What Is ASTM D6400 and How Does Biodegradable Product Certification Work?
ASTM D6400 defines requirements for labeling plastics and plastic-containing products in municipal or industrial aerobic compost facilities. Controlled, thermophilic plant conditions aim; in the environment, sea, soil or home compost are not guaranteed to break in any situation.
Focus of standard
The scope description of the ASTM is aimed at assessing the satisfying composting of the product at large-scale aerobic compost facilities. Biodegradation speed is dealt with a combination of elements such as physical breakdown and effects on the final compost. It can not prove the properness of the finished product, which can only break a raw material.
Certificate with test is not the same
The successful result of a laboratory test does not automatically grant the right to use the market label. Certification body test reports evaluate product formulation, thickness, color and additives in defined scope. Formulation or supplier change may affect the scope of certification and may require change notification.
Packing and adhesive relationship
Paper, film, ink, coating and adhesive are part of the final product. The low rate of adhesive does not mean it is ineffective; the certification rules can determine the permitted components and rates. The evaluation of the finished packaging through actual thickness and quantity of use should be done.
Relationship with EN 13432
ASTM D6400 is common in the industrial compostability in North America; it is the basic reference for EN 13432 European packaging market. If the approaches are similar to the purpose, the certificate, the test method and market acceptance should not be placed in one. The target country and customer specification should be determined at the forefront.
Application control list
- Determine the target market and waste infrastructure.
- Take the certificate coverage with the test report.
- Verify the thickness and components of the finished product.
- Manage formulation changes to certification organization.
- Connect the label claim to the valid certificate.
Conclusion
ASTM D6400 is a finished product-oriented conformity framework for controlled industrial compost environment. In general, it should not be used as a claim of 'resolution'.
Manstechnic approach
Manstechnic helps to make adhesive technical file compatible with customer’s target market and final packaging certification.