Products made from bio-based plastics must undergo the same testing procedures as conventional plastic products to access the EU market. Plastics intended to be certified as biodegradable or compostable must undergo additional tests.
Products made of bioplastics thus pass more tests than conventional products, according to Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics (EUBP).
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Bioplastics meet EU safety standards
In the EU, plastic products with food contact have to comply with strict regulations. These have to be met by bio-based as well as by conventional plastics. The relevant Commission Regulation, (EU) No. 10/2011, contains requirements for migration tests. A migration limit value indicates the maximum permitted quantity of an ingredient to transit into food. The limit value ensures that food contact material does not pose a health risk to consumers. In addition to the migration test, the composition of multi-component materials is checked. Only those substances and materials that have been assessed and listed in an EU overview as safe may be used in their manufacture.
Biodegradable plastics certified for industrial composting according to EU standard EN 13432 have to meet a fixed limit for heavy metals and other toxic and hazardous substances. Also, an ecotoxicity test is carried out in accordance with the OECD rules. This examines possible effects of industrial compost on plant growth and its toxicological harmlessness to micro-organisms. Agricultural mulch films certified as biodegradable in soil according to EU standard EN 17033 must comply with strict SVHC guidelines. This ensures that the films do not contain substances of very high concern.
In addition to a further test for nitrification inhibition, EN 17033 certification also includes a procedure to exclude negative effects on soil organisms such as earthworms.