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en-13432-certification-for-compostable-packaging
Biodegradability and Compostability Testing ASTM D5338 Controlled Composting Biodegradation TestingASTM D5988 Soil Biodegradability Test for PlasticsASTM D6400 Testing for Compostable PlasticsASTM D6868 Biodegradability Testing for Plastic Coated PaperBiodegradability Testing for Detergents under EU Ecolabel CriteriaBiodegradability Testing for Paper Products According to ISO 21993Biodegradability Testing of Agricultural Films Based on ISO 17556Blue Angel Certification for Compostable and Biodegradable ProductsBPI Compostability Certification Testing According to ASTM StandardsCEN/TR 15883 Home Composting Capability TestingCompostability Testing of Bags According to EN 13432 RequirementsCompostable Certification Testing for Food Contact MaterialsCompostable Cutlery Certification Testing Based on ASTM D6400Ecolabel Verification for Biodegradability of Cleaning ProductsEcoMark Japan Testing for Biodegradability of Paper ProductsEN 13655 Biodegradation Testing of Agricultural Mulch FilmsEN 14987 Compostability Testing of Disposable TablewareEN 14995 Compostability Evaluation for PlasticsEU Ecolabel Criteria Testing for Biodegradable LubricantsEU Ecolabel Testing for Biodegradability of DetergentsISO 11734 Anaerobic Biodegradability under High-Solids ConditionsISO 14021 Environmental Labels – Self-declared Compostable Claims TestingISO 14852 Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability in Aqueous MediumISO 14855 Biodegradability Testing under Controlled Composting ConditionsISO 16929 Disintegration Testing for Packaging in CompostISO 17556 Aerobic Biodegradation Testing in SoilISO 18772 Biodegradability in Natural Water under Simulated ConditionsISO 19679 Marine Biodegradation Testing in Seawater Sediment InterfaceISO 20200 Industrial Compostability Testing for Packaging MaterialsISO 21461 Biodegradability Assessment Using FTIR SpectroscopyISO 23517 Biodegradation of Textile Materials in CompostISO 23977 Biodegradability of Plastics in SeawaterISO 7827 Biodegradability Testing of Water-Soluble SubstancesISO 9888 Activated Sludge Biodegradability TestingNordic Swan Testing for Biodegradable Raw MaterialsOECD 301B Ready Biodegradability CO₂ Evolution TestOECD 301C Modified MITI Biodegradation TestingOECD 301F Manometric Respirometry Biodegradability TestOECD 302B Inherent Biodegradability Testing in Aqueous MediumOECD 303A Simulation Test for Sewage Treatment BiodegradationOECD 306 Biodegradability in SeawaterOECD 311 Anaerobic Biodegradability in SludgeOECD 311 Anaerobic Biodegradability under High SolidsOK biodegradable MARINE Testing Based on Marine Environment BiodegradabilityOK biodegradable SOIL Certification TestingOK biodegradable WATER Certification According to Aquatic StandardsOK Compost HOME Certification Based on Home Composting StandardsOK Compost INDUSTRIAL Certification Testing According to EN 13432Seedling Label Testing for Industrial Composting Compliance

EN 13432 Certification for Compostable Packaging: Eurolabs Laboratory Testing Service

Standard-Related Information

The EN 13432 standard is a critical component in the composting process, ensuring that packaging materials are biodegradable and do not contaminate the compost. This standard is widely recognized across Europe and has been adopted by many countries around the world.

EN 13432 is based on ISO 14851 (Determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of organic compounds in the presence of microorganisms) and ISO 14852 (Test method for determining the degree of biodegradation of non-readily biodegradable organic substances). The standard specifies the requirements for compostable packaging materials, including plastics, paper-based products, and textiles.

