Work Item
ASTM WK75797
New Specification for Standard Specification for Non-Floating Biodegradable Plastics Designed for use in an Aquatic Environment
1. Scope
This specification covers non-floating plastics used in aquatic environments (ecosystems) and designed to biodegrade in the selected aquatic environment (marine, brackish or freshwater ecosystems)
Keywords
biodegradable; labeling; aerobic
Rationale
The potential for persistence of biodegradable plastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns, and given that aquatic temperatures are generally much lower than other natural environments, Multiple stakeholders (industry, academia, government, regulators, & consumers) require a standard that estimates time for complete biodegradability of plastics designed for use in aquatic environments. The potential for persistence of biodegradable plastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns given that the aquatic temperatures are much lower. It is not practical from a time and cost perspective to conduct biodegradation experiments at lower temperatures because the rate of reaction will be significantly slower. In this standard fundamental reaction kinetics principles are applied to experimental biodegradation data obtained using ASTM/ISO standard test methods to estimate time required for complete removal of polymer carbon (complete biodegradation) at lower temperatures found in aquatic environments.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 02-08-2021
Technical Contact: Scott Wollack
Item: 001
Ballot: D20.96 (21-01)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 001
Ballot: D20.96 (22-07)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 001
Ballot: D20.96 (23-01)
Status: Negative Votes Need Resolution