ISO 14851 The Ultimate Biodegradability of Plastics Through Oxygen Consumption

Name: Matestlab Inc.
Address: 2093 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware, 19703, US
Telephone: (302)244-7710

Introduction to ISO 14851

The standardized testing process, ISO 14851, is the microbial test to indicate the ultimate biodegradability of polymers in water as determined by aerobic biodegradability. ISO 14851 is believed to be the ISO standard for the assessment of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous environment. It measures the capability to degrade plastics specimens into CO₂, water, and biomass (i.e, the main way of measuring changes in oxygen consumption)

Test procedure	This test evaluates the biodegradability of a plastic substance by assessing the oxygen consumption throughout the biodegradation process.
Incubation condition	This test occurs in a sealed bottle system with a headspace at temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 25ºC, which lasts for two to six months.

ISO 14851 Results and Interpretation

After the testing period, the oxygen consumption is determined, typically by calculating the amount of oxygen needed to replace the consumed oxygen to maintain a consistent gas volume or pressure within the flask.

Use of ISO 14851 in Various Industries

Commonly used in Bioplastics and biodegradable packaging development, Environmental impact assessment of disposable plastics, and Wastewater treatment.

Materials Commonly Tested with ISO 14851

This test is applied to natural and/or synthetic polymers, copolymers, or their combinations, as well as plastic materials that include additives like plasticizers, colorants, and various other substances. It is also suitable for polymers that are soluble in water.

Updated on September 17, 2026

About Author

Divakar Shukla

Divakar Shukla is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer specializing in the convergence of embedded systems architecture, industrial automation, and applied artificial intelligence.
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ISO 14851 The Ultimate Biodegradability of Plastics Through Oxygen Consumption

Introduction to ISO 14851

ISO 14851 Test Method

ISO 14851 Results and Interpretation

Use of ISO 14851 in Various Industries

Materials Commonly Tested with ISO 14851

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