ASTM 6400 & D6868
What is ASTM International?
ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards help to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of various industries and products. ASTM standards cover areas such as construction, petroleum, consumer products, medical devices, and many others. For the biobased industry and with compostable products, in particular, the two most accepted and well-known standards are ASTM 6400 (for labeling of compostable products) and ASTM 6868 (for products that have compostable coatings combined with other compostable substrates).
ASTM 6400 - Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
The ASTM D6400 is a standard that tests the biodegradability of solid materials. This test measures the degradation of materials through composting in both municipal and industrial facilities. It is used to determine if a plastic product can be labeled as compostable, meaning it can be broken down through composting into natural elements.
The ASTM D6400 entails a four-part test that measures how easily a product can break down in a compost environment. It includes tests for the product's decomposition, the impact on plants, and the size of the particles left after decomposition.
The ASTM D6400 test is used to see how well materials will break down in a compost environment. This test is meant to be representative of industrial composting conditions. The test conditions favor microorganisms that grow well in warm temperatures, so it tends to work best for products made of bioplastics.
The ASTM D6400 test has been standardized with other industry tests like the ISO 14855.
ASTM D6868 - Standard Specification for Biodegradable Plastics Used as Coatings on Paper and Other Compostable Substrates
ASTM D6868 refers to the standard specification for labeling of end items that incorporate biodegradable plastics and polymers as coatings or additives with paper and other substrates designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities.
In order to compost satisfactorily, the product must demonstrate each of the three characteristics as follows: (1) proper disintegration during composting; (2) adequate level of inherent biodegradation; and (3) no adverse impacts on the ability of composts to support plant growth.
Marking
Compostable products that meet ASTM 6400 standards are awarded with the Biodegradable Products Institute's logo for compostability.
The BPI Compostable Logo is the most widely recognized symbol for compostable plastic products in North America. The Compostable Logo provides credibility and confidence that Certified Compostable products will biodegrade as according to ASTM requirements. When looking for compostable products, ensure that any compostable claims are backed by this BPI certification mark along with a certification # that corresponds with that brand. You always check the validity of a certification and registration of a brand at bpiword.org or go directly to: https://bpiworld.org/find-certified-products to view certified products.
Eco Gloves' Compostable Gloves carry this symbol signifying the product will biodegrade and compost quickly, safely and completely in municipal and commercial composting operations and within ASTM guidelines.
