How Biodegradability Testing Helps Companies Meet Environmental Regulations
In a world increasingly conscious of plastic pollution and environmental impact, sustainability is no longer a choice it’s an expectation. Governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers are holding companies accountable for the materials they produce and the waste they generate.
That’s where biodegradability testing comes in. It’s not just a lab procedure it’s a key to compliance, credibility, and corporate responsibility.
What Is Biodegradability Testing?
Biodegradability testing determines how quickly and effectively a material breaks down into natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass when exposed to specific environmental conditions.
In simpler terms it measures how well nature can “digest” a material.
This testing is essential for verifying whether a product labeled biodegradable, eco-friendly, or compostable truly meets scientific and regulatory benchmarks.
Why Environmental Regulations Require It
Global and national environmental authorities are setting stricter rules to control plastic waste, chemical pollution, and carbon footprints. In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have defined testing norms for biodegradable plastics and materials.
Key frameworks include:
- Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 & amendments – Mandate that plastics claiming biodegradability must be tested and certified.
- CPCB Guidelines on Biodegradable Plastics – Require third-party testing at accredited laboratories.
- IS/ISO and ASTM Standards – Define testing methods under specific conditions (soil, compost, marine, or anaerobic environments).
Without biodegradability validation, companies risk non-compliance penalties and may be barred from selling or exporting their products.
How Biodegradability Testing Supports Compliance
Here’s how biodegradability testing helps companies meet and often exceed regulatory standards:
Validates Sustainability Claims
Testing ensures that your product truly decomposes as claimed, helping you avoid greenwashing and build consumer trust.
Enables Regulatory Approvals
Certified biodegradability test reports are mandatory for approval under CPCB and BIS for biodegradable plastic manufacturing, import, or sale.
Ensures Safe End-of-Life Disposal
Testing identifies how materials behave in soil, compost, or aquatic environments ensuring they don’t leave harmful residues behind.
Facilitates Global Market Access
Meeting ISO 17088, ISO 14855-P1, ASTM D5338, IS- 17088 and other international standards makes your product export-ready and globally compliant.
Strengthens Corporate Sustainability Goals (ESG)
Regular biodegradability testing contributes to ESG reporting, helping organizations demonstrate tangible environmental responsibility.
The Biodegradability Testing Process
At a high level, biodegradability testing involves:
- Sample Preparation – Material is conditioned and prepared for testing.
- Controlled Exposure – Placed in soil, compost, or water environments under defined temperature and humidity.
- CO₂ or O₂ Measurement – Monitors microbial activity and carbon conversion.
- Data Analysis – Calculates percentage biodegradation over time.
- Report Generation – Provides compliance data and interpretation as per international standards.
This process may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the material and the test type.
Why Biodegradability Testing Matters for Manufacturers
For manufacturers and product developers, biodegradability testing is not just about compliance it’s about credibility and competitiveness.
It helps you:
- Prove authenticity of eco-friendly claims
- Meet CPCB/BIS certification requirements
- Align with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) policies
- Appeal to environmentally conscious consumers
- Gain a competitive edge in global sustainable markets
How Eurofins Spectro Ensures Accurate and Reliable Results
At Eurofins Spectro, we offer comprehensive biodegradability testing as per IS/ISO and ASTM standards, using advanced equipment and certified procedures.
As part of the Eurofins Scientific global network, we uphold the highest international quality standards to help companies validate their sustainability commitments with confidence.
Conclusion
In an era where environmental accountability defines brand reputation, biodegradability testing is more than a regulatory checkbox it’s a business imperative.
By ensuring your materials are truly biodegradable, you not only comply with environmental regulations but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
Partner with Eurofins Spectro to test, validate, and certify your products’ biodegradability and lead the way toward a sustainable future.