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  • Glossary item | Last updated: 19 Mar 2025
Biodegradability
Bioeconomy

Capability of being degraded by biological activity.

Vert, M., Y. Doi, et al. (IUPAC Polymer Division) 2012, 'Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)', Pure Applied Chemistry 84 (2), pp. 377-410.

Source category: Scientific & Technical Literature

The capability of the compostable material to be converted into CO2 under the action of micro-organisms. This property is measured with a laboratory standard test method: the EN 14046 (also published as ISO 14855: biodegradability under controlled composting conditions). In order to show complete biodegradability, a biodegradation level of at least 90% must be reached in less than 6 months. The norm EN 13432 is an harmonised norm. That is, it has been quoted in the Official Journal of the European Union, it has been implemented in Europe at a national level, and it provides the presumption of conformity with the European Directive 94/62 EC on packaging and packaging waste.

European Committee for Standardisation, Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging

Source category: Standards