EN 13432 norms

There are a certain number of norms in existence, such as the American norm ASTM D-5488-94d, or the European harmoiuzed standard EN 13432, giving defiiutions for terms such as biodegradable, compostable and others which are widely used - and sometimes incorrectly - as an argument in favor of the use of so-called enviromnentally friendly materials. 

There are many norms that define the conditions of measuring bioassimilation (Table 14.2). We will only mention a few principles. In practice, only the aerobic tests measuring the CO2 released are practical, because in most cases the manufacturers of biodegradable plastics must be compatible with the norms EN 13432, EN 14995 and NF U 52001, which essentially refer to the aerobic measurements of released CO2. 

The terms compostable and compostability are not defined in many dictionaries, but can be found in technical norms, particularly in Europe (NF EN 13432). This world recognized European standard defines the conditions that must be satisfied for a packaging (according to the European directive 94/62/CE) to be declared compostable under industrial conditions. 

No, we must always specify the compostability conditions, i.e. by saying my product is compostable according to norm NF EN 13432 or even my product complies with norm NF EN 13432 and can be declared biodegradable by composting imder industrial conditions or even by consulting a known mark of conformity that refers to the same norms ad hoc. 

No. The norm NF EN 13432 is strictly restricted to packaging as defined by the European directive 94/62/CE. However, compliance can be obtained with NF EN 14995, a certified copy of NF EN 13432, but it is restricted to all materials except packaging. Failure to observe this regulation could lead to prosecution for false... 

Only biodegradation tests, preferably normative, can conclude that a given material is biodegradable, but they carmot conclude, in any case, its eco-compatibility. In an attempt to approach this, other tests must complement those that determine the biodegradability of materials, such as chemical analyses and ecotoxicity studies. This is the focus of other norms based on those devoted to studying biodegradability and are supplemented by new tests. Thus, we answer the question posed in the article title in fact, biodegradabihty tests are ultimately only part of certification standards, whether this may be NF EN 13432, or NF U 52001 or all other equivalent norms. 

According to ASTM standard D-5488-94d and European norm EN 13432, "biodegradable" means "capable of undergoing decompo-... 

For biodegradable polymers (industrial), composting was the first environmental process for which specifications were developed. In the nineties, two parallel developments took place in Europe, resulting in the publication of DIN V 54900 in 1998 and EN 13432 in 2000. In spite of some minor differences, both norms were largely similar. After a few years, the DIN norm was made redundant as several international norms (EN and ISO) dealt with the same issue. In addition, in North America a norm was published in 1999 on specifications for (industrial) compostability ASTM D6400. On a global level, ISO 17088 in the field of plastics was published in 2008, while a similar norm for packaging is close to publication and now available under the form of a Draft International Standard (DIS), ISO DIS 18606. 

Requirements with regard to plant toxicity are identical for EN, ISO and ASTM norms. The only deviating standard is AS 4736-2006, which also requires an earthworm toxicity test as well as two plant toxicity tests. (It can be noted that in all other respects AS 4736 is similar to EN 13432). 

OK Compost is based on EN 13432 and also uses an additional certification scheme for further interpretation and use of the norm. The procedure for application is similar to that of the seedling logo. Testing must be performed at recognised laboratories. Approved products can carry the OK Compost logo (Figure 5.9), with a mmiber. 

The biodegradability of the Bionolle family is certified according to the following standards GreenPla , the label of the Japanese Bioplastic Association, European Norms (EN) 13432, DIN CERTCO (Compostable) and Vingotte (OK Compost). 

Ecoflex meets the requirements of Deutsche Institut fur Norms (DIN) V 54900 [67] as a compostable material and is certified by DIN CERTCO (Compostable), EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and the Japanese standard GreenPla [68]. 

Biodegradability and compostability are two different concepts, as laid down in the EU standards Enropean Norms (EN) 13432 [16], EN 14995 [17] and in the US standard, American Society for Testing and Materials D6400 [18] ... 

In order to avoid any misuse of the term biodegradable/compostable (and the subsequent introduction into the system of bags that are not truly and effectively compostable), an ancillary requirement should always stipulate that bags must comply with the EU standard, European Norms, EN 13432. 

This standard can be found as a normative reference in the superordinate DIN EN 13432. It defines terminology used in the field of packaging and environment, e.g.,... 

The second standard however, ASTM D6400-99, is much more specific and precise with regard to the requirements which must be met by compostable plastics. In that sense, it is comparable to the EN 13432 [5] and DIN V 54900 [4] and as a matter of fact is also built around the same three basic requirements (biodegradation, disintegration and compost quality). Although the basic philosophy and rationale is similar to the European and German norm, the detailed figures and requirements show some differences. 

Originally, the OK Compost system was based on the draft proposals for the European norm on compostability completed with some further technical specifications by AVI. Since the definite publication of EN 13432 [5], this norm is the principal guideline for the OK Compost system. Producers of basic materials or definite products must submit a dossier to AVI, which is making an evaluation and eventually granting the OK Compost certificate. The products can carry the OK Compost logo (see Figure 5.10). More information can be found on their website [80]. In October 2004 about 40 materials, products or additives are certified according to OK Compost. 

The success of such highly innovative products is linked to the achievement of high quality standards. In the field of bioplastics, quality mainly means environmental quality. Standardisation Committees at national and international level have been working for many years in the definition of standard test methods to assure the biodegradability and full environmental compatibility of the new bio-plastics. Standards such as the European EN 13432 on the compostability of packaging (CEN TC261SC4WG2) and other related norms at international level are now in place, whereas standards on biodegradation of bioplastics in soil are still under discussion. 

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