OK biodegradable SOIL & OK biodegradable WATER
BIODEGRADATION
There is more than meets the eye in "biodegradation"! An entire army of microorganisms attacks the material to be broken down and the army differs according to the environment (the specific temperature, moisture content, pH, supply of oxygen, etc.) where biodegradation occurs.
A product's application determines the ideal biodegradation environment. Accordingly, Belgium has already introduced a law to decide that packaging may not be presented as biodegradable. After all, the idea is not to have packaging spread around on a massive scale like litter because it is "biodegradable". Vinçotte's specialists support the idea of this legislation – applied only in Belgium for the time being – and are able to specify the correct biodegradation environment for your products thanks to their verification marks.
OK biodegradable SOIL
Biodegradability in the soil offers huge benefits for agricultural and horticultural products, as they can be left to break down in situ after being used. The OK biodegradable SOIL label is a guarantee a product will completely biodegrade in the soil without adversely affecting the environment.
OK biodegradable WATER
Products certified for OK Biodegradable WATER guarantee biodegradation in a natural fresh water environment, and thus substantially contribute to the reduction of waste in rivers, lakes or any natural fresh water. Note that this not automatically guarantees biodegradation in marine waters.
FAQ
Is there any difference between "biodegradable" and "compostable"?People often get “biodegradable” and “compostable” mixed up but they do not mean the same thing. A biodegradable product may be broken down by microorganisms but this does not necessarily imply that the product can be converted into good quality compost.
Biodegradability and compostability rely heavily on the environment where the product is broken down. As each environment (compost, soil, water, …) has different temperatures and microorganisms the speed of the biodegradation process may vary from one site to another.
For example, bioplastics which are biodegradable in an industrial composting plant (the most aggressive atmosphere regime) are not always biodegradable in water or soil, or even in a compost bin in the garden (owing to the lower temperatures).
In addition to a clear and detailed product description, three tests are required:
- test on biodegradation (chemical break down of the polymer)
- test on ecotoxicity (test if the composted product does not exert any negative effect on plants)
- test on heavy metals content
In addition to a clear and detailed product description, the following test is required:
- test on biodegradation (chemical break down of the polymer)
Important remark : As heavy metals are submitted to local regulations, it is necessary to verify that the level of heavy metals of this certified product does not exceed the concentrations admitted in the region where it is sold.
