Ecoflex® compostable polymer

CO2, a blank compost inoculum without an additional carbon source (polymer sample) is simultaneously tested under the same conditions. The CO2 content of the exhaust air of both vessels is compared. After subtracting the CO2 evolution of the blank inoculum, the CO2 evolution related to the test polymer is monitored and plotted as a biodegradation curve (see Fig. 1). Finally, the activity of the compost inoculum in the controlled composting test is validated using a cellulose reference instead of the polymer. In Fig. 1, the biodegradation curve of Ecoflex is depicted. After 80 days, 90% of the theoretical CO2 evolution is reached. Thus, Ecoflex is ultimately biodegradable according to the ISO standard for compostable polymers (ISO 17088), which requires 90% of the theoretical CO2 evolution within 180 days. 

To prove the ultimate biodegradability of a biodegradable polymer and that there is no adverse effect on the user or the environment, as well as to successfully market a plastic material as biodegradable, there are international standards in place according to which these materials can be certified. Both Ecoflex and Ecovio are certified worldwide as compostable and are approved for contact with food. 

The biodegradation of Ecoflex film was tested under composting conditions. After 100 days in a composting environment more than 90% of the carbon in the polymer was converted to carbon dioxide. Tests also showed no toxic effects of degradation intermediates. 

Radio labehng GPOSEC AU kinds of materials Virtually moil polymers soluble in different solvents such as PEG, PVP, Ecoflex, Ecovio Marine, soil, sewage, compost sediment etc. Freshwater, Salt water, CO balance, DOC Samples need to be C labeled Problems with environmental samples because extraction may be required [81-83] [84, 29,85]... 

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