Summary
ASTM D6400 is a specification comprising multiple tests that outline the requirements of biodegradation, disintegration, and compostability of plastic materials in municipal and industrial composting facilities. Specifically, this specification establishes criteria for plastic materials that are considered compostable or their ability to be biologically degraded during composting. This biodegradation test determines the extent to which a plastic material can break down under composting conditions and ensures that it does not leave behind harmful residues.
Products that meet the requirements of this specification can be labeled and marketed as “compostable in municipal or industrial aerobic facilities” following the guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission, including the proper qualifications and availability of facilities specified on the label.
ASTM D6400 Testing Method
There are three test criteria that are used in the ASTM D6400, each of which has its own requirements for biodegradation, disintegration, or ecotoxicity:
- ISO 16929 or ISO 20200: must exhibit 90% disintegration during composting
- ASTM D5338 or ISO 14855: exhibits 90% biodegradation
- OECD 208 and No Adverse Effects on Plant Growth: must have concentrations of regulated metals at less than 50% prescribed for sludges or composts in the country where the product is sold, over 90% germination rate and plant biomass, and over 50% of volatile organic solids content
This method is suitable for plastics and other solid materials and materials that contain at least 50% volatile organic solids. At Aropha, we perform the ISO 20200 in 12 weeks, ISO 14855 in 45 days to 6 months, and the OECD 208 in 14 to 21 days.
When You Need ASTM D6400 Testing, Contact Aropha Today
For accurate and efficient compostability testing, our team is here to help. We work to provide our customers with affordable testing that helps streamline the development and commercialization process. From biopolymers to single-use products, our team has the experience and testing methods necessary to determine the compostability of your products. We improve the scope of our operations by combining digital twin simulations and lab testing to assess your product’s compostability no matter where you are in your project timeline.
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ASTM D6400 Requirement and Applicability
Different testing methods are applicable for materials with different properties. Below is a summary of the applicability of ASTM D6400. 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 | Method | Experimental details | Duration | Pass level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disintegration during composting | ISO 16929 or ISO 20200 | 2 blanks + 2 tests, or 3 tests | 84 days | ≥ 90% of its original dry weight pass a 2.0-mm sieve |
| Biodegradation during composting | ISO 14855 | 3 blanks + 3 references + 3 tests | Normally 45 days, but up to 6 months | ≥ 90% of organic carbon degradation (absolute or relative to reference) |
| Terrestrial safety - Heavy metal content | N/A | N/A | N/A | Test material contains <50% of heavy metals prescribed for sludges or composts in the country where the product is sold (for USA, use Table 3 of 40 CFR Part 503.13 (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn)) |
| Terrestrial safety - Toxicity of resulting compost on plant growth | OECD 208 | 12 blanks + 12 tests | 14-21 days | ≥ 90% seed germination rate and plant biomass compared to blank |
| Terrestrial safety - Volatile organic solids content | Standard Method 2540G | N/A | N/A | Test material contains ≥ 50% volatile organic solids content |
Pricing
$7499/sample for High-Throughput Screening$12899/sample for Biodegradability Certification