ISO 23517:2021

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v

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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Biodegradable mulch films
Secretariat: DIN
for use in agriculture and horticulture
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 — Requirements and test methods
regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
and control of constituents
Plastiques — Films de paillage biodégradables pour utilisation
en agriculture et horticulture — Exigences et méthodes d'essai
concernant la biodégradation, l'écotoxicité et le contrôle des
constituants
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3  Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v

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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Biodegradable mulch films for use in
agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and test
methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and control
of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3  Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2  Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1  Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2  Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
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Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
4 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 5

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
6 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 23517
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Soil biodegradable
Secretariat: DIN
materials for mulch films for use
Voting begins on:
2021­05­03 in agriculture and horticulture —
Requirements and test methods
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­28
regarding biodegradation,
ecotoxicity and control of
constituents
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Basic requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Control of constituents . 3
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 4
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 4
5 Detailed requirements . 4
5.1 Control of constituents . 4
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements . 4
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine . 4
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances . 4
5.1.4 Volatile solids . 4
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation . 5
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria . 5
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 5
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism. 6
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme . 6
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests . 6
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test . 7
5.3.4 Earthworm test . 7
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms . 8
6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other
elements .10
Annex B (normative) Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other
hazardous substances .11
Annex C (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and
growth of higher plants .13
Annex D (normative) Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms .15
Annex E (normative) Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms.16
Annex F (normative) Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms .17
Annex G (normative) Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing .18
Annex H (informative) Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide
frame test .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Introduction
Biodegradable mulch films are used worldwide in agriculture and horticulture for many years. They
enhance growing conditions and contribute to increased yields and improved crop quality by, for
example:
— inhibiting the development of weeds;
— reducing significantly the consumption of water and other resources;
— control of soil temperature;
— reduction in leaching of mineral elements and other fertilizer;
— reduction in soil compaction;
— protecting the crops from soil.
Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered from soil at the end of the intended service
life. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for farmers to retrieve the biodegradable mulch film from the
field for disposal or recycling after the harvest. Farmers can simply plow it under along with what
remains from the plants so that it is incorporated into soil.
This document defines the standard specification to be met for biodegradable mulch films to be
used in agriculture and horticulture. It is suited to characterize both the plastic materials which are
used to manufacture mulch films and the mulch films itself with respect to characteristics such as
biodegradation, adverse effects on terrestrial organisms and control of constituents.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)
Plastics — Soil biodegradable materials for mulch films for
use in agriculture and horticulture — Requirements and
test methods regarding biodegradation, ecotoxicity and
control of constituents
1 Scope
This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or
biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following
characteristics:
a) control of constituents;
b) biodegradation;
c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms.
NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic
products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.
2
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies.
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 11268­1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11268­2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 2: Determination of effects on
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei
ISO 11269­2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora — Part 2: Effects of
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water-retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
EN 14582, Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed
systems and determination methods
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid
test by ammonium oxidation
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208: Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD
Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www. iso. org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www.el ectropedia. org/
3.1
mulch film
film made from thermoplastic material intended to be used in agriculture and horticulture to cover the
ground in order to improve growing conditions of crops and depending on the colour to control weeds
Note 1 to entry: It is assumed that a transparent mulch film does not allow to control weeds.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.1]
3.2
material
homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer and additives, as necessary, such as carbon black
and colour pigments
Note 1 to entry: Additives are usually introduced under the form of masterbatches using as carrier resin a
biodegradable polymer.
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.1.2]
3.3
ultimate aerobic biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,
water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.9]
3.4
mineralization
decomposition of organic matter or organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides,
oxides or other mineral salts
[SOURCE: ISO 11074:2015, 3.3.19]
3.5
disintegration
physical breakdown of a material into fragments
[SOURCE: ISO 18606:2013, 3.3]
3.6
degradation
irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized
by a change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by
fragmentation, affected by environmental conditions, proceeding over a period of time and comprising
one or more steps
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013, 2.262]
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

