Why are Environmental Certifications Crucial?
For industries using PHAs, obtaining these environmental certifications has many advantages:
- Regulatory compliance: they guarantee that products comply with the standards in force on international markets.
- Competitive advantage: certified products offer added value to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Reduced carbon footprint: certifications confirm that HAPs contribute to a lower environmental impact.
- Access to new markets: many industries and governments impose strict sustainability requirements. Certified products provide unimpeded access to these markets…leading to increased competitiveness .
What environmental certifications do PHAs have?
1. OK Compost” Certification from TÜV Austria
This certification is one of the most widely recognised for validating the compostability of materials under industrial conditions. PHAs can obtain “OK Compost Industrial” certification, which guarantees that the material is compostable in a professional environment, where temperatures are high enough to accelerate the decomposition process. Easy, then.
N.B. “OK Compost Home” is another variant which certifies that PHA is also compostable in domestic conditions, where temperatures are lower.
2. EN 13432 Certification
This European standard specifies the requirements for organic and compostable packaging. A PHA that obtains EN 13432 certification complies with the criteria because, as it is considered compostable, its decomposition is guaranteed. As an added bonus, it does not release any toxic substances, and ensures that at least 90% of the material is broken down within six months.
3. ASTM D6400 Certification (United States)
This certification is used mainly in North America to verify the compostability of materials for different types of composting. It applies only to industrial composting facilities. A PHA certified to ASTM D6400 must biodegrade under industrial composting conditions in a given time without causing toxic pollution.
4. Vinçotte “OK Biodegradable” Certification
The “OK Biodegradable” certification, also provided by TÜV Austria, validates that the material biodegrades completely in specific environments. This may be soil (OK Biodegradable Soil) or water (OK Biodegradable Water). So it’s pretty relevant for PHAs! They can be certified for their ability to decompose in natural environments such as agricultural soils or marine waters.
5. ISCC Plus Certification (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification)
This certification is awarded to products that are biobased or use renewable raw materials. ISCC Plus guarantees that PHA production complies with sustainability criteria throughout the supply chain. These include aspects relating to PHA’s carbon emissions and the sustainable use of resources.
6. “USDA BioPreferred” Certification
The USDA BioPreferred programme of the US Department of Agriculture certifies that the material contains a minimum percentage of biobased materials. PHAs produced from renewable raw materials can therefore obtain this certification. This certification helps consumers and companies to identify products with a low carbon footprint. The aim is not to draw on fossil fuels.
7. BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Certification
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) offers certification for compostable materials, including PHA biopolymers. Certified products must meet strict biodegradability and compostability standards in accordance with ASTM D6400. The purpose of the ASTM D6400 test is to determine the degree and rate of aerobicity and to assess the safety of the soil.
8. Cradle to Cradle Certifications
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification is an environmental standard based on eco-design and the circular economy. A C2C-certified HAP must ensure the safety of humans and the environment, and be reusable at the end of its life. The certification assesses this through five categories:
- materials health
- materials reuse
- renewable energy management
- water management
- social justice
PHA: Health Safety Certifications
9. Food Contact Certification
Food contact certifications validate that PHA materials do not release any harmful substances when used. In short, ideal for food packaging or utensils. They are issued in accordance with strict standards such as the FDA in the United States or European materials standards. These certifications are crucial for consumer PHA applications and guarantee their safety for everyday use.
10. Reach and Rohs Certification
REACH and RoHS certifications are European regulations that impose restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in chemical and electronic products. REACH and RoHS-certified PHA products are free from toxic substances, guaranteeing their safety for users and the environment.
These certifications provide assurance about the durability of PHA and its performance as a biodegradable and compostable material. They enable companies (and consumers) to choose environmentally-friendly alternatives. In other words, compliance with biodegradability, continuity and environmental safety standards.
