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Hey there， everyone, Today let’s talk about a super practical question we often get asked——BIOPAKS STANDRADS:
Whenever our SHINEHON BIOPAKS production team chats with clients, we always hear: “Hey, when you make biodegradable bags for different countries, are the standards different? What exactly are the differences?” Such a great question! This is indeed super important because it directly affects whether the bags can “comply” and properly degrade in their target market.
So today, we’re taking this hot topic and making it Chapter 1 of the SHINEHON BIOPAKS Science Series. We’re going to dive deep into those mainstream international biodegradability standards and explain them clearly for our community members!
The major “big player” BIOPAKS STANDRADS globally are mainly these:
* European Union (EU): They follow the EN 13432 standard.
* United States (USA): They use ASTM D6400.
* Japan (JPN): They have their own JIS K 6950.
* Australia (AUS): They mainly rely on AS 4736.
Don’t be fooled by the different names – these standards might seem complex, but they all revolve around four key aspects:
1. Biodegradability: Simply put, how much of the bag can microbes “eat,” and what does it turn into (mainly water and CO₂)?
2. Disintegration performance: In a composting environment, how small can the bag break down? No big chunks left behind.
3. Eco-toxicity: Could the “soupy liquid” produced during degradation, or the final compost, poison plants or harm soil health? Super important!
4. Chemical substance restrictions: Strict limits on harmful substances in the bag material itself, like heavy metals, to prevent environmental pollution.
So what are the key differences? Let’s highlight a few:
* 🇪🇺 EU (EN 13432): Super strict! Requires the bag to convert over 90% into CO₂ and water within 6 months under industrial composting conditions. Short timeframe, high bar!
* 🇺🇸 USA (ASTM D6400): For single-polymer bags, it’s a bit more lenient, allowing more time: over 60% degradation required within 12 months.
* 🇦🇺 Australia (AS 4736): It has a particularly unique point – it adds earthworm eco-toxicity testing! Why? To ensure the degraded material is safe for little soil critters (like hardworking earthworms) and protects soil health.
To sum it up:
While these standards differ in their timeline requirements (6 months vs. 12 months) and degradation rate thresholds (90% vs. 60%), and even add things like Australia’s “worm check-up,” at their core, they all share the same fundamental goals, focusing on:
✅ True compostability (not just vague “degradability”),
✅ Absolute safety and harmlessness to the ecological environment,
✅ Non-toxic and harmless materials.
Finally, some practical adviceon “Biodegradable Packagings Standrands”:
Which standard should you choose for making bags? The most crucial factor is where the bag will ultimately be used! Consider the actual local waste management conditions – especially whether industrial composting facilities are available. For example, if you’re selling in Europe, EN 13432 is a hard requirement; in the US, you need to meet ASTM D6400. And here’s the most important point! Don’t just think “biodegradable” solves everything. “Reduce First – Source Reduction” is the golden rule! Using one less bag whenever possible is the most fundamental and environmentally friendly solution. Biodegradable bags are a more responsible choice only for situations where usage is unavoidable.