The European Commission has established a framework for ensuring that packaging materials meet the requirements of EN 13432. This includes:

  • Packaging Directive (94/62/EC): Requires packaging materials to be biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable.
  • End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC): Mandates the use of recycled materials in vehicle production and encourages the recycling of vehicles at the end of their life.
  • Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC): Sets out the framework for waste management, including composting.
  • Eurolabs laboratory testing service is accredited by national accreditation bodies to conduct EN 13432 certification. Our team of experts has extensive experience in testing and certifying packaging materials to this standard.

    Standard Requirements and Needs

    EN 13432 certification is essential for companies that produce or import packaging materials into the European market. The standard ensures that packaging materials meet specific requirements, including:

  • Biodegradability: Packaging materials must break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specified timeframe.
  • Non-toxicity: Packaging materials must not release harmful substances during the composting process.
  • Physical integrity: Packaging materials must maintain their shape and structure during the composting process.
  • The consequences of non-compliance with EN 13432 are severe. Companies that fail to meet the standards requirements may face:

  • Product recalls
  • Withdrawal from market
  • Fines and penalties
  • Eurolabs testing service helps companies avoid these consequences by ensuring their packaging materials meet the required standards.

    Test Conditions and Methodology

    The EN 13432 certification process involves a series of laboratory tests, including:

    1. Composting test: Packaging materials are subjected to controlled composting conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen levels).

    2. Biodegradability test: The rate of biodegradation is measured using gas chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography.

    3. Non-toxicity test: The release of harmful substances during composting is assessed using chemical analysis.

    Eurolabs laboratory testing equipment includes:

  • Composting reactors
  • Gas chromatographs
  • High-performance liquid chromatographs
  • Our team of experts follows a strict quality control protocol to ensure accurate and reliable results.

    Test Reporting and Documentation

    Once the testing process is complete, Eurolab issues a comprehensive report detailing the test results. The report includes:

    1. Summary of findings: A brief overview of the test results.

    2. Detailed test data: Raw data from the biodegradability and non-toxicity tests.

    3. Conclusion: Interpretation of the test results in relation to EN 13432 requirements.

    Eurolabs reports are issued on company letterhead, signed by a qualified expert, and certified with an official stamp.

    Why This Test Should Be Performed

    EN 13432 certification provides numerous benefits, including:

    1. Compliance with regulations: Companies demonstrate their commitment to meeting EU packaging directives.

    2. Increased customer confidence: Consumers can trust that products are made from biodegradable materials.

    3. Competitive advantage: Companies that obtain EN 13432 certification may gain a market advantage over competitors who do not meet the standard.

    Eurolabs testing service helps companies:

    1. Avoid recalls and withdrawals

    2. Reduce regulatory risks

    3. Gain market share

    Why Eurolab Should Provide This Service

    Eurolab is the ideal partner for EN 13432 certification due to its:

    1. Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in testing and certifying packaging materials.

    2. State-of-the-art equipment: We utilize the latest laboratory technology to ensure accurate results.

    3. Accreditation: Eurolab is accredited by national accreditation bodies to conduct EN 13432 certification.

    Our comprehensive service includes:

    1. Test design and planning

    2. Sample preparation and testing

    3. Report writing and interpretation

    Conclusion

    EN 13432 certification is a critical component of packaging regulations in the European market. Eurolabs laboratory testing service ensures that companies meet the required standards, providing numerous benefits, including compliance with regulations, increased customer confidence, and competitive advantage.

    By choosing Eurolab for EN 13432 certification, companies can:

    1. Avoid regulatory risks

    2. Gain market share

    3. Demonstrate their commitment to sustainability

    Contact Eurolab today to learn more about our comprehensive testing service and how we can help your company achieve EN 13432 certification.

    References:

  • European Commission (2019). Packaging Directive (94/62/EC).
  • European Commission (2000). End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC).
  • European Commission (2008). Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC).
  • Appendix A: List of Accredited Testing Laboratories

    Eurolabs laboratory testing service is accredited by national accreditation bodies, including:

  • ISO/IEC 17025:2017
  • EN 45001:1999
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • Please contact Eurolab for a list of current accreditations.

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