EN 14046:2003

Packaging - Evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of released carbon dioxide

This European Standard specifies a method for the evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials based on organic compounds under controlled composting conditions by measurement of released carbon dioxide at the end of the test. This method is designed to resemble typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. The packaging material is exposed in a laboratory test to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where especially temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. The test method is designed to yield a percentage and rate of conversion of carbon of the test material to released carbon dioxide.
The conditions described in this European Standard do not necessarily always correspond to the optimal conditions allowing the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur.

Verpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aeroben biologischen Abbaubarkeit von Packstoffen unter kontrollierten Kompostierbedingungen - Verfahren mittels Analyse des freigesetzten Kohlenstoffdioxids

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der vollständigen aeroben biologischen Abbaubarkeit von Verpackungsmaterial fest, welches auf organischen Bestandteilen basiert. Das Verfahrensprinzip beruht auf kontrollierten Kompostierungsbedingungen und Messung des freigesetzten Kohlenstoffdioxids bis zum Ende der Prüfung. Dieses Verfahren ist in seinen Bedingungen einer typischen aeroben Kompostierung der organischen Fraktion von gemischtem, festem Siedlungsabfall ähnlich. Das zu prüfende Verpackungsmaterial wird in der Laborprüfung einem Kompostinokulum ausgesetzt. Die Bedingungen der aeroben Kompostierung, insbesondere Temperatur, Belüftung und Feuchtigkeit, werden genau aufgezeichnet und kontrolliert. Das Verfahren liefert als Ergebnis die prozentuelle Umsetzung des Kohlenstoffes aus dem Prüfmaterial in freigesetztes Kohlenstoffdioxid.
Die in dieser Europäischen Norm beschriebenen Bedingungen sind nicht notwendigerweise gleich jenen, die zum Erreichen der maximalen Umsetzungsrate in Kohlenstoffdioxid führen.

Emballage - Evaluation de la biodégradabilité aérobie ultime et de la désintégration des matériaux d'emballage dans des conditions contrôlées de compostage - Méthode par analyse du dioxyde de carbone libéré

Embalaža – Vrednotenje končne aerobne biorazgradljivosti in razkroja embalažnih materialov pod nadzorovanimi pogoji kompostiranja – Metoda z analizo sproščenega ogljikovega dioksida

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Mar-2003
• ICS: 13.030.99 - Other standards related to wastes
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 261 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 261/SC 4/WG 2 - Degradability and organic recovery of packaging and packaging materials
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 29-Jan-2025
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard94/62/EC - Packaging and packaging waste
• Mandate: M/200 - Mandate to CEN for standardization and a study related to packaging and packaging waste
• Ref Project: SIST EN 14046:2003 - Packaging - Evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of released carbon dioxide

Relations

• Referred By: EN ISO 13137:2013 - Workplace atmospheres - Pumps for personal sampling of chemical and biological agents - Requirements and test methods (ISO 13137:2013)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN ISO 4064-2:2017 - Water meters for cold potable water and hot water - Part 2: Test methods (ISO 4064-2:2014)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN ISO 4064-2:2014 - Water meters for cold potable water and hot water - Part 2: Test methods (ISO 4064-2:2014)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 14046:2003 is a European Standard developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) that specifies a laboratory method to evaluate the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials under controlled composting conditions. The method focuses on measuring the amount of carbon dioxide released during the biodegradation process, simulating typical aerobic composting environments found in the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. This standard is crucial for assessing the biodegradability of packaging and supports the development of sustainable packaging solutions compliant with modern waste management practices.

Key Topics

• Controlled Composting Conditions: The test is conducted under strictly monitored temperature, humidity, and aeration to closely replicate conditions in industrial composting facilities.
• Biodegradation Measurement: The main metric is the percentage and rate of conversion of the packaging material's carbon to carbon dioxide.
• Standardized Test Procedure: Inoculum derived from mature compost is mixed with the test packaging material, followed by incubation at 58°C ± 2°C for at least 45 days.
• CO₂ Analysis: Carbon dioxide produced is monitored throughout the test period to determine the degree of biodegradation, excluding carbon converted to new microbial biomass.
• Reference Material and Controls: The procedure includes positive controls (e.g., cellulose) and blanks (compost alone) to validate test accuracy.
• Evaluation Criteria: The test is considered valid if the reference substance degrades by more than 70% and other consistency criteria are met.

Applications

The EN 14046:2003 standard is highly relevant for:

• Packaging Manufacturers: Demonstrates compliance of biodegradable packaging materials intended for composting, supporting environmental claims and eco-label certifications.
• Product Development: Guides research and development teams in designing packaging materials that meet compostability requirements.
• Quality Control: Provides a repeatable, reliable laboratory method for companies wishing to ensure their packaging meets European compostability standards.
• Waste Management and Recycling Facilities: Helps operators evaluate and accept packaging materials to industrial composting systems, ensuring harmonization with composting regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports claims related to the environmental performance of packaging, aligning with EU directives on packaging waste and sustainable materials.

Related Standards

• EN 13432: Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation.
• EN 14995: Plastics - Evaluation of compostability.
• ISO 14855: Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide.
• ISO 18601-18606 Series: Covers general requirements for packaging and specific recovery routes, including composting and biodegradation.
• EN 13428 / EN 13430: Standards related to the minimization and recyclability of packaging.

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EN 14046:2003 serves as an essential tool for any organization focused on the environmental impact, biodegradability, and sustainability of packaging materials. By using a robust method for evaluating aerobic biodegradation under controlled conditions, it not only ensures material compliance but also fosters innovation in sustainable packaging design. This standard, used together with related European and international standards, provides a comprehensive framework for advancing waste reduction and supporting a circular economy in packaging.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.L]RVerpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aeroben biologischen Abbaubarkeit von Packstoffen unter kontrollierten Kompostierbedingungen - Verfahren mittels Analyse des freigesetzten KohlenstoffdioxidsEmballage - Evaluation de la biodégradabilité aérobie ultime et de la désintégration des matériaux d'emballage dans des conditions contrôlées de compostage - Méthode par analyse du dioxyde de carbone libéréPackaging - Evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of released carbon dioxide55.040SDNLUDQMHPackaging materials and accessories13.030.99Drugi standardi v zvezi z odpadkiOther standards related to wastesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14046:2003SIST EN 14046:2003en01-julij-2003SIST EN 14046:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14046March 2003ICS 13.030.99; 55.040English versionPackaging - Evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradabilityand disintegration of packaging materials under controlledcomposting conditions - Method by analysis of released carbondioxideEmballage - Evaluation de la biodégradabilité aérobieultime et de la désintégration des matériaux d'emballagedans des conditions contrôlées de compostage - Méthodepar analyse du dioxyde de carbone libéréVerpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aerobenbiologischen Abbaubarkeit und Desintegration vonPackstoffen unter kontrollierten Kompostierbedingungen -Verfahren mittels Analyse des freigesetztenKohlenstoffdioxidsThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 December 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14046:2003 ESIST EN 14046:2003

Principle of a test system with released carbon dioxide.12Annex B (informative)
Example of a carbon dioxide release and a biodegradation curve.13Annex C (informative)
Example of weight loss determination.15Annex D (informative)
Information - Ring test.18Annex E (informative)
Example of form sheets.19Bibliography.22SIST EN 14046:2003

tensile bars, granules or powder. The maximumsurface area of a compact test material used should be about 2 cm ´ 2 cm. In case the original test material is larger,reduce it in particle size.SIST EN 14046:2003
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