ASTM D5338, ISO 14855 Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions at Thermophilic Temperatures

Get Certified ASTM D5338 for Compostable Plastic Verification

Testing in accordance with ASTM D5338 evaluates the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. Testing in accordance with ASTM D5338 provides biodegradation data that may support compostability evaluations when used with other applicable standards and certification requirements. The use of ASTM D5338 aids in the pursuit of sustainable materials and environmental friendliness, as well as sustainable waste disposal.

• Simulates controlled thermophilic composting conditions, typically maintained at approximately 58°C.
• Measures aerobic biodegradation by CO₂ evolution.
• Tests the compostability of biodegradable plastic products.
• Assists in the development of environmental assessment and sustainable development of materials.
• Defines standard procedures to compare the biodegradability of plastics.
• Suitable for laboratory evaluation of the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under simulated industrial composting conditions.

What are the Uses of ASTM D5338 Testing?

ASTM D5338 testing helps manufacturers, researchers, and testing laboratories assess the biodegradation performance of plastic materials used in industrial composting environments. The results support product development, environmental claims, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, and help develop sustainable materials. Common applications include:

• ASTM D5338 provides a standardized method for measuring aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled thermophilic composting conditions.
• Packaging manufacturers test compostable films, food packaging, shopping bags, and disposable packaging products to ASTM D5338 to determine their ability to biodegrade in an industrial composting facility. 
• Biopolymer developers use ASTM D5338 to compare new biopolymer formulations and optimize polymer composition to ensure good compostability. 
• Environmental research laboratories use ASTM D5338 to study the biodegradation of polymeric materials in a controlled composting environment. 
• Certification organizations may use ASTM D5338 test data as part of broader compostability evaluation programs that include additional standards and requirements.

What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D5338?

ASTM D5338 can be used for biodegradable plastics that could be used in industrial composting applications. They usually consist of biodegradable polymer resins, compostable films, molded plastics, compostable packages, starch-based plastics, poly lactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose-based plastics, biodegradable polymer blends, coated paper plastics, and other compostable plastics that can be degraded by aerobic microbial action under controlled composting conditions. 

Why is ASTM D5338 Important for Biodegradable Plastics?

ASTM D5338 is a standardized testing method for evaluating the biodegradation of plastic materials under industrial composting conditions. Reliable biodegradation testing provides manufacturers with confidence in their ability to meet compostability requirements, create materials that are environmentally friendly, minimize plastic waste, and aid in sustainable product design. The use of standardized testing also allows for meaningful comparison of biodegradability of materials and can give confidence to environmental certification programs. 

ASTM D5338 Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Common challenges include sample preparation, environmental control, inoculum quality, measurement, and test duration. Solutions include calibration, standard operating procedures, quality control samples, and trained personnel.

ASTM D5338 Testing Process and Data Collection

This test procedure involves mixing plastic samples with mature compost containing active microorganisms and placing them in a controlled composting reactor. The system is at a thermophilic temperature (around 58 °C) under regulated moisture and aeration. As microorganisms break down the plastic material, they emit carbon dioxide as a metabolic product. Analytical equipment monitors and records the generated CO₂ over time.