ASTM D6400-99 pdf free.Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics.
ASTM D6400 covers plastics and products made from plastics that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities.
This specification is intended to establish the requirements for labeling of materials and products, including packaging made from plastics, as “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities.”
4. Classification
4.1 The purpose of this specification is to establish stan dards for identifying products and materials that will compost satisfactorily in commercial and municipal composting facili- ties. Products meeting the requirements outlined below are appropriate for labeling as”compostable “in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission.
5. Basic Requirements
5.1 In order to compost satisfactorily, a product or material must demonstrate each of the characteristics found in 5.1.1 5. 1.3, and which are quantified in Section 6.
5.1.1 Disintegration During Composting-A plastic prod- uct or material will disintegrate during composting such that any remaining plastic residuals are not readily distinguishable from the other organic materials in the finished product. Additionally, the material or product must not be found in significant quantities during screening prior to final distribution of the compost.
5. Basic Requirements
5.1 In order to compost satisfactorily, a product or material must demonstrate each of the characteristics found in 5.1.1 5.1.3, and which are quantified in Section 6.
5. 1. I Disintegration During Composting-A plastic prod uct or material will disintegrate during composting such that any remaining plastic residuals are not readily distinguishable from the other organic materials in the finished product Additionally, the material or product must not be found in significant quantities during screening prior to final distribution of the compost.
5.1.2 Inherent Biodegradation-A level of inherent biodeg radation shall be established by tests under controlled conditions, that are comparable to known compostable materials.
5.1.3 No Adverse Impacts on Ability of Compost to Support Plant Growth – The tested materials shall not adversely impact on the ability of composts to support plant growth, when compared to composts using cellulose as a control, once the finished compost is placed in soil. Additionally, the polymeric products or materials must not introduce unacceptable levels of heavy metals or other toxic substances into the environment, upon sample decomposition.