitions for biodegradable plastics and some of these are provided below ... 

Although a standard worldwide definition for biodegradable plastics has not been established, the definitions already in place (ASTM, CEN, ISO) correlate the degradability of a material to a specific disposal environment and to a specific standard test method. The method must simulate such an environment for a time-span that determines the material classification. 

For several years, there has been considerable debate and controversy on the definitions of biodegradable plastic (e.g. at International Workshops on Biodegradable Plastics, Toronto 1989, Tokyo ISBP 1990, Montpellier 1991, Osaka 1993, and elsewhere). While the concept of biodegradability is broadly accepted by many, most of the debate has focused on reducing the broad concept with all its ramifications to a narrow statement, which tends to be accepted by very few. 

Definitions in the Held of biological degradation and biodegradable plastics can... 

Several products made with biodegradable polymers are not made to be disposed of via composting at the end of their commercial life but rather to end up directly in soil. The biodegradable plastics used in agriculture are intended to biodegrade in soil. Since the agricultural soil is the medium for the production of food for humans and farm animals, the absence of negative effects linked to the in situ disposal of plastics and the absence of residue build-up are matters of concern. The definition of standard test methods and... 

In principle, the DIN prenorm should be discussed again at the working group on biodegradable plastics within a few years after its first publication in order to be transposed into a definite and full-fledged DIN norm. However, this will most probably not happen as the norm will probably be merged with or replaced by an ISO or EN norm. 

Research over the past ten years has taught us a great deal about how materials are recycled in the biosphere. The most important conclusion is that nature does not depend on just one degradation mechanism. In 1992 at the Second International Scientific Workshop on Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers, after a very intensive discussion, the following definition of a biodegradable polymer was agreed [38]. 

The advantage of this test is that it is quick and easy to do, and gives an indication of biodegradation potential. However, the test is not definitive, because any impurities in the plastic, such as plasticizers and solvents, may interfere with the test by promoting growth, and thus give false positive results. 

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