BS EN ISO 20136:2020 - Leather: Determination of Degradability by Micro-organisms

In the ever-evolving world of materials science and environmental sustainability, understanding the degradability of materials is crucial. The BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard is an essential document for professionals in the leather industry, environmental scientists, and sustainability experts. This standard provides a comprehensive methodology for determining the degradability of leather by micro-organisms, ensuring that leather products meet the necessary environmental and quality standards.

Key Features of BS EN ISO 20136:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN ISO 20136:2020
• Pages: 34
• Release Date: July 21, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 01105 0
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

The BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard is pivotal for several reasons:

• Environmental Impact: As the world becomes more conscious of environmental issues, the ability to assess the biodegradability of materials like leather is vital. This standard helps manufacturers and researchers understand how leather interacts with the environment, particularly in terms of its breakdown by micro-organisms.
• Quality Assurance: By adhering to this standard, companies can ensure that their leather products are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly. This can enhance brand reputation and consumer trust.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have strict regulations regarding the environmental impact of materials. This standard helps companies comply with these regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and fines.

Comprehensive Methodology

The BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard outlines a detailed methodology for testing the degradability of leather. This includes:

• Sample Preparation: Guidelines on how to prepare leather samples for testing, ensuring consistency and accuracy in results.
• Testing Conditions: Specifications for the environmental conditions under which tests should be conducted, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to micro-organisms.
• Data Analysis: Methods for analyzing the data collected during testing, allowing for a clear understanding of the leather's degradability.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is invaluable for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Leather Manufacturers: To ensure their products meet environmental standards and consumer expectations.
• Environmental Scientists: For research and analysis of material degradability and its impact on ecosystems.
• Quality Assurance Teams: To maintain high standards of product quality and compliance with environmental regulations.

Enhancing Sustainability in the Leather Industry

As sustainability becomes a key focus across industries, the leather sector is no exception. The BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices by providing a reliable framework for assessing the environmental impact of leather products. By implementing this standard, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing their ecological footprint and promoting responsible consumption.

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the production, research, or regulation of leather products. Its comprehensive guidelines ensure that leather products are not only of high quality but also environmentally sustainable. By adopting this standard, companies can enhance their reputation, comply with regulations, and contribute to a healthier planet.

For those committed to excellence and sustainability in the leather industry, the BS EN ISO 20136:2020 standard is a must-have resource. Embrace the future of leather production with confidence and responsibility.

BS EN ISO 20136:2020

This standard BS EN ISO 20136:2020 Leather. Determination of degradability by micro-organisms is classified in these ICS categories:

• 59.140.30 Leather and furs

This document specifies a test method to determine the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of hides and skins of different animal origin, whether they are tanned or not, through the indirect determination of CO₂ produced by the degradation of collagen.

The test material is exposed to an inoculum (activated sludge from tannery wastewater) in an aqueous medium. If there is not a tannery nearby then urban wastewater can be used as the inoculum.

The conditions established in this document correspond to optimum laboratory conditions to achieve the maximum level of biodegradation. However, they might not necessarily correspond to the optimum conditions or maximum level of biodegradation in the natural medium.

In general, the experimental procedure covers the determination of the degradation degree and rate of the material under controlled conditions, which allows the analysis of the evolved carbon dioxide produced throughout the test. For this purpose, the testing equipment complies with strict requirements with regard to flow, temperature and agitation control.

This method applies to the following materials:

1. natural polymers of animal stroma (animal tissue/skins);

2. animal hides and skins tanned (leather) using organic or inorganic tanning agents;

3. leathers that, under testing conditions, do not inhibit the activity of microorganisms present in the inoculum.