1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

Current biodegradation standards applied to biodegradable plastics focus mainly on their mineralization. Humification on the other hand is extremely important as it relates to the soil regeneration and CO2 emissions reduction. Additionally, there is strong evidence that humic substances also enhance the biodegradation of plastics and stimulate synthesis of enzymes by microorganisms. The proposed test method would: - Enhance biodegradation testing methodology by determining and specifying the concentration SOM and HS; - Report the change in SOM and HSs before and after biodegradation. Who would benefit from this standard? - Companies involved in the biodegradation testing. The knowledge about HS would help to shorten the biodegradation time; - Companies involved in the development/commercialization of biodegradable plastics. The knowledge about HS 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).