ASTM D6094-97(2004)
(Guide)Standard Guide to Assess the Compostability of Environmentally Degradable Nonwoven Fabrics (Withdrawn 2008)
Standard Guide to Assess the Compostability of Environmentally Degradable Nonwoven Fabrics (Withdrawn 2008)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The nonwoven fabric or product can be formed from a combination of materials (natural or manufactured fibers, continuous or staple fibers, film laminate, binder resins, etc.). Each material may be comprised of more than a single component, for example, natural or synthetic polymers, dyes or pigments, surfactants, and other additives. All components and materials which are organic in nature must be evaluated and determined to be biodegradable and to cause no toxic or negative effect in the compost medium. Inorganic fillers or additives (except for heavy metal salts, which are separately regulated) are assumed to be neutral to the composting process. Biodegradation of the materials is demonstrated only through carbon dioxide evolution tests and is considered to be the first and one of the most important steps in establishing the ultimate compostability of the nonwoven.
Nonwoven fabrics and products that are designed to degrade after use have been developed. These nonwovens are intended to enhance existing solid waste landfill diversion programs by allowing difficult to recycle materials to be collected and processed in alternative solid waste disposal systems. Biological waste management, such as composting, has emerged as a viable approach to process these compostable nonwovens along with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). A comprehensive testing program is needed to establish the compostability (for example, fragmentation rate, biodegradation rate and safety) of these materials.
Each tier in this guide includes objectives and a summary which presents potential test methods, method principles, test duration, implication of results and recommended priority.
This guide can be adapted to generate product specific evidence for substantiation of compostable claims and obtaining classification as a compostable product. State and local regulations should also be considered.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers suggested criteria, procedures, and a general approach to establish the compostability of environmentally degradable nonwoven fabrics and products.
Note 1—The assessment of degradable plastics and nonwoven fabrics or products is considered similar. Consequently, this guide contains only minor changes in technical content from this guide developed by Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics of Committee D-20 on Plastics.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This guide covers suggested criteria, procedures, and a general approach to establish the compostability of environmentally degradable nonwoven fabrics and products.
This standard is being withdrawn with no replacement because D13 no longer has the technical expertise to maintain.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D13 on Textiles, this guide was withdrawn in October 2008.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D6094–97 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Guide to
Assess the Compostability of Environmentally Degradable
Nonwoven Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6094; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 5209 Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodeg-
radation of Plastic Materials in the Presence of Municipal
1.1 This guide covers suggested criteria, procedures, and a
Sewer Sludge
general approach to establish the compostability of environ-
D 5247 Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biode-
mentally degradable nonwoven fabrics and products.
gradabilityofDegradablePlasticsbySpecificMicroorgan-
NOTE 1—The assessment of degradable plastics and nonwoven fabrics
isms
or products is considered similar. Consequently, this guide contains only
D 5338 Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegrada-
minor changes in technical content from this guide developed by
tion of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting
Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics of Com-
Conditions
mittee D-20 on Plastics.
D 5509 Practice for Exposing Plastics to a Simulated Com-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
post Environment
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
D 5512 Practice for Exposing Plastics to a Simulated Com-
information only.
post Environment Using an Externally Heated Reactor
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D 5734 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Nonwoven
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf) Apparatus
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D 5988 Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodeg-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
radation In Soil of Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Materials After Composting
D 5951 Practice for Preparing Residual Solids Obtained
2. Referenced Documents
After Biodegradation Standard Methods for Plastics in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Solid Waste for Toxicity and Compost Quality Testing
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D 6002 GuidetoAssesstheCompostabilityofEnvironmen-
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
tally Degradable Plastics
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
E 1440 Guide for an Acute Toxicity Test with the Rotifer
D 3593 Test Method for Molecular Weight and Molecular
Brachionus (and with Microcrustacean Thamnocelphalus)
Distribution of Certain Polymers by Liquid Size Exclusion
E 1720 Test Method for Determining Ready, Ultimate, Bio-
Chromatography (GPC) Using Universal Calibration
degradabilityofOrganicChemicalsinaSealedVesselCO
D 3776 Test Methods for Mass per Unit Area (Weight) of
Production Test
Woven Fabrics
G22 Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic
D 3786 Test Method for Hydraulic Bursting Strength of
Polymeric Materials to Bacteria
Knitted Goods and Nonwoven Fabrics-Diaphragm Burst-
2.2 ORCA Standard:
ing Strength Tester Method
Guidelines for the Evaluation of Feedstock for Source
D 5034 Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation
Separated Biowaste Composting and Biogasification,
of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
D 5152 Practice for Water Extraction of Residual Solids
2.3 OECD Standards:
from Degraded Plastics for Toxicity Testing
OECD Guideline 207, Earthworm, Acute Toxicity Tests
OECD Guideline 208, Terrestrial Plants, Growth Test
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.90 on Executive.
