The importance of biodegradable packaging is increasing day by day. Biopolymers have now emerged as an alternative approach for many industrial applications to control the possible risks by non-biodegradable plastic.

Biodegradable polymers are essentially derived from renewable agricultural feedstocks, microbial sources, animal sources, or marine food processing industry wastes. Biodegradable packaging materials are known for their ability to break down into environmentally friendly products like water, compost, and carbon dioxide.

According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), biodegradable plastic is "a plastic that degrades because of the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae."

Commonly used biodegradable polymers

  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)
  • Cellulose based polymer
  • Starch based polymers - including amylose, hydroxyl propylated starch, dextrin, polylactide
  • Polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), copolymer of PHB and valeric acid (PHB/V)
  • Chitin and chitosan
  • Polyanhydrides
  • Edible films which are derived from plant and animal sources such as
  • Wheat gluten and Soy protein
  • Corn protein – zein
  • Milk protein – whey
  • Collagen – a constituent of skin, tendon, and connective tissue
  • Gelatine - a product of partial hydrolysis of collage

 

Available forms of biodegradable packaging in food sector

  • Films
  • Containers
  • Foamed product
  • Bags and trays
  • Gels

Our testing solutions

Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories have the necessary expertise to perform food packaging materials testing. We have a comprehensive range of advanced equipment and our testing services are in compliance with national and international methods for the evaluation of food packaging materials.

We offer testing on the requirements of the package materials as per IS – 9845, EN 1186, IS 10171, IS 15392. Our techniques include mechanical testing, chemical testing, microbiology testing, and evaluation of packed materials.

Our other food packaging related testing services include 

  • Food microbiology testing
  • Nutritional and labelling
  • Allergens
  • Residues/chemical contaminants
  • Shelf-life testing
  • Sensory evaluation

Eurofins Food & Feed Testing is always there to help identify whether the material is biodegradable or compostable.

Our comprehensive solution for biodegradable packaging testing according to the following regulations:

  • ASTM D5338
  • ASTM D6400
  • EN 13432
  • ISO 14855
  • Biodegradability testing as per ISO:17556 [2019]

Analytical testing

Our industry knowledge, technical expertise and strategically located network of testing facilities allows Eurofins Food and Feed Testing to provide solutions that meet both compliance and legal and customer-specific requirements:

  • Physical and mechanical testing
  • Analyses for toxic substances
  • Food contact testing
  • Stability testing

Eurofins Food & Food Testing tests include the assessment of the base materials and the analysis of its various additives:

  • Chemical characterisation and IR spectrograph
  • Biodegradability testing according to methods DIN EN ISO 14851/14852 and OECD 301/302 series
  • Disintegration testing according to ISO 16929 and ISO 14045
  • Ecotoxicity according OECD 208 with 2 plant species

Advantages of Eurofins Food & Feed Testing

  • Competence centres with state-of-the-art equipment
  • Fast turn-around time 
  • Local contact backed by a global network of centres of excellence
  • Participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies, enabling early awareness and response to potential food safety concerns and changes in legal requirements
  • Expert advice testing schemes, on-site check for hygiene and allergens, labelling advice and traceability
  • Results you can rely on
  • International presence

Legal bases and guidelines

Get in touch

Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need tailored analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.

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