AIMPLAS Launches Accelerated Biodegradation Test

AIMPLAS, a plastics technological center in Valencia, Spain, has developed a methodology that enables the biodegradability of plastic materials to be evaluated in just one third of the time needed for standardized tests. This innovation will enable faster and more efficient industrial and commercial decision-making.

According to AIMPLAS, the new accelerated biodegradation test subjects materials to simulated industrial composting conditions in order to measure the conversion of polymeric carbon into CO₂. Thanks to this approach, companies can obtain preliminary results in significantly shorter timeframes, enabling them to identify the most promising formulations early on, implement re-engineering processes in formulation and additive development, and optimize resources before entering official certification procedures.

Although the test does not replace the standardized tests required for compostable product certification (as defined by UNE-EN 13432 in Spain and other related standards), it serves as a technical and strategic filter to identify the most promising samples. This reduces risk and accelerates the path to certification in line with international standards such as EN-ISO 14855, among others.

AIMPLAS provides solutions that include R&D&I projects, training, competitive and strategic intelligence, technical and legal consultancy, as well as technological services such as analysis and testing.