PAS 9017:2020 - Plastics: Biodegradation of Polyolefins in an Open-Air Terrestrial Environment

Welcome to the future of sustainable plastics with the PAS 9017:2020 standard. This comprehensive specification is a pivotal document for anyone involved in the production, research, or regulation of polyolefin plastics. Released on October 31, 2021, this standard is a testament to the ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in the plastics industry.

Overview of PAS 9017:2020

The PAS 9017:2020 standard provides a detailed framework for the biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment. Polyolefins, which include materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are widely used in various applications due to their durability and versatility. However, their resistance to degradation has posed significant environmental challenges. This standard addresses these challenges by specifying the conditions and criteria under which polyolefins can biodegrade effectively in natural settings.

Key Features

• Standard Number: PAS 9017:2020
• Pages: 32
• Release Date: October 31, 2021
• ISBN: 978 0 539 17478 6
• Status: Standard

Why Choose PAS 9017:2020?

As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, the PAS 9017:2020 standard is an essential tool for companies and researchers aiming to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure that their polyolefin products are capable of breaking down in natural environments, thus minimizing their ecological footprint.

This standard is not only a guideline but a commitment to a greener future. It provides a scientifically-backed methodology for assessing the biodegradability of polyolefins, ensuring that products meet the necessary environmental criteria. This is crucial for companies looking to enhance their sustainability credentials and meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

Benefits of Implementing PAS 9017:2020

• Environmental Impact: Reduce the long-term environmental impact of polyolefin plastics by ensuring they can biodegrade in open-air terrestrial environments.
• Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and industry standards for biodegradable plastics.
• Market Advantage: Gain a competitive edge by offering products that align with consumer preferences for sustainable materials.
• Innovation: Encourage innovation in the development of new materials and products that adhere to biodegradability standards.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The PAS 9017:2020 standard is designed for a wide range of stakeholders in the plastics industry, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies producing polyolefin-based products can use this standard to ensure their products are environmentally friendly.
• Researchers: Scientists and researchers focused on material science and environmental studies can utilize this standard to guide their work on biodegradable plastics.
• Regulators: Government and industry regulators can reference this standard to develop policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices.
• Environmental Organizations: NGOs and advocacy groups can use this standard to support their efforts in reducing plastic pollution.

Conclusion

The PAS 9017:2020 standard is a crucial document for anyone involved in the lifecycle of polyolefin plastics. By providing a clear and detailed specification for the biodegradation of these materials, it supports the transition towards more sustainable practices in the plastics industry. Embrace the future of eco-friendly plastics with PAS 9017:2020 and contribute to a healthier planet.

PAS 9017:2020

This standard PAS 9017:2020 Plastics. Biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment. Specification is classified in these ICS categories:

• 83.080.01 Plastics in general

This PAS specifies requirements of polyolefinic materials enhanced with an additive technology that imparts biodegradability in an open-air terrestrial environment. This PAS specifies the standards to be used for evaluating the performance of the tested polyolefinic material at each stage, whilst within these protocols it specifies the conditions and maximum timeframes the testing is to be conducted in. Furthermore, it specifies the chemical analysis and the numerical limits required to meet compliance with the PAS at the end of each stage of testing.

Thus, this PAS covers:

1. polyolefin composition and additive technology under evaluation;

2. alignment of specific standardized protocols for testing at each stage, notably:

   1. weathering exposure of test polyolefinic materials for a defined period of time, including chemical analysis to yield quantifiable measurement of chemical transformation into a wax;

   2. eco-toxicity testing upon the wax to ensure no hazardous substances are present; and

   3. biodegradation testing under mesophilic on soil conditions.

3. standardized testing protocol to be used at each stage of evaluation as well as for chemical analyses;

4. reporting of the data at the end of each stage of testing and the specifications to indicate compliance with the PAS.

This PAS does not cover:

• managed biodegradable end-of-life scenarios such as industrial or home composting, landfill and anaerobic digestion;

• unmanaged aquatic environments of freshwater of marine habitats, including the damage that bioaccumulation of plastic pollution creates in these ecosystems;

• durability testing of the polyolefinic material prior to any chemical or biological transformation;

• the suitability or compatibility of the polyolefinic material to be mechanically, chemically or organically recycled;

• the life cycle assessment analysis of the polyolefinic material combined with the biodegradable additive technology;

• self-declared claims of biodegradability outside the framework of an appropriate standard such as BS EN ISO 14021; or

• the requirement of the use of independent third-party certification for claims of conformance to the PAS.

This PAS is intended to be used by plastic or plastic technology manufacturers looking to obtain data as to the performance of the biodegradability of an additive technology within a polyolefinic material in an open-air terrestrial environment. In addition, this PAS provides testing laboratories with a standardized protocol to evaluate polyolefinic materials for conformance to the PAS.

In addition, other standards agencies, national laboratories or academic research groups could use the test method described in this PAS as a universal baseline methodology of evaluating the biodegradability of new technological discoveries within polyolefins.