SIST EN ISO 22403:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 22403:2021 (ISO 22403:2020) specifies laboratory test methods and acceptance criteria for assessing the intrinsic biodegradability of virgin plastic materials and polymers exposed to marine inocula under mesophilic aerobic conditions. The methods are designed to show ultimate biodegradability - conversion of material carbon into carbon dioxide, water and biomass - but do not evaluate constituents, ecotoxicity or product performance in real marine environments. Results are for intrinsic potential only and cannot be directly extrapolated to in‑sea behaviour or used to support “marine biodegradable” product claims.

Key topics and requirements

• Test scope: Assessment of intrinsic (potential) biodegradability of unexposed, virgin plastics and polymers using marine inocula in controlled laboratory tests.
• Test conditions: Conducted under mesophilic temperature range and aerobic conditions to measure ultimate biodegradation.
• Measured endpoint: Ultimate biodegradability demonstrated by mineralization to CO2, H2O and biomass.
• Controls and references: Use of reference material and negative control is required to validate test runs.
• Excluded aspects:
  • Does not assess regulated metals, hazardous constituents or ecotoxic effects.
  • Does not cover product lifetime, form factor effects (thickness/shape), or field performance.
  • Not applicable for claiming “marine biodegradable” - product claims require separate product standards.
• Limitations: Testing scheme does not determine specific biodegradation rate per available surface area; separate standards address that parameter.
• Reporting: Tests must be documented in a structured test report including methods, inoculum, controls and biodegradation data.

Practical applications

• Screening and R&D: Useful for material scientists and polymer developers to determine whether a polymer’s chemistry is susceptible to enzymatic mineralization under marine‑like lab conditions.
• Regulatory & environmental assessment: Provides intrinsic biodegradability data to inform environmental risk assessments, eco‑design choices, and further testing strategies.
• Test laboratories: Standardizes laboratory methods for consistent, comparable intrinsic biodegradability data using marine inocula.

Who should use this standard

• Manufacturers and formulators of plastics and biodegradable polymers
• Accredited test laboratories performing marine biodegradation assays
• Environmental consultants and product designers assessing material end‑of‑life behaviour
• Standards bodies and regulators setting marine environmental safety frameworks

Related standards

Relevant referenced standards include ISO 10210 (sample preparation), ISO 18830, ISO 19679, ISO 22404, parts of ISO 23977, and ASTM D6691 for related marine biodegradation test methods and interfaces.

Keywords: EN ISO 22403:2021, ISO 22403, plastics biodegradability, marine biodegradation testing, mesophilic aerobic testing, intrinsic biodegradability, CO2 evolution.