ISO 14853:2005

ISO 14853:2005 specifies a method for the determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastics by anaerobic microorganisms. The conditions described in the standard do not necessarily correspond to the optimum conditions for the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur. The test calls for exposure of the test material to sludge for a period of up to 60 days, which is longer than the normal sludge retention time (25 to 30 days) in anaerobic digesters, though digesters at industrial sites can have much longer retention times.

The method applies to the following materials:

• natural and/or synthetic polymers, copolymers or mixtures thereof;
• plastic materials which contain additives such as plasticizers, colorants or other compounds;
• water-soluble polymers;
• materials which, under the test conditions, do not inhibit the microorganisms present in the inoculum.