NORMEC OWS, a prominent leader in biodegradability and compostability testing with over 30 years of expertise, plays a pivotal role in advancing the European Union-funded UNLOCK project. Their contributions encompass the evaluation of carotene-based bioplastics to ensure compliance with stringent environmental standards, as well as assessments of biodegradability and environmental impact. Furthermore, NORMEC OWS is integral to the certification processes essential for the UNLOCK project’s success.

Strategic Contributions of NORMEC OWS in the UNLOCK Project

NORMEC OWS is responsible for conducting comprehensive biodegradability and compostability testing of materials developed within the UNLOCK project. Their work also includes performing life cycle assessments through a structured, multi-stage process:

1. Screening Tests (Stage 1): Initial evaluations involve disintegration tests in compost and soil environments to:

   • Identify the most promising materials,
   • Perform biodegradation tests on treated feathers independently, and
   • Assess the environmental impact of various treatment methodologies applied to the feathers.

2. Advanced Testing (Stage 2): Selected materials undergo detailed biodegradation and disintegration assessments. These tests extend to diverse environments, such as home composting and aquatic settings (freshwater and marine), to simulate potential scenarios like accidental spills.
3. Final Evaluation and Certification (Stage 3): The finalized bioplastics are subjected to rigorous testing for industrial composting in accordance with the harmonized standard EN 13432. This phase includes evaluations of:
   • Biodegradation and disintegration,
   • Environmental safety through plant toxicity assessments, and
   • Effects on compost quality.

   Depending on the intended application, additional evaluations may be conducted for anaerobic digestion, home composting, or degradation in alternative environments.

Differentiating Disintegration and Biodegradation

NORMEC OWS emphasizes the distinction between disintegration and biodegradation. Disintegration refers to the physical fragmentation of a material into smaller particles, whereas biodegradation involves the decomposition of a material by microorganisms into natural elements such as water, CO₂, and biomass. Through advanced analytical methods, NORMEC OWS provides insights into these processes, demonstrating promising results achieved by the UNLOCK bioplastics.

Certifications and Standards

An integral part of NORMEC OWS’s role involves ensuring compliance with certification standards. Their expertise guarantees that the necessary tests align with criteria established by relevant standards and certification schemes. For UNLOCK, the harmonized standard EN 13432 is paramount, with the aim of achieving industrial compostability for all materials. Additionally, for specific products, certification for home compostability, such as the “OK Compost Home” logo, may also be pursued.

For applications like biodegradable mulch films, materials are evaluated according to the standard EN 17033 to ensure biodegradation and environmental safety. Eveline Beeckman, a key contributor, will further elaborate on the milestones in the certification process, outlining critical certifications and targets for the UNLOCK project.