BS EN ISO 14851:2019

What is ISO 14851 about?  

ISO 14851 specifies a method, by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer, for the determination of the degree of aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials, including those containing formulation additives. The test method under ISO 14851 applies to the following materials: 

• Natural and/or synthetic polymers, copolymers, or mixtures thereof 
• Plastic materials that contain additives such as plasticizers, colorants, or other compounds 
• Water-soluble polymers 

Who is ISO 14851 for? 

ISO 14851 on determination of aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials is useful for: 

• Manufacturers of biodegradable plastic 
• Plastic product and packaging units 
• Plastic testing laboratory 
• Composting and recycling facilities 

Why should you use ISO 14851? 

ISO 14851 determines the potential biodegradability of plastic materials, such as products or packaging, and obtains an indication of their biodegradability in natural environments. 

Plastic materials are normally of more complex composition than substances with low molecular masses. The determination of CO2 evolution or of Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) alone is often not sufficient to characterize and quantify their biodegradability. Thus, the determination of total carbon balance under ISO 14851 is helpful to confirm complete biodegradability.  

As complete recovery and disposal of plastics poses as a grave challenge, the assessment of plastics, including products and packaging, and its biodegradability through ISO 14851, will prevent leaks from closed waste-management cycles into the environment.