Packaging materials are mixed with biowaste and spontaneously composted for 12 weeks in practical oriented composting conditions. At the end of the composting cycle the disintegration is measured by sieving of the compost and the calculation of a mass balance. The influence of the tested sample on the quality of the compost can be studied by using the compost obtained at the end of the composting process for further measurements such as chemical analyses and ecotoxicity tests.
BS EN 14045 is used to evaluate the disintegration of packaging materials in a pilot-scale aerobic composting test under defined conditions. Other methods should be used to measure the biodegradability of the packaging materials.
BS EN 14045 on testing disintegration of packaging is useful for:
Organic recovery, which includes aerobic composting and anaerobic Bio-gasification, of packaging in well operated, especially municipal or industrial biological waste treatment facilities are important alternatives for reducing and recycling packaging waste in a biological way. Using these technologies, the aims of the European Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste can be met.
BS EN 14045 provides you with test methods for the biowaste control and for the test material disintegration and compost analysis. BS EN 14045 describes test procedures and test material required. Additionally, this method in BS EN 14045 can be used for visual perception and photographic documentation of the disintegration of packaging materials and for evaluating the effect of their addition on the composting process.
BS EN 14045 helps to assess the disintegration of packaging by sieving the compost and calculating the degree of disintegration.
EN 14045:2003