- Swiss testing laboratory
ASTM D6400 Testing for Compostable Plastics (Industrial Compostability Standard)
Hassle-free testing experience
Need to get a product tested? No worries! To and fro logistics are on us; we collect your products, test them and, deliver them back to you.
Summary
ASTM D6400 is an ASTM international test standard that evaluates the compostability of plastics intended to be labelled as aerobically compostable in industrial or municipal composting facilities. This test uses biodegradability, disintegration and toxicity tests to evaluate the compostability. It is commonly referred to by regulatory bodies when assessing the compostability claims for plastics.
Related tests for you
Ensuring the material performs as expected and is also in compliance with the regulations
Determine the ready biodegradability of organic compounds
Determination of the biodegradability of organic materials in an aqueous aerobic environment
Quick understanding of the test
ASTM D6400 - Test for Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
Application
- Ensures plastics decompose without leaving harmful residues.
- Verifies products labeled as compostable are eco-friendly.
Turnaround Time
Passing criteria
- Disintegration: <10% residue after 12 weeks.
- Biodegradation: At least 90% organic carbon converted to CO2 within 180 days.
- Ecotoxicity: Compost supports at least 90% plant germination and biomass compared to controls.
Do you have a product that needs testing?
What is ASTM D6400?
ASTM D6400 is a well-established standard that describes the requirements for plastics that are designed to be aerobically composted in either a municipal or an industrial facility. These plastics must meet specific conditions to ensure they decompose safely and completely in an environmentally responsible manner. The biodegradability, disintegration, and safety of the plastic under thermophilic conditions typically prevailing in large-scale composting operations are thus assessed by this test method.
This standard can help manufacturers verify and label products as being compostable, once they pass all the required biodegradability & compostability testing parameters. It establishes essential guidelines for manufacturers to ensure that their plastic products can decompose effectively without leaving any harmful residues or pollutants.
Scope of ASTM D6400 compostable plastic testing
The standard applies to large plastic products, including
- Plastic films and packaging
- Compostable bags
- Food service ware
- Agricultural plastics
- Biopolymer-based materials
ASTM D6400 requirements for compostable plastics
To pass ASTM D6400, the test material must achieve the following parameters in all three test methods:
90% Biodegradation Within 180 Days – At least 90% of the organic carbon should be converted into Carbon dioxide within 180 days.
Disintegration (<10% Residue After 12 Weeks) – Post to 12 weeks of composting, less than 10% of the original material must remain.
Ecotoxicity & Plant Growth Assessment – The compost should not release any harmful or toxic residues or hinder the plant growth
ASTM D6400 test methods explained
Biodegradability test
The Biodegradability test evaluates if the material can be biologically broken down by microorganisms under controlled aerobic conditions.
In this test, the test sample is introduced to an active composting environment and the amount of CO2 produced during the course of composting is measured. The material is considered to pass the biodegradation test if at least 90% of the organic carbon of the plastic is converted to CO2.
Disintegration screening
The disintegration test helps understand how effectively the material can physically break apart during the composting process.
The test material is placed in a composting environment for 12 weeks through a sieve. After 12 weeks, any remaining plastic is sieved to evaluate the percentage of material that has not disintegrated. If less than 10% remains, the plastic passes the disintegration test.
Compost quality and Toxicity testing
This test evaluates the impact of the degraded material on plant health. Compost containing the degraded test material is used to cultivate plants. Plant health is compared to those grown in regular compost in order to check if plastic releases any harmful substances that could affect the growth upon disintegration.
Industries That Require ASTM D6400 Testing
ASTM D6400 testing is commonly required in:
- Packaging manufacturers
- Food service disposables producers
- Agricultural mulch film manufacturers
- Biopolymer developers
- Retail brands entering U.S. markets
Importance of ASTM D6400 test
Performing this test is crucial for the following reasons:
- Environmental responsibility
Testing ensures that plastics branded as compostable do not harm the environment. Plastics that meet this standard and are labeled as compostable break down safely and completely, reducing pollution and waste in landfills.
- Consumer confidence
Products labeled as compostable provide consumers with the confidence that the materials they use are not harmful to the environment and will not cause any long-term environmental damage.
- Compliance
Compliance is often a requirement for product certification in regions that regulate compostable plastics, helping companies ensure that their products are legally compliant.
Why choose our lab for ASTM D6400 testing
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we provide thorough testing services for ASTM D6400 compliance, ensuring your products meet the highest standards for compostability.
Request ASTM D6400 testing
Contact us today to learn more about our biodegradability & compostability testing solutions!
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ASTM D6400 certification confirms that a plastic product meets industrial compostability requirements under controlled aerobic composting conditions. Certification is issued by authorized third-party bodies after laboratory validation.
No, certification is not always mandatory but is often required for labeling and compliance in regulated markets.
No. The standard ensures that plastics biodegrade in specific composting conditions but not necessarily in natural environmental conditions.
ASTM D6400 applies to plastic materials and products designed to compost on their own. Whereas, ASTM D6868 applies to plastic coatings or additives or compostable substrates like paper or fibre products.
The basic requirements for plastic to qualify as compostable would be disintegration, meaning the plastic must degrade fully within 12 weeks with less than 10% residue; biodegradation, requiring 90% conversion to CO2 in 180 days; and ecotoxicity, ensuring the compost is not harmful to plant growth with at least 90% germination and biomass compared to the control.
Various plastic products, including packaging materials, films, and containers, can meet the standard if they are designed for composting.
ASTM D6400 is designed for industrial composting environments, which, of course, are entirely different from the environment of in-home composting.
Biodegradation must be proven to occur within 180 days under controlled conditions.
No. The standard ensures that plastics biodegrade in specific composting conditions but not necessarily in natural conditions.
Testing must be done in a controlled composting environment, which replicates the industrial conditions of composting.
Meet the best of the blend of
R&D, Efficacy Testing,
Innovation and Passionate
Experts at MIS.
Explore More
Modern industry is based on
Key takeaways Both JIS Z
Key takeaways ASTM D3273 is
The ISO 21702 evaluates the
