Degradable Plastics
Degradable Plastics
Glossary of Terms
Abiotic disintegration
The disintegration of plastic materials by means other than by the biological process such as dissolving, heat ageing or ultraviolet ageing.
Activated sludge
Sludge with active, live degradation microorganisms.
Adipic acid aliphatic copolyesters
Biodegradable polyester used in degradable plastic products
Adipic acid aromatic copolyesters
Biodegradable polyester used in degradable plastic products
Aerobic degradation
Degradation in the presence of air. Composting is a way of aerobic degradation.
American Society of Testing and Materials
The main standardization body in the United States (equivalent to Standards Australia in Australia)
Anaerobic degradation
Degradation in the absence of air, as occurs in dry landfills. Anaerobic degradation is also called biomethanisation.
Assimilation
The conversion of nutriments into living tissue; constructive metabolism.
Beverage Industry Environment Council
An industry association representing member companies in the beverage industry, focusing on environmental aspects linked to their commercial activities.
Biodegradable
The American Society of Testing and Materials defines biodegradable as "Capable of undergoing decomposition into carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds, or biomass in which the predominant mechanism is the enzymatic action of microorganisms, that can be measured by standardised tests, in a specified period of time, reflecting available disposal condition." For practical purposes claims about biodegradability of plastic should specify a timeframe.
Bioerodable
Polymers that exhibit controlled degradation through the incorporation of prodegradant additive masterbatches or concentrates. Such polymers oxidise and embrittle in the environment and erode under the influence of weathering.
Biomass
The weight of all the organisms in a given population.
Certification body
A body (generally a private operation) that operates a certification scheme. A certification body may or may not be accredited by JASANZ.
Certification scheme
Not a standard but a voluntary third party scheme which certifies conformance with a performance standard (usually verifies lab test results then issues logo & certificate of conformance). See also 'certification body'
Compostable
Compostable materials are capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site, to the extent that they are not visually distinguishable and break down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose). See also 'compostable plastic'.
Compostable plastic
A polymer is 'compostable' when it is biodegradable under composting conditions. The polymer must meet the following criteria:a) Break down under the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae).b) Total mineralisation is obtained (conversion into CO2, H2O, inorganic compounds and biomass under aerobic conditions).c) The mineralisation rate compatible with the composting process and consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose).Australian Standards for compostable plastics are currently under development by Standards Australia, and will provide greater clarity to performance expectations.
Composting
The activity of breaking down plant and animal material using microorganisms under aerobic conditions. For successful composting there must be sufficient water and air to allow the microorganisms to break down the material, and the compost should reach and maintain a warm temperature.
Decomposer organism
An organism, usually a bacterium or a fungus, that breaks down organic material into simple chemical components, thereby returning nutrients to the environment.
De facto International Standard
A standard, which in the absence of an International Standard, is so widely used internationally that it is generally recognized as being a de facto International Standard (various CEN and ASTM standards have achieved this status).
Degradable
Degradable materials break down, by bacterial (biodegradable), thermal (oxidative) or ultraviolet (photodegradable) action. When degradation is caused by biological activity, especially by the enzymatic action of microorganisms, it is called 'biodegradation'.
Ecotoxicity
Ecotoxicity refers to the potential environmental toxicity of residues, leachate, or volatile gases produced by the plastics during biodegradation or composting.
Ethylene vinyl alcohol
A water-soluble polymer.
European Committee for Standardization
Peak standardization body for the European Union.
Foamed starch
Starch can be blown by environmentally friendly means into a foamed material using water steam. Foamed starch is antistatic, insulating and shock absorbing, therefore constituting a good replacement for polystyrene foam.
High-density polyethylene
A conventional (not biodegradable) plastic, as used commonly in single-use plastic carry bags (HDPE).
Humus
The solid organic substance that results from decay of plant or animal matter. Biodegradable plastics can form humus as they decompose. Humus in soil provides a healthy structure within which air, water and organisms can combine.
International Organisation for Standardization
An international standardisation body.
International Standard
A standard published by the International Organisation for Standardisation and commencing with ISO (eg ISO 16929).NB for electrical products the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the main international standardization body.
