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Standards Development
The work item aims to differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastic materials. Non-biodegradable plastics are defined as those plastics which do not biodegrade, even in conditions which are conducive to the process. In contrast, the biodegradation of biodegradable plastics occurs when they come into contact with active microorganisms, under conditions that are conducive to biodegradation. This process is analogous to the biodegradation of natural polymers. The plastic materials that are categorised as being intrinsically biodegradable can be utilised in the design of products with a high risk of dispersion. The test scheme is not intended to be applicable to any specific application. Instead, the objective is to develop a framework methodology that can be utilised across diverse industrial sectors for the identification of biodegradable plastics, with the subsequent application of these plastics in the manufacture of various products and for different purposes. The work item does not intend to characterise and evaluate the environmental impact of products containing plastics identified as biodegradable. The test scheme should address the definition of intrinsic biodegradability of plastic materials, without determining the hazard potential of the products, which necessitates a distinct assessment that extends beyond the scope of this particular work item. The rate of biodegradation of a plastic object is not the focus of this particular work item, as it is contingent on environmental conditions. The test scheme to be developed will not be sufficient to carry out an analysis of the ecological risk associated with the dispersal of products, as this requires an assessment of the intrinsic hazard, of the environmental fate, in addition to the assessment of biodegradability.
Intrinsically non-biodegradable plastics are not susceptible to biodegradation and therefore cannot be removed from the environment by the action of micro-organisms. This factor has been demonstrated to increase the residence time of plastic products in the environment. Furthermore, the eventual degradation of these materials, primarily as a consequence of abiotic factors, gives rise to persistent fragments, commonly referred to as microplastics. In order to facilitate eco-design objectives, there is a necessity for the development of methodologies and standards that can effectively differentiate between materials that are intrinsically biodegradable and those that are not. Plastic materials that are categorised as being intrinsically biodegradable can be utilised in the design of products with a high risk of dispersion, in instances where the designer seeks to avoid the use of non-biodegradable components. The objective of this study is to propose a testing protocol that will ascertain the aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials. That is to say, the protocol will determine the intrinsic potential for conversion to carbon dioxide, water and biomass by aerobic microorganisms in an oxygen-rich environment, which is representative of most natural environments. The test scheme will be not specific to any particular application. Instead, the objective is to establish a framework methodology that can be employed in various industries to identify biodegradable plastics suitable for use in the manufacture of diverse products and applications.
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