ASTM D6400: Industrial compostability of plastics and packaging

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces additional requirements for the chemical safety of food packaging. This analysis package includes the following analyses required to demonstrate compliance: Total fluorine (TF), Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr), Further targeted PFAS analyses are available if required/requested.. The displayed typical price applies to TF analysis and heavy metal determination, which are sufficient for most materials. According to a recently published Commission guidance document, further PFAS testing is not required if TF content is less than 50 ppm. Please describe the composition of the packaging material when requesting an offer (materials with metal components may require the testing procedure to be modified). Please also let us know how many materials you need tested, as we are happy to offer discounted pricing for large batches.

Determination of aerobic biodegradability in seawater according to OECD 306, applicable to chemicals and organic materials dissolved or dispersed in collected seawater. Two test formats are available: shake flask and closed bottle. Seawater is sampled from the field and characterized for temperature, salinity, and optionally DOC and other parameters before use; it may be filtered, settled, or aged prior to incubation. Incubations are carried out in closed glass containers under aerobic conditions at approximately 15–20°C in the dark or under diffuse light for up to 60 days. The shake-flask format tracks ultimate degradation by repeated DOC measurements over time, quantified by persulfate/UV, persulfate with elevated temperature, or high-temperature combustion. , The closed-bottle format monitors dissolved oxygen consumption at defined intervals (e.g. days 0, 5, 15, and 28). Ancillary options include heterotrophic plate counts, ATP or other microbial-activity assays, and specific chemical analysis of the test substance.. Results are presented as time-course degradation curves. Shake-flask outputs report DOC-based curves with lag phase, slope, and t50, with percentage degradation typically reported at 60 days. Closed-bottle outputs report oxygen-uptake curves with lag phase and t50, with percentage degradation reported at 28 days or test conclusion. Data are compiled on standardized sheets with validity checks. The method is referenced in several regulatory persistence and biodegradability assessment frameworks. Under REACH, OECD 306 is recognised by ECHA as a ready biodegradability test method alongside OECD 301 and 310, and data generated under the guideline can be submitted in REACH registration dossiers to fulfil information requirements on environmental fate and behaviour. OECD 306 is also listed as an accepted ready-biodegradability method under the REACH microplastics restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, Appendix 15). Additionally, the EU Ecolabel for lubricants lists OECD 306 as a recommended biodegradability test method.

We offer several accredited methods for determining the total fluorine (TF) content of combustible materials: EN 14582, based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The method is recommended by the Nordic Council of Ministers as a quick and powerful total fluorine screening technique., EN 15408 using oxygen bomb combustion treatment followed by ion chromatography (IC). This method can be applied to plastic sheets and granules, and it is also possible to determine the total content of S, Cl, and Br., ASTM D7359-23, based on oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion, followed by CIC.. The most suitable method is typically selected based on the sample matrix. However, please let us know if you wish a specific standard to be followed. Sample preparation (air drying and milling of the sample to particles <1 mm) is included in the displayed price. This analysis is commonly used to evaluate packaging materials' compliance with the PFAS restriction outlined in the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). If TF content does not exceed 50 mg/kg (ppm), the material can be considered compliant without further testing.

Determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) and semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) content in paints, varnishes, lacquers, and coating raw materials by gas chromatography according to ISO 11890-2. Results can be used to support VOC compliance documentation under the EU Paints Directive (Directive 2004/42/EC) for products without reactive diluents. If reactive diluents are present, the ASTM D2369 method is used instead. The method applies to coating materials with an expected VOC and/or SVOC content of 0.01–100% by mass. It is the preferred method when the sample contains SVOCs, as these can influence results obtained by the gravimetric ISO 11890-1 method. For VOC content below 0.1%, the headspace method described in ISO 17895 can be used as an alternative. The sample is analyzed by gas chromatography under controlled temperature conditions. VOC content is calculated from the chromatographic data and reported as percent by mass. SVOC content is reported where required. Note: some coating ingredients may decompose during analysis and produce artefact signals; these are identified and excluded from the calculation. If organic acids, bases, or their salts are present in the formulation, quantification accuracy may be affected. Please flag this when requesting an offer. The displayed price applies to a single sample. Volume discounts apply if several samples are sent for analysis in one batch.

GC-MS analysis of 16 PAH compounds, which are listed as high-priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analyzed PAH compounds are: naphthalene [CAS: 91-20-3], acenaphthylene [CAS: 208-96-8], acenaphthene [CAS: 83-32-9], fluorene [CAS: 86-73-7], phenanthrene [CAS: 85-01-8], anthracene [CAS: 120-12-7], fluoranthene [CAS: 206-44-0], pyrene [CAS: 129-00-0], benz(a)anthracene [CAS: 56-55-3], chrysene [CAS: 218-01-9], benzo(b)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-99-2], benzo(k)fluoranthene [CAS: 207-08-9], benzo (a) pyrene [CAS: 50-32-8], dibenzo(ah)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3], benzo (ghi) perylene [CAS: 191-24-2], indeno (123cd) pyrene [CAS: 193-39-5].