Current edition approved May 10, 1997. Published September 1997. Organic Reclamation and Composting Association (ORCA), Avenue E. Mou-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or nier 83, Box 1, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Organization for Economic Development (OECD), OECD Guidelines for
Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Testing of Chemicals, Available from Director of Information, 2 rue André Pascal,
the ASTM website. 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D6094–97 (2004)
2.4 Other Documents: 45°C (68 to 113°F) and is characterized by the presence and
Guidelines for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, activity of organisms capable of thriving at these temperatures
1992 (see 2.5).
Towards Common Ground, The International Workshop on 3.1.6.1 Discussion—Rates of biodegradation are typically
Biodegradability, 1992 dependent upon the temperature of the medium and on the
2.5 Compositing Documents: organism populations in the compost. (See thermophilic.)
Compost Facility Operating Guide, 1995 3.1.7 nonwoven fabric, n—a textile structure produced by
Recommended Test Methods for the Examination of Com- bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by
post and Composting mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means and combi-
U.S. Solid Waste Composting Facility Profiles—Volume II, nations thereof (syn. nonwovens).
1993 3.1.8 thermophilic, adj—a descriptive term for a phase in
thecompostingprocessthatoccursbetweentemperaturesof45
3. Terminology to 75°C (113 to 167°F) and it is associated with specific
colonies of microorganisms that accomplish a high rate of
3.1 Definitions:
decomposition (see 2.5).
3.1.1 biodegradable material, n—a material in which the
3.1.9 Fordefinitionsofothertextiletermsusedinthisguide,
degradation results from the action of naturally occurring
refer to Terminology D 123. For definitions of other plastic
micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.
related terms used in this guide refer to Terminology D 883.
3.1.2 compostable material, n—a material capable of un-
dergoing biological decomposition such that the material is not
4. Summary of Guide
visually distinguishable and breaks down into carbon dioxide,
4.1 This guide utilizes a tiered criteria-based approach to
water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent
assess the compostability of environmentally degradable non-
with known compostable materials (1).
woven fabrics and products, which includes, in tier one,
3.1.3 composting, n—a managed process that controls bio-
biodegradation testing of materials used in the nonwoven
logical decomposition and transformation of biodegradable
fabric or product. In addition, the nonwoven fabric or product
material into a humus-like substance called compost; the
must be compostable in its finished form, meaning that the rate
aerobic mesophilic and thermophilic degradation of organic
of disintegration of the nonwoven in actual compost proceeds
matter to make compost; the transformation of biologically
at an acceptable rate. The second and third tiers of testing
decomposable material through a controlled process of bio-
address this issue.
oxidationwhichproceedsthroughmesophilicandthermophilic
4.1.1 Focus is directed to applying resources on materials of
phases, and results in the production of carbon dioxide, water,
greatest interest and potential. The tiers progress from rapid
minerals and stabilized organic matter (compost or humus).
screening of nonwoven fabric and products (including all
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Composting uses a natural process to
materials comprised therein) to relatively long term, more
stabilize mixed decomposable organic material recovered from
complex/higher cost evaluations.
municipal solid waste, yard trimmings, biosolids (digested
4.1.2 This guide includes methods that simulate mesophilic
sewage sludge), certain industrial residues and commercial
and thermophilic phases that are representative of composting
residues (see 2.4).
processes and compost end use.
3.1.4 degradable material, n—a material designed to un-
NOTE 2—The availability of other test methods appropriate for this
dergo a significant change in its chemical structure under
guide is acknowledged.
specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some
properties that may be measured by standard methods appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate to the plastic and the application in a period of time that
5.1 The nonwoven fabric or product can be formed from a
determines its classification.
combination of materials (natural or manufactured fibers,
3.1.5 fragmentation rate, n—the rate at which a material
continuous or staple fibers, film laminate, binder resins, etc.).
fractures during testing as a result of mechanical agitation,
Each material may be comprised of more than a single
chemical degradation, or biodegradation.
component,forexample,naturalorsyntheticpolymers,dyesor
3.1.6 mesophilic, adj—a descriptive term for a phase in the
pigments, surfactants, and other additives.All components and
composting process that occurs between temperatures of 20 to
materials which are organic in nature must be evaluated and
determined to be biodegradable and to cause no toxic or
negative effect in the compost medium. Inorganic fillers or
additives (except for heavy metal salts, which are separately
Federal Trade Commission, 6th Street & Pennsylvania, NW, Washington, DC
20580.
regulated)areassumedtobeneutraltothecompostingprocess.
