Summary
ASTM D5338 determines the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials upon exposure to a controlled composting environment. This test is completed under laboratory conditions and at thermophilic temperatures (58ºC). The test typically lasts for 45 days, however, it can be extended based on the needs of your product.
ASTM D5338 Testing Method
This biodegradation test uses respirometry to determine the biodegradability of plastic products and materials by measuring the CO2 formation during a 45-day period. The test plastic is exposed to an inoculum that is derived from compost from municipal solid waste. The mixture is placed in aerobic composting conditions where temperature, aeration, and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. During the plastic decomposition process, CO2 and water are formed. The amount of CO2 formed during the process is measured and compared to the theoretical CO2 demand to reflect the biodegradation of the material over the incubation time.
This testing method is designed to yield the optimum rate of biodegradation of a plastic material. To do this, the aeration, humidity, and temperature are all closely controlled. This makes the ASTM D5338 the optimal test for determining the ultimate biodegradability of plastic products.
Need ASTM D5338 Testing? Aropha is Here for You
When you are looking for trusted, streamlined biodegradability testing, turn to Aropha. Our team has one goal: to provide our customers with affordable, fast biodegradability and compostability testing. Whether you are looking to get plastics, biopolymers, packaging, or any other product type tested, our team is ready to help. To make sure our processes are efficient and accurate, we combine digital twin simulations and testing lab, allowing us to help with assessing your product’s compost biodegradability from start to finish. Additionally, if you are looking to obtain an eco-label, we have the ability to provide you with the necessary test documentation to submit to certain certification bodies and regulatory agencies.
ASTM D5338 Requirement and Applicability
Different testing methods are applicable for materials with different properties. Below is a summary of the applicability of ASTM D5338. Please check our Method Selection Guide to select the most appropriate method for your materials. You can also find the applicability for many other methods in our Resource Center.| Test | Analytical method | Sample info required * | Poorly soluble | Volatile | Adsorbing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM D5338 | CO2 evolution | Organic carbon content * | + | - | + |
*“Sample info required” is the information needed to calculate the biodegradation percentages. This must be available for a selected method.
*“Organic carbon content” is the ratio of the organic carbon weight to the weight of the sample. It can be calculated by the sample formula (e.g., acetic acid C2H4O2, carbon content is 12*2/(12*2+1*4+16*2)=40%). Try our Online C% Calculator. If the formula is unknown, we can send the sample out to a third party lab for you for analysis (normally $110 with a 10-day turnaround time).
Pricing
$3599/sample for High-Throughput Screening$6799/sample for Biodegradability Certification