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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Japanese and US groups working together on certifications for biodegradable and compostable plastics |
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TOKYO, JAPAN, Jun. 25 -/E-Wire/--
The Biodegradable Plastics Society of Japan (BPS) and the International Biodegradable Products Institute of the United States (BPI) announced the signing of an agreement to cooperate in the development of comparable tests and standards for biodegradable plastic products. This effort will eventually result in the recognition of each other's certifications, facilitating the approval process for manufacturers. The action is an important sign that the standards for biodegradable plastics are converging on a global basis. "The agreement between the BPS and the BPI shows that Japan and the United States are moving in the same direction in the critical areas of test methods and specifications," noted Kazushi Ohshima, General Manager of the BPS.
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The agreement stemmed from meetings held over the past 2 years between the BPS and BPI. "Early in the process, both organizations realized how important it was to cooperate in the development of comparable tests and specifications, for the industry to grow worldwide," noted Dr. Ramani Narayan Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee D20.96 Environmentally Degradable Plastics. "Today, all of the scientifically based standards in Japan, North America and Europe rely on 'complete utilization by soil microorganisms, of the carbon found in resins as measured by conversion to carbon dioxide' as the definitive measure of biodegradability - a vast improvement over the earlier loss-of-properties measures," Narayan added.
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In Japan, the BPS efforts focus on certifying products that are biodegradable and safe. To carry the "GreenPla" mark products must meet the specifications found in ISO 14851, 14852 or 14855. All require that the resin be converted to carbon dioxide by microbial activity. Additionally products must not be harmful to humans, plants or animals. Once certified products, resins and additives are placed on the "positive" list, which is available on the BPS website (www.bpseb.net). Additionally, the BPS is exploring how to certify products as "compostable" as part of its commitment to harmonizing standards on a worldwide basis.
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The BPI's certification (The Compostable Logo) identifies those products, which meet ASTM D6400-99 "Specifications for Compostable Plastics". Products which pass this standard will compost quickly and safely, in municipal or commercial facilities, just like yard trimmings and food scraps. To be certified, producers must use independent laboratories to conduct the required tests and BPI employs qualified third party scientists review the data to assure that all the criteria of ASTM D6400-99 are met. The Compostable Logo program is just starting up. The first product has just been certified - compostable bags for the collection of yard trimmings and food scraps. Other products and resins are currently seeking approval and permission to carry the logo will be announced once their data has been reviewed.
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According to the US EPA, food scraps are one of the largest segments of the wastestream that are landfilled or incinerated-second only to paper and paperboard. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified the degradation of food scraps in landfills as a significant generator of methane gas, a known contributor to global warming.
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However, food scraps can be effectively collected and composted without methane generation, with the aid of biodegradable products, significantly improving recycling and diversion rates. For example, in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney Australia, 75% of all the waste generated was recycled or composted, aided by the use of biodegradable plates, cups, straws and cutlery. In Japan, the government implemented the "Food Waste Recycling Law" which became effective in April, 2001. This requires that large-scale food scrap generators develop diversion programs, so that these materials are no longer sent to incinerators or landfills. Biodegradable plastics are expected to play an important role in successful implementation of this effort.
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Both the BPS and BPI are committed to harmonizing their standards and to supporting global standards. However they recognize that any cooperative agreements must leave room to meet mandated government regulations. "The goal of this agreement is to expand the markets for biodegradable plastics by making it easier for manufacturers to obtain certifications and by minimizing misleading claims that hurt the credibility of all manufacturers of biodegradables," noted Steve Mojo, BPI's Interim Executive Director.
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