Workshop proceedings can be obtained from the Institute for Local Self-
Biodegradation of the materials is demonstrated only through
Reliance, National Office, 2425 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009-2096.
7 carbon dioxide evolution tests and is considered to be the first
The Composting Council, 14 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
andoneofthemostimportantstepsinestablishingtheultimate
The National Composting Program, The United Conference of Mayors, 1620
Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
compostability of the nonwoven.
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the
5.2 Nonwoven fabrics and products that are designed to
end of the text.
degrade after use have been developed. These nonwovens are
Definition as given in the Compost Facility Operating Guide referenced in
Footnote 13. intended to enhance existing solid waste landfill diversion
D6094–97 (2004)
programs by allowing difficult to recycle materials to be 6.3.2 Practice G 22 (Bacteria Growth Resistance)—In this
collected and processed in alternative solid waste disposal practice solid materials are placed in inoculated molten agar
systems. Biological waste management, such as composting, and the extent of microbial growth is rated. Test duration is
has emerged as a viable approach to process these compostable about 14 days. A positive result indicates the test material is
nonwovens along with the organic fraction of municipal solid potentially biodegradable.
waste (MSW). A comprehensive testing program is needed to 6.3.3 Clear Zone Assays—Opaque test material is dispersed
establish the compostability (for example, fragmentation rate, into solid agar. A given quantity of microorganisms is applied
biodegradation rate and safety) of these materials. to form a lawn. Degradation of a material is indicated by
formation of clear zones in the solid medium. Test duration is
5.3 Each tier in this guide includes objectives and a sum-
mary which presents potential test methods, method principles, 3 to 14 days. A positive result indicates the test material is
potentially biodegradable. Microbes indigenous to the com-
test duration, implication of results and recommended priority.
posting or soil environment can be evaluated with this method.
5.4 This guide can be adapted to generate product specific
Biodegradability of non-opaque organic materials can be
evidence for substantiation of compostable claims and obtain-
assessed by adding the indicator 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium
ing classification as a compostable product. State and local
chloride (TTC) to the media. If microbial colonies can oxidize
regulations should also be considered.
the material, their electron-transport pathways will reduce the
TTC. Reduced TTC is detected by its deep red color, whereas
6. Tier 1: Biodegradation Screening Tests
oxidized TTC is colorless (1).
6.1 Summary—In this tier, rapid screening-level studies are
6.3.4 Test Method E 1720 (Biodegradability in a Sealed
performed, under mesophilic conditions, to obtain information
Vessel)—Ready aerobic biodegradability of organic materials
unavailable from literature review. The objectives are to
is assessed in small sealed vessels inoculated with sewage
determine whether biodegradation of the materials in the
microbes. Gaseous CO is monitored by head space analysis.
nonwovenfabricorproductcanoccur,wherebiodegradationis
This method represents a simpler approach relative to Practice
based upon carbon dioxide (CO ) production, and expand the
D 5209. A positive result ($60 %) usually indicates that the
understanding of the degradation mechanism.
material will also biodegrade in a composting environment.
6.2 The following test methods are recommended for initial
6.4 Substrate Utilization—If it appears a material is being
screening of materials in the nonwoven fabric or product.
colonized or utilized as a growth substrate by microorganisms,
6.2.1 Test Method D 5209 (Sturm Test)—This aqueous test
a more fundamental understanding of the degradation process
method utilizes a fresh sample of activated sewage sludge that
can be obtained.This typically involves preparation of purified
has been aerated, homogenized and settled. The supernatant is
microbial cultures capable of utilizing the material as a carbon
used as the inoculum. It contains primarily a mixed bacterial
source. The pure cultures can then be used for isolation and
population which promotes rapid biodegradation under meso-
characterization of cellular enzyme systems contributing to
philic conditions. Metabolism of test materials produces CO ,
degradation of the material (2).
that is trapped in alkali solution and quantitated by titration.
6.5 Cress Seed Germination Bioassay—This test method is
Test length is typically 30 days, but can be extended if the
used to assess the potential effect of materials on plant
medium is reinoculated. A positive result (recovery of$60 %
germination. This step may be especially valuable for screen-
of theoretical CO ) usually indicates the material will also
ing processing additives used at 1 % or less in the nonwoven.
biodegrade in a com
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