Determination of ready biodegradability in aerobic aqueous conditions in accordance with OECD 301 guideline, applicable to polymers, chemicals, and other organic materials.  The test item is incubated in mineral medium with a microbial inoculum for 28 days under controlled aerobic conditions, alongside blanks, reference substance controls, and, where relevant, toxicity controls. Results are reported as the percentage of biodegradation, along with a degradation curve. A pass/fail interpretation against the criteria specified in the guideline will also be provided. Measurlabs offers testing with three of the six methods outlined in OECD 301: OECD 301B – CO₂ evolution test (result expressed against theoretical CO₂ production), OECD 301D – oxygen depletion in the closed bottle (result expressed against theoretical oxygen demand), OECD 301F – oxygen uptake by manometric respirometry (result expressed against theoretical oxygen demand). Method selection depends on sample properties such as solubility, volatility, and expected biodegradation behavior.  All three tests can be used to support compliance with the REACH microplastics restriction under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, which lists OECD 301B, D, and F among accepted methods for demonstrating degradability. Biodegradable polymers are exempted from the restriction.

A biodegradation analysis for determining how materials decompose in soil, conforming to the ISO 17556 standard. This standard is specific to aerobic biodegradation in soil environments, where organic materials are broken down into carbon dioxide (CO2). Please note that this analysis focuses exclusively on aerobic biodegradation and does not cover chemical analyses, material disintegration, or ecotoxicity evaluations, which are essential for a full understanding of the environmental impact of the degradation process. The analysis is, nonetheless, a valuable tool for comparing different product formulations in the initial stages of development, prior to more comprehensive biodegradability assessments. The cost of this test varies depending on the test duration. Test durations ranging from 3 months up to 24 months.

Accelerated weathering test exposing non-metallic materials to fluorescent UV radiation and moisture in a QUV chamber according to ASTM G154. The method reproduces the degradation effects of outdoor sunlight and moisture exposure under controlled laboratory conditions. Two lamp types are available, selected based on the intended application: UVA-340 lamps closely replicate the short-wave UV portion of natural sunlight and are used for most outdoor material testing, while UVB-313 lamps provide a more aggressive spectrum for accelerated screening. Specimens are subjected to repetitive cycles of UV exposure and moisture, delivered as condensation or water spray, with temperature controlled throughout. Color change is evaluated by measuring CIE Lab* coordinates before and after exposure and calculating the total color difference ΔE*ab. Gloss retention and visual surface assessment are available upon request. ASTM G154 does not itself define acceptance criteria or specify exposure conditions for particular applications; results are best used for comparative ranking or compliance with specified exposure requirements. Please specify the material type and desired test cycle when requesting a quote.

Accelerated weathering test exposing coated panels to simulated sunlight, heat, and moisture in a xenon-arc chamber according to ASTM G155. The method reproduces the degradation effects of outdoor exposure, or exposure through window glass, in a controlled laboratory setting, allowing material durability and weathering resistance to be assessed in significantly less time than real-time outdoor testing. The xenon-arc lamp produces a full-spectrum light output covering UV, visible, and infrared radiation. Optical filters are selected based on the intended service environment: daylight filters simulate direct outdoor sunlight, while window glass filters simulate indoor exposure to sunlight filtered through glass. Specimens are subjected to repetitive cycles combining controlled light, elevated temperature, and moisture (delivered as water spray or condensation) with exposure conditions defined by the selected test cycle. The standard includes 14 predefined cycles covering a range of applications and end-use environments. The default offered test conditions are 1000 hours of exposure in a Q-SUN xenon-arc chamber with a Daylight Q filter, which produces a daylight spectral power distribution. Alternative exposure durations, filter types, and test cycles are available upon request. Typical properties evaluated after exposure include: Color change and fading, Gloss retention, Surface degradation: cracking, crazing, chalking, and delamination, Changes in mechanical properties, such as tensile or flexural strength. ASTM G155 does not itself define acceptance criteria or pass/fail thresholds, but is rather a practice for operating the exposure apparatus, and is used in conjunction with material-specific standards or customer-defined performance requirements. No direct correlation exists between accelerated exposure duration and outdoor service life; results are best used for comparative ranking of materials or compliance with specified exposure requirements. Please specify the required test cycle, exposure duration, filter type, and any post-exposure property evaluations when requesting a quote.