Overview: EN ISO 14855-2:2018 (ISO 14855-2)

EN ISO 14855-2:2018 specifies a laboratory-scale method to determine the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. The method measures the amount of carbon dioxide evolved from a compost/test mixture by gravimetric analysis of a CO2 absorbent in a closed system. It is intended to provide optimum biodegradation by controlling humidity, aeration and temperature in the composting vessel.

Key materials in scope:

natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers (and mixtures)
plastic materials with additives (plasticizers, colorants)
water‑soluble polymers
materials that do not inhibit compost inoculum (alternatives allowed if inhibition occurs)

Key topics and technical requirements

Gravimetric measurement of CO2 evolved using a CO2 trap and weight analysis of the absorbent.
Laboratory-scale test using smaller sample and inoculum amounts (about one-tenth of ISO 14855-1 scale).
Controlled compost conditions: adjustment of humidity, aeration and temperature to optimize biodegradation.
Preparation and validation: clauses cover inoculum preparation, inert filler (e.g., sand) to simulate soil texture, test and reference material preparation, start‑up, incubation and termination.
Experimental design requirements: the standard specifies the number of vessels (three test vessels, three blank controls, three vessels for inoculum activity check using a reference material).
Calculations and reporting: procedures to calculate theoretical CO2, percentage biodegradation, expression/interpretation of results and validity criteria. A notable validity criterion requires blank inoculum activity to be within defined CO2 production limits after 10 days.
Closed-system advantage: suitable for isotopic-labelling studies to investigate molecular degradation pathways.

Practical applications and users

Who uses EN ISO 14855-2:2018:

Environmental test laboratories and accredited testing bodies for compostability evaluation.
Plastics manufacturers and R&D teams developing biodegradable polymers or formulations with additives.
Product certification and compliance organizations assessing aerobic biodegradability claims.
Regulators and waste‑management planners needing standardized biodegradability data for policy or labeling.
Academic researchers studying degradation mechanisms (including isotopic labelling).

Typical uses:

Generating standardized data for compostability claims, material selection, lifecycle assessment and environmental impact studies.
Screening materials for suitability in organic recycling (composting) streams.

Related standards

ISO 14855-1 - related CO2 analysis methods at larger scale (continuous IR, GC, titration).
Other referenced documents (e.g., ISO 11721-1) and national CEN implementations.

Keywords: EN ISO 14855-2:2018, ISO 14855-2, biodegradability test, composting conditions, gravimetric CO2 measurement, laboratory-scale test, plastic materials, compost inoculum.

Overview: EN ISO 14855-2:2018 (ISO 14855-2)

Key materials in scope:

natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers (and mixtures)
plastic materials with additives (plasticizers, colorants)
water‑soluble polymers
materials that do not inhibit compost inoculum (alternatives allowed if inhibition occurs)

Key topics and technical requirements

Gravimetric measurement of CO2 evolved using a CO2 trap and weight analysis of the absorbent.
Laboratory-scale test using smaller sample and inoculum amounts (about one-tenth of ISO 14855-1 scale).
Controlled compost conditions: adjustment of humidity, aeration and temperature to optimize biodegradation.
Preparation and validation: clauses cover inoculum preparation, inert filler (e.g., sand) to simulate soil texture, test and reference material preparation, start‑up, incubation and termination.
Experimental design requirements: the standard specifies the number of vessels (three test vessels, three blank controls, three vessels for inoculum activity check using a reference material).
Calculations and reporting: procedures to calculate theoretical CO2, percentage biodegradation, expression/interpretation of results and validity criteria. A notable validity criterion requires blank inoculum activity to be within defined CO2 production limits after 10 days.
Closed-system advantage: suitable for isotopic-labelling studies to investigate molecular degradation pathways.

Practical applications and users

Who uses EN ISO 14855-2:2018:

Environmental test laboratories and accredited testing bodies for compostability evaluation.
Plastics manufacturers and R&D teams developing biodegradable polymers or formulations with additives.
Product certification and compliance organizations assessing aerobic biodegradability claims.
Regulators and waste‑management planners needing standardized biodegradability data for policy or labeling.
Academic researchers studying degradation mechanisms (including isotopic labelling).

Typical uses:

Generating standardized data for compostability claims, material selection, lifecycle assessment and environmental impact studies.
Screening materials for suitability in organic recycling (composting) streams.

Related standards

ISO 14855-1 - related CO2 analysis methods at larger scale (continuous IR, GC, titration).
Other referenced documents (e.g., ISO 11721-1) and national CEN implementations.

Keywords: EN ISO 14855-2:2018, ISO 14855-2, biodegradability test, composting conditions, gravimetric CO2 measurement, laboratory-scale test, plastic materials, compost inoculum.

SIST EN ISO 14855-2:2018 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview: EN ISO 14855-2:2018 (ISO 14855-2)

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications and users

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview: EN ISO 14855-2:2018 (ISO 14855-2)

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications and users

Related standards

Related standards

Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting condi…

Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting condi…

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