Certification Scope Verification for Industrial Compostable Packaging Materials
Verify industrial compostability claims by matching finished pack wall thickness and ink coverage against public register scope lines before shipping.
OECD 208
Phytotoxicity Assessment
International ecotoxicological guidelines measure the potential adverse effects of chemical substances or processed composts on the emergence and early growth of terrestrial plants. Testing under oecd 208 involves sowing seeds of selected monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species in soil containing the test substance or soil amended with disintegrating packaging material. This bioassay determines whether residual compounds in the compost inhibit plant development.
Testing Protocol
The growth study runs for two to three weeks after the emergence of the majority of the seedling control group. During this period, researchers record the emergence rate, dry shoot weight, height and any visual symptoms of phytotoxicity such as chlorosis or necrosis. To validate the assessment of compostable packaging, the soil is enriched with compost derived from the test material and compared against a blank compost control.
High germination rates and healthy biomass in the test soil confirm that the disintegrated packaging has not left harmful chemical residues or heavy metals behind.
Environmental Certification
Fulfilling this agricultural safety test is a prerequisite for achieving industrial and home compostability certifications under global standards. It ensures that packaging materials that break down during the composting process do not degrade the quality of the final agricultural product. Compliance with oecd 208 provides assurance to farmers and consumers that the compost can be applied safely to food crops and landscape soil.