ISO 23977:2020 is an international testing standard that specifies laboratory methods to determine the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in an aqueous medium. The standard is divided into two parts:
This testing is crucial to evaluate how quickly and completely plastic materials can biologically break down when exposed to water and aerobic microorganisms, simulating real-world aquatic environments.
The standard is applicable to all plastic materials that are intended to be biodegradable in freshwater, seawater, or wastewater environments.
Plastic pollution in aquatic environments is a global environmental crisis. Governments, businesses, and consumers are increasingly demanding plastic alternatives that degrade safely and naturally in water without leaving microplastics or toxic residues.
ISO 23977 enables manufacturers, product developers, and regulatory bodies to:
This standard helps bridge the gap between innovation and responsibility by validating materials that are suitable for aquatic environments.
Implementing ISO 23977:2020 testing protocols provides several technical and operational benefits:
Implementing ISO 23977:2020 brings measurable business advantages:
Demonstrate commitment to environmental safety and sustainability with validated biodegradability claims.
Meet regulatory requirements for biodegradable plastics in domestic and international markets.
Gain a competitive edge by offering tested and verified eco-friendly products.
Reduce legal and reputational risks associated with misleading environmental claims.
Prepare your products for certification schemes such as OK biodegradable WATER, TÜV Austria, or EU Ecolabel.
Empower innovation teams with standardized methods to develop next-gen biodegradable materials.
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