Laboratory test of Biodegradability for Food Packaging

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has acquired a fundamental role in different areas and biodegradability is one of the most commonly associated requirements and certainly contributes to it.

Biodegradation consists in the transformation of an organic compound, carried out through reactions caused by microorganisms. This process is essential for the purification of the environment: the microorganisms in fact eliminate otherwise polluting substances from the earth and water.

Not everything has the same degree of biodegradability: substances of natural origin generally decompose completely; while those of synthetic origin (plastics, rubber, etc. ...) can withstand the attack of microorganisms even for tens of years or centuries.

CSI has obtained Accredia accreditation for the tests necessary to verify the compatibility of a packaging with the composting process according to EN 13432 "Requirements for packaging recoverable by composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for final acceptance of packaging ":

  • Final aerobic biodegradability in controlled composting conditions (% biodegradability) according to  EN 14046
  • Final aerobic biodegradability in controlled composting conditions (% biodegradability) according to  EN ISO 14855-1
  • Degree of disintegration under industrial composting conditions on a pilot scale (% disintegration) according to ISO 16929
  • Ecotoxicity test (% germination /% growth) according to  EN 13432

The EN 13432 standard specifies the requirements and threshold values that the material must have to be defined as compostable.

The standard also indicates the tests necessary for verifying packaging compliance: content of heavy metals and hazardous substances, biodegradability, disintegration under controlled conditions, ecotoxicity of the compost obtained at the end of the composting process.

Tests for heavy metal detection are also carried out in accordance with Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

In the field of recycled plastic material CSI is able to support companies for the development of challenge tests in situ and subsequent presentation of EFSA dossiers in accordance with the procedures described in the guideline EFSA Journal 2011; 9 (7): 2184.

 Tool to enhance the agri-food and forestry sectors, increasing market confidence... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company... CSI boasts skills matured in over 50 years of activity. IMQ Group is a brand recognized by the market as a synonym of safety and quality, and an internationally recognized partner, appreciated member of the main international regulatory working groups. CSI combines the certification of products-processes-services with the activities of specialised laboratories operating on a wide range of goods. CSI is an internationally recognised brand and partner, a valued member of the main international regulatory working groups. All CSI staff are obliged to strictly observe professional secrecy. CSI technicians use English as their primary language, and French and German in technical and commercial communications outside Italy. CSI builds its testing and certification services on customer needs. Since the 60' CSI has been working to anticipate the future, to make the present safer.