Standards and Regulations for Testing Biodegradable Polymers

Estimation of the possible biodegradability based on the chemical composition (polymer structure) and absence of intentionally added components which are 

Determination of the degradability caused by microbial activity and quantification by either oxygen (O2) demand, carbon dioxide (CO2) release or methane (CH4) production, considering the time needed for full mineralisation. 

Determination of the disintegration under real or simulated composting or anaerobic digestion conditions, and quantification of a sieve residue by gravimetric determination. 

Investigation of the quality of the compost, resulting from the disintegration test, by analysis of chemical and physical parameters, and by determination of the ecotoxicological effects on two different organisms (at least one higher plant species). 

It is technically easy and ethically valuable to extend that philosophy to natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems man-made polymers must not have any negative influence on the environment to which they are applied. It should be acknowledged that any local ecosystem is in a natural balance and is worth protecting. It is expected that the new standards, currently in the final stages of formulation, will follow that philosophy. 

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