ISO 17556 – Determination of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability of Plastics in Soil by Measuring Oxygen Demand or CO₂ Evolution
For products designed to degrade in soil, such as agricultural films or biodegradable materials, it is essential to prove that they break down effectively and safely. Without credible testing, claims of soil biodegradability can lead to compliance issues, failed certifications, or environmental concerns.
Manufacturers need reliable, standardised methods to demonstrate how materials behave in real soil environments.
ISO 17556 testing provides robust data on the biodegradation of plastics in soil, helping you validate environmental performance and support regulatory or certification requirements.
What ISO 17556 Testing Involves
ISO 17556 specifies a laboratory method for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastics in soil by measuring either:
- Oxygen consumption
- Carbon dioxide evolution
The test evaluates:
- The rate and extent of biodegradation
- Microbial activity in soil
- Conversion of material carbon into CO₂
- Performance relative to a reference material
It is widely used for assessing plastics intended for soil contact or agricultural applications.
Methodology
At Impact Solutions, ISO 17556 testing is carried out using controlled soil systems designed to replicate natural biodegradation conditions.
A typical ISO 17556 programme includes:
- Preparation of test samples to defined size and format.
- Mixing with biologically active soil under controlled conditions.
- Incubation under aerobic conditions with regulated temperature and moisture.
- Monitoring of oxygen demand or CO₂ evolution over time.
- Use of reference materials to confirm microbial activity.
- Calculation of biodegradation percentage relative to theoretical values.
- Comprehensive reporting with clear and traceable data.
Relevant Industry Applications
ISO 17556 testing is widely used for:
- Agricultural mulch films
- Biodegradable plastics for soil applications
- Horticultural and landscaping products
- Compostable materials intended for soil environments
- Bio-based polymers and additives
- Environmental impact and sustainability assessments
Benefits of ISO 17556 Testing
- Provides quantitative data on soil biodegradability
- Supports environmental claims and certification processes
- Helps ensure materials break down safely in soil
- Enables comparison of materials and formulations
- Reduces risk of regulatory or compliance issues
- Uses a recognised and standardised testing approach
Need to demonstrate how your material performs in soil environments?
Contact Impact Solutions to discuss ISO 17556 testing and build a soil biodegradation programme tailored to your product and application.
FAQ
Q: How does ISO 17556 differ from ISO 20200?
ISO 17556 measures biodegradation through oxygen demand or CO₂ evolution, while ISO 20200 focuses on simulated composting in soil-like conditions.
Q: Can ISO 17556 be used for certification?
Yes. It is commonly used as part of certification schemes for biodegradable plastics intended for soil applications.
Q: Does ISO 17556 represent real field conditions?
It simulates soil environments under controlled laboratory conditions, providing reliable comparative data.
