Compostable and recycled‑content packaging are held to a higher evidentiary standard than conventional plastic — regulators, retailers and certification bodies increasingly expect documented test data before a "biodegradable," "compostable" or "made with recycled content" claim can go on pack. At the same time, switching to bio‑based resin or adding PCR content can quietly change how a film seals, stretches or holds a barrier. Testing catches both problems before they reach a customer or a greenwashing complaint.
"Biodegradable" and "compostable" are increasingly regulated marketing terms — a claim without test data behind it is a legal and reputational risk.
Post‑consumer recycled pellets vary batch to batch in molecular weight and contamination, which can disrupt film extrusion or molding if not screened.
Bio‑based or recycled resin can quietly shift barrier and tensile performance away from what the original virgin‑material structure was qualified against.
These parameters cover the main claims and performance checks needed for compostable plastics, biodegradable packaging and recycled‑content film or rigid packaging.
| Property | Why it's tested | Reference standards | Recommended instrument |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Biodegradation (Compost) | Measures CO2 evolution to confirm a material actually biodegrades under composting conditions, the core evidence behind a compostability claim | ISO 14855‑1, ASTM D5338 | Compost Degradation Tester |
| Disintegration in Composting Conditions | Confirms the material physically breaks down into small fragments within the required composting timeframe | ASTM D6400, EN 13432 | Compost Degradation Tester |
| Melt Flow Rate (MFR / MFI) | Checks that incoming recycled or bio‑based resin pellets are consistent enough to run reliably on existing lines | ASTM D1238, ISO 1133 | Melt Flow Tester |
| Tensile Strength & Elongation | Confirms mechanical performance holds up as recycled or bio‑based content is introduced into a film or sheet | ASTM D882, ISO 527‑1 | Tensile Tester |
| Water Vapor & Oxygen Transmission Rate | Re‑verifies barrier performance whenever a structure's recycled or bio‑based content changes | ASTM F1249, ASTM D3985 | Water Vapor / Oxygen Permeability Analyzer |
| Thickness & Optical Clarity | Flags visual and gauge inconsistency that recycled or bio‑based feedstock can introduce batch to batch | ASTM D374, ASTM D1003 | Thickness Tester / Haze Meter |
| Melting Point, Crystallinity & Glass Transition (DSC) | Verifies resin identity and PLA/PBAT/PCR blend ratio, and flags contamination or inconsistent formulation batch to batch | ASTM D3418, ISO 11357 | Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) |
The test set shifts depending on whether a material is claiming compostability or recyclability — most sustainable packaging programs need both mechanical and environmental‑claim testing.
PLA, PBAT and PBS bags, cutlery and cups — biodegradation and disintegration testing back up the compostable claim.
Recycled‑content flexible film and rigid containers — melt flow, tensile and barrier testing confirm process and performance consistency.
Soil‑biodegradable mulch and agricultural film — compost/soil degradation testing supports end‑of‑life claims.
Recyclability‑by‑design mono‑PE or mono‑PP structures — barrier and mechanical testing confirm the simplified structure still performs.
A typical sustainable‑materials QC lab builds around a compost degradation tester, a melt flow tester and a tensile/barrier setup — together they cover claim substantiation and day‑to‑day process control.
Авторские права @ 2026 Guangzhou Biaoji Packaging Equipment Co.,Ltd. Все права защищены.
info@gbtest.cn
ru
en
es
ar
