1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

Current biodegradation standards applied to biodegradable plastics focus mainly on mineralization. Humification on the other hand is extremely important as it relates to soil regeneration and CO2 emissions reduction. Additionally, there is strong evidence that humic substances (HS) also enhance the biodegradation of plastics and stimulate synthesis of enzymes by microorganisms. The proposed test method would: - Enhance the biodegradation testing methodology by determining and specifying the concentration SOM and HS; - Enhance the biodegradation testing methodology by standardization of the required composition of the positive control; - Report on the change in SOM and Humus content before and after biodegradation. Who would benefit from this standard? - Companies involved in biodegradation testing. The knowledge about resistance to biodegradation of positive controls would help the accuracy of the testing. The knowledge about the concentration of humic and fulvic acids could shorten the biodegradation time; - Companies involved in the development/commercialization of biodegradable plastics. The knowledge about HSs would help to accelerate the rate of biodegradation and reduce the persistence of biodegradable microplastics. - Companies/consumers focused on sustainability (stabilization of carbon in soil and reduction of CO2 emissions). - Companies/consumers focused on regenerative economy (regeneration of soils, sediments).