BS EN 14046:2003

Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Principle
5 Test environment
6 Reagents
7 Apparatus
   7.1 Composting vessels
   7.2 Air circulation system
   7.3 Apparatus for the determination of carbon dioxide
   7.4 Gas tight tubes
   7.5 pH meter
   7.6 Analytical instruments
   7.7 Balance
   7.8 Analytical instruments (optionally)
8 Procedure
   8.1 Preparation of the inoculum
   8.2 Preparation of the test material and the reference
       substance
   8.3 Start-up of the test
   8.4 Incubation period
   8.5 Termination of the test
9 Calculation and expression of results
   9.1 Calculation of the theoretical amount of the carbon
       dioxide
   9.2 Calculation of the percentage of biodegradation
   9.3 Calculation of weight loss
   9.4 Expression of results
10 Validity of results
11 Test report
Annex A (informative) Principle of a test system with released
        carbon dioxide
Annex B (informative) Example of a carbon dioxide release and a
        biodegradation curve
Annex C (informative) Example of weight loss determination
Annex D (informative) Information - Ring test
Annex E (informative) Example of form sheets
Bibliography

Describes a method for the evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials based on organic compounds under controlled composting conditions by measurement of released carbon dioxide at the end of the test.

This European Standard specifies a method for the evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials based on organic compounds under controlled composting conditions by measurement of released carbon dioxide at the end of the test. This method is designed to resemble typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. The packaging material is exposed in a laboratory test to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where especially temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. The test method is designed to yield a percentage and rate of conversion of carbon of the test material to released carbon dioxide.

The conditions described in this European Standard do not necessarily always correspond to the optimal conditions allowing the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur.