As environmental responsibility becomes an essential part of product development, organisations are under increasing pressure to ensure that materials live up to biodegradability claims. Across sectors such as packaging, consumer goods, textiles and polymers, manufacturers must demonstrate that materials perform as intended not only during use, but also at end of life. Understanding how materials behave in real environmental conditions is therefore critical. 

To support this need, Impact Solutions, has launched Impact-Bio™, a new service offering focused on biodegradability insight and testing. A key part of this offering is rapid biodegradability screening, a service designed to provide early, actionable information on how materials are likely to biodegrade. This enables faster and more confident decision-making during product development. 

The Challenge of Biodegradability Testing 

Biodegradability testing is essential for validating sustainability claims and supporting regulatory compliance. However, formal testing can be time-consuming and resource intensive. Standardised methods such as ISO and ASTM biodegradation tests often take weeks or months to complete, particularly for polymer-based or multi-component materials. 

For research and development teams working to tight schedules, long testing times can slow innovation, delay product launches, or result in costly reformulation if materials do not perform as expected. As a result, there is growing demand for faster ways to assess biodegradation potential earlier in the development process. 

What is Rapid Biodegradability Screening? 

Impact-Bio™ rapid biodegradability screening provides an early indication of how a material may behave under biodegradation conditions. It is designed to support material selection and development rather than replace formal biodegradability certification testing. 

The service offers several key advantages: 

  • Speed: Results are delivered significantly faster than traditional biodegradability testing, helping teams maintain momentum during development. 
  • Comparative insight: Different materials or formulations can be assessed and compared, allowing promising options to be prioritised early. 
  • Risk reduction: Potential biodegradation issues can be identified before committing to full-scale testing programmes. 
  • Informed decision-making: Screening data supports evidence-based discussions across R&D, sustainability, regulatory and commercial teams. 

By incorporating rapid screening early in the product lifecycle, organisations can make more efficient and confident decisions. 

 

A Smarter Approach to Sustainable Material Development 

Rapid biodegradability screening is most effective when used as part of a staged testing strategy. Screening helps identify which materials are suitable for progression, while formal biodegradability testing confirms compliance with recognised standards. 

This approach enables development teams to refine formulations earlier, focus certification testing where it is most likely to succeed, and manage testing budgets more effectively. It also provides greater clarity around environmental performance at an earlier stage, which is particularly valuable for innovative materials or new product categories. 

Practical Benefits for Manufacturers and Brands 

The benefits of rapid biodegradability screening extend across the product development process: 

  • Faster innovation: Shorter feedback cycles allow teams to iterate and optimise materials more efficiently. 
  • Reduced development risk: Early insight helps avoid costly redesigns late in the process. 
  • Stronger sustainability claims: Scientific evidence supports responsible communication and product positioning. 
  • Greater confidence at launch: Potential end-of-life performance issues are addressed well before products reach the market. 

As regulatory scrutiny and consumer expectations around biodegradable materials continue to increase, early-stage testing is becoming an essential tool rather than an optional extra. 

 

Expert Biodegradability Testing from Impact Solutions 

Impact Solutions brings years of experience in material science, polymer testing and product evaluation. As a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating to ISO 17025 standards, the team combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of real-world product challenges. 

The Impact-Bio™ service reflects this approach. Clients receive not only high-quality test data, but also clear interpretation and expert guidance tailored to their specific materials and applications. Impact Solutions supports organisations across the UK and internationally with reliable, independent biodegradability testing services. 

Next Steps 

Understanding how materials biodegrade is now a fundamental part of developing sustainable products. Gaining early insight can significantly reduce risk, accelerate development and support more informed decision-making. 

Impact-Bio™ rapid biodegradability screening provides a practical and science-led solution for organisations looking to assess biodegradation potential early. By supporting smarter material choices and more efficient testing strategies, the service helps businesses move forward with confidence. 

If you are developing biodegradable materials and want early insight into their environmental performance, Impact Solutions can help. 

Find out more about Impact-Bio™ Rapid Biodegradability Screening or speak to the team today.