3.7
total dry solid
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about
105 °C to constant mass
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.8]
3.8
volatile solids
amount of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample
Note 1 to entry: The volatile-solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.10]
3.9
organic constituent
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other
elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide are not considered as organic constituent.
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes
are also not considered as organic constituent.
[SOURCE: ISO 17088:2021, 3.15]
3.10
natural soil
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests
[SOURCE: EN 17033:2018, 3.3.1]
3.11
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS
organofluorine compounds containing only carbon-fluorine bonds and carbon-carbon bonds but also
other heteroatoms
4 Basic requirements
4.1 General
In order to be identified as a biodegradable mulch film in accordance with this document, the mulch film
or the material of the mulch film under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4
and Clause 5, respectively.
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made.
4.2 Control of constituents
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall be identified and characterized prior to testing
including:
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements;
— determination of the presence of organic [poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic
fluorine (determined as fluorine);
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;
taking legal compliance into consideration.
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions
as laid down in 5.2.1.
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
The mulch film or the material of the mulch film shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.
5 Detailed requirements
5.1 Control of constituents
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a mulch film or material of the mulch film
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers and composts in the country where
the final product will be placed on the market or disposed of (see Annex A for examples).
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)
From a precautionary perspective, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally
added to the mulch film or to a material of the mulch film.
NOTE Most of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and
in addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bioaccumulative properties and adverse effects for environment
and human health.
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the mulch film or in a material of the mulch film shall be less
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) (see Annex B).
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be
intentionally added to a mulch film or material of the mulch film.
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self­declaration.
5.1.4 Volatile solids
A mulch film or material of a mulch film shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
5.2.1 Test method and evaluation criteria
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic
constituent.
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre-treatment by heat and or
an exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to
ISO 17556.
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil
if, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as
specified hereunder:
a) 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO by the end of the test period (relative
2
to a reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same
length of time and the results compared at the same point in time;
b) as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to
carbon dioxide by the end of the test period.
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then
the biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range
between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.
Use, as reference material, a well-defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline-cellulose powder
or ashless cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be
comparable to that of the test material.
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic
carbon of a product or a material into CO with the consumption of O under aerobic conditions, or into CO
2 2 2
and CH under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as
4
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).
For organic constituents which are present in the material at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by
dry mass), the level of biodegradation shall be determined separately and meet the criteria specified in
5.2.1. Organic constituents at a concentration between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass) that turned out to
be readily biodegradable in a ready biodegradation test according to an OECD test guideline (OECD 301,
[30] [31]
Methods A to F ; OECD 310 ) are considered as biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517.
As an alternative to testing the single organic constituent used between 1 % and 15 % (by dry mass),
the level of biodegradation of that organic constituent can be determined using an artificial blend of the
same material consisting of at least 15 % by total organic carbon (TOC) content. In case this artificial
blend meets the criteria specified in 5.2.1, then the organic constituent in question is considered to
be biodegradable in the context of ISO 23517 and can be used at the same or lower concentration in a
material on the condition that the co-substrate is present as tested in the artificial blend.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

Carbon black which is frequently used in mulch film is an inert solid. Therefore, it is not considered as
an organic constituent and shall not be accounted in the calculation of the degree of biodegradation.
NOTE The objective of testing an artificial blend is to demonstrate that a constituent which does not meet
the biodegradability requirements of ISO 23517 when tested alone, may become biodegradable in combination
with another biodegradable constituents of a material. The concentration of the constituent in the artificial
blend was set at a minimum of 15 % in order to avoid false-positive results, as theoretically a material with, for
example, 10 % of a non or moderately biodegradable constituent may still reach the pass level for biodegradation
specified in 5.2.1.
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by
degradation products resulting from the degradation of the material of a mulch film in soil at the end of
the intended service life.
The test scheme takes into account:
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms;
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown
of organic matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials;
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil
exposure pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of mulch
films and their degradation products is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity
Organism group Ecological process Soil exposure pathway Test methods
plant growth test according to
plants: mainly soil pore water
primary production OECD 208 or ISO 11269­2 with the
­ higher plants (by root uptake)
modifications specified in Annex C
diverse and multiple up­
take routes: acute earthworm test according to
ISO 11268-1 with the modifications
breakdown of organic ­ soil pore water;
invertebrates:
specified in Annex D or alternative­
matter; formation of
­ ingestion of soil ly chronic earthworm toxicity test
­ earthworms
soil structure
according to ISO 11268­2 with the
material;
modifications laid down in Annex E
­ soil air
nitrification inhibition test with
microorganisms:
soil microorganisms according to
recycling of nutrients mainly soil pore water
ISO 15685 with the modifications
­ bacteria
specified in Annex F
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or
without the addition of a test material.
5.3.2 Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in
5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.
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ISO/FDIS 23517:2021(E)

The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected
−5
application loading of a biodegradable mulch film on soil. For example: a typical mulch film is 1,5 × 10 m thick
­3 −2 ­2
and has a density of 1 250 kg m . This means 1,875 × 10 kg m for one application. The soil depth where
a mulch film is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with the normal
2 2
depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m of mulch film covering 1 m of soil surface will typically be mixed with a
3
volume of soil equal to 0,2 m . This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil bulk density
−3
of 1 500 kg m . Therefore, the typical loading of the mulch film in normal use will be approximately 0,006 3 %
−2
(1,875 × 10 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 1 % taking into account
also various film thickness and repeated applications.
5.3.3 Acute toxicity plant growth test
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of mulch films incorporated in soil
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the
determination is OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269-2. The principles of the standard test methods
shall be followed with the modifications given in the Annex C.
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test
material shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the te
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