ASTM D5511 is the Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic. ASTM D5511 is a shorter test, in a simulated laboratory condition and assumes long-term expected biodegradability timing based on short-term measures.

How do you know if a product is biodegradable?

Most biodegradable products will have a leafy triangular shape at the back of their packaging. This green triangle is different than the continuous arrow triangle we see on recyclable products. Once you find that symbol, then you'll have to identify the extent of the biodegradability of that product.

How are bioplastics tested?

In accordance with EN 13432 (the European reference standard for the labelling of bioplastic compostability), evaluation of the compostability of bioplastics is done by sieving the tested material in compost and assessing that no more than 10% of the initial weight is retained by a 2 mm sieve (Pagga, 1998; Zhang et al. ...