SIST EN 14048:2003

Packaging - Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials in an aqueous medium - Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer

This standard specifies a method to evaluate the ultimate biodegradability of packaging materials and its constituents by measurement of O2-consumption.

Verpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aeroben Bioabbaubarkeit von Verpackungsmaterialien in einem wässrigen Meduim - Verfahren mittels Messung des Sauerstoffbedarfs in einem geschlossenen Respirometer

Emballage - Détermination de la biodégradabilité aérobie ultime des matériaux d'emballage dans un milieu aqueux - Méthode de mesure de la demande d'oxygene dans un respirometre fermé

La présente norme spécifie une méthode pour évaluer la biodégradabilité ultime des matériaux d'emballage et de ses constituants par mesure de la demande d'O2.

Embalaža – Določevanje končne aerobne biorazgradljivosti embalažnih materialov v vodnem mