SIST EN 14995:2007

SIST EN 14995:2007 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 14995:2006 from SIST, titled Plastics - Evaluation of compostability - Test scheme and specifications. It specifies how to assess whether plastic materials are compostable or anaerobically treatable by checking biodegradability, disintegration, effects on the biological treatment process, and the quality of the resulting compost. It is intended for people who need a test-based basis for claims about organic recovery of plastics.

What does SIST EN 14995:2007 specify?

SIST EN 14995:2007 sets out the scope, the assessment path, and the acceptance criteria for plastic materials intended for organic recovery. The document notes that for packaging, EN 13432 applies.

The standard is organized into Clauses 1 to 8, with supporting Annexes A to D:

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 14995:2007?

SIST EN 14995:2007 requires a structured assessment of a plastic material before it can be described as organically recoverable. In practice, the standard asks for evidence on the material itself, then on how it behaves in composting or anaerobic treatment, and finally on whether the resulting compost remains acceptable.

Control of constituents and characterization

Clause 4 requires control of constituents that could be harmful during biological treatment. Clause 4.2.2 requires identification of the material and checks on constituents, hazardous substances such as heavy metals, and the organic carbon content, total dry solids, and volatile solids used for testing. For a supplier, this means the material must be known well enough to judge whether it is suitable for composting claims.

Biodegradability

Clause 4.2.3 and Annex A require inherent and ultimate biodegradability to be shown in laboratory tests. Annex A limits aerobic test duration to 6 months and requires at least 90% biodegradation, or 90% of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference substance after both have reached a plateau. For anaerobic biodegradation, where used, the test period is limited to 2 months and the result must reach 50% or more of the theoretical value. This gives a clear pass/fail basis for lab results.

Disintegration in treatment

Clause 4.2.4 and Clause 7 require disintegration in a biological waste treatment process, normally in the form in which the material will be used. The reference test is ISO 16929 for controlled pilot-scale composting, and a full-scale facility may be accepted as equivalent. Annex A limits aerobic composting to 12 weeks and requires no more than 10% of the original dry weight to remain above a 2 mm sieve. For anaerobic biogasification, the optional route allows 5 weeks and uses a different sieve criterion. This matters because a material can biodegrade slowly but still leave visible residues.

Effect on the process and compost quality

Clause 4.2.4 and Clause 8 require that the material not create observable negative effects on the treatment process or compost quality. Clause 8 points to comparison of compost made with and without the plastic material, including physical-chemical checks and ecotoxicity to higher plants. Annex D uses the OECD 208 plant growth test with modifications for compost samples. For users, this shows whether the material changes compost performance or plant response.

Recognizability, equivalent forms, and records

Clause 4.2.6 requires materials entering the biowaste stream to be recognizable as compostable or biodegradable by the end user. Clause 4.3 allows an equivalent form to be accepted if it has the same or smaller mass-to-surface ratio and maximum wall thickness. Clause 4.4 requires a checklist and supporting documentation to be retained. That means the decision must be traceable, not just based on a test report.

What terms does SIST EN 14995:2007 define?

• Constituent of a plastic material - any pure chemical material or substance that makes up the plastic.
• Disintegration - physical falling apart into very small fragments.
• Ultimate biodegradation - microbial breakdown of an organic compound to end products such as carbon dioxide, water, mineral salts, methane, and new biomass, depending on oxygen availability.
• Total dry solids - the dry residue remaining after drying a known sample to constant weight at about 105 °C.
• Volatile solids - the part lost after incineration at about 550 °C, used here as an indication of organic matter.

Who uses SIST EN 14995:2007?

SIST EN 14995:2007 is used by plastics manufacturers, material suppliers, and laboratories that test compostability claims. It is also relevant to composting and anaerobic treatment operators who need to understand how a plastic material behaves in their process. Quality managers, buyers, and technical reviewers use it to check whether supporting evidence is complete and whether a material can reasonably be described as organically recoverable.

What changed in SIST EN 14995:2007 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 14995:2007 is identical with EN 14995:2006.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 14995:2007?

SIST EN 14995:2007 uses several referenced standards and methods to carry out its tests:

• EN ISO 14851 - aerobic biodegradation in aqueous medium by oxygen demand.
• EN ISO 14852 - aerobic biodegradation in aqueous medium by evolved carbon dioxide.
• EN ISO 14855 - controlled composting test for aerobic biodegradability and disintegration.
• ISO 16929 - pilot-scale composting disintegration test.
• OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals 208 - plant growth test used for ecotoxicity in Annex D.
• EN 13432 - noted for packaging, where that standard applies instead.

What does the SIST EN 14995:2007 document contain?

SIST EN 14995:2007 contains a test scheme, acceptance criteria, and supporting methods for evaluating compostability and anaerobic treatability of plastic materials. Clause 5 presents the organization of the test scheme, and Annex B gives a flow chart that shows the sequence of checks. Annex A provides the numerical evaluation criteria, while Annex D gives the plant ecotoxicity procedure, including sample preparation, plant selection, and result comparison.

The document also describes how to compare compost made with and without the plastic material, how to check for process effects, and how to document the final decision. Annex C adds practical prerequisites for composting plastics, including compostability of related products and residue handling.