BS EN ISO 14855-1:2007 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide - General method
This part of ISO 14855 specifies a method for the determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of
plastics, based on organic compounds, under controlled composting conditions by measurement of the
amount of carbon dioxide evolved and the degree of disintegration of the plastic at the end of the test. This
method is designed to simulate typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of solid mixed
municipal waste. The test material is exposed to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The composting
takes place in an environment wherein temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and
controlled. The test method is designed to yield the percentage conversion of the carbon in the test material to
evolved carbon dioxide as well as the rate of conversion.
Subclauses 8.6 and 8.7 specify a variant of the method, using a mineral bed (vermiculite) inoculated with
thermophilic microorganisms obtained from compost with a specific activation phase, instead of mature
compost. This variant is designed to yield the percentage of carbon in the test substance converted to carbon
dioxide and the rate of conversion.
The conditions described in this part of ISO 14855 may not always correspond to the optimum conditions for
the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur.
BS EN ISO 14855-1:2007 history
2012BS EN ISO 14855-1:2012 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide. General method
2007BS EN ISO 14855-1:2007 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide - General method
1999BS EN ISO 14855:2004 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide