ASTM D6868

This specification establishes the requirements for labelling of materials and products (including packaging), wherein a biodegradable plastic film or coating is attached (either through lamination or extrusion directly onto the paper) to compostable substrates and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. This specification, however, does not describe the contents of the product or their performance with regards to compostability or biodegradability. In order to compost satisfactorily, the product must demonstrate each of the three characteristics as follows: (1) proper disintegration during composting; (2) adequate level of inherent biodegradation; and (3) no adverse impacts on the ability of composts to support plant growth.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers biodegradable plastics and products (including packaging), where plastic film or sheet is attached (either through lamination or extrusion directly onto the paper) to substrates and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities.

1.2 This specification is intended to establish the requirements for labeling of materials and products, including packaging, using coatings of biodegradable plastics, as "compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities."

1.3 The properties in this specification are those required to determine if products (including packaging) using plastic films or sheets will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. Further, the properties in the specification are required to assure that the degradation of these materials will not diminish the value or utility of the compost resulting from the composting process.

1.4 This standard does not describe contents or their performance with regard to compostability or biodegradability.

1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains to the test methods portion of this standard: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate health and safety practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

D5338 Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions
D6002 Guide for Assessing the Compostability of Environmentally Degradable Plastics
D6400 Specification for Compostable Plastics
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
40 CFR Part 503.13 Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge
EN13432 Packaging-Requirements for Packaging Recoverable through Composting and Biodegradation-Test Scheme and Evaluation Criteria for the Final Acceptance of Packaging
ISO14851 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium-Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer
ISO14852 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide
ISO14855 Evaluation of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability and Disintegration of Plastics under Controlled Composting Conditions-Method by Analysis of Evolved Carbon Dioxide
ISO16929 Determination of the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under defined composting conditions in a pilot-scale test
OECD Guideline 208 Terrestrial Plants, Growth Test

Index Terms

biodegradable; compostable packaging; compostable plastic; composting; degradable plastics; labeling; ICS Number Code 13.030.99 (Other standards related to wastes)

Citing ASTM Standards

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