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Symbol KompostierbarBiodegradability has become a crucial criterion for many consumers when purchasing packaging, but commercial and agricultural processing companies also are increasingly recognizing the economic benefit of such plastics. But how can we recognize bioplastics as a customer when buying? Are there any legally secure certifications, both domestic and abroad that give the buyer certainty about the nature of the respective plastic? The developments on the part of legislators are still at their beginning, so we will give you an overview of related marks and certifications of products for buyers but also for producers.

First: Not all plastics are made from biodegradable materials And those plastics that are biodegradable, have not necessarily been manufactured from renewable resources, but can also be of fossil origin. The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are also to be considered separately: plastics are considered "biodegradable", when all organic ingredients therein are completely biodegradable. Environmental conditions and the speed of this process are crucial in this sense. "Compostable" are products manufactured from biodegradable materials whose relevant components degrade within 4-6 weeks under normal conditions. In order to achieve more transparency, the German legislator has created a certification of "compostable" plastics: the DIN V 54900 they can also be tested alternatively according to ASTM D 6400 or 6868). Plastics complying with this DIN standard may carry the compostability mark, which can be based on examinations by all internationally recognized standards for composting in principle.

This mark is also valid without further need for national certification in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Poland. The hexagon in the images points out that for the so-labelled products in Germany, a disposal contract according to the Packaging Ordinance exists with Interseroh GmbH (Cologne).

DIN CERTCO is responsible in Germany for testing, certification and awarding of the compostability mark; the company works closely together with specialized bodies and interested parties.

The industry portal biokunststoffe.de is a project by Franz-Patat-Zentrum. This comprehensive portal provides information about the benefits and possibilities of the use of bioplastics industry since 2005, providing a source of skilled technical know-how as well as a professional platform that serves as showcase for companies, their products and services.

In addition to background information and current news, biokunststoffe.de has focused mainly on the field of technical properties of bioplastics. As technical experts with over 25 years of experience in the field of bioplastics, we also wish to provide you on this portal with an overview of the consulting portfolio offered by us and inform you about our research and development services.
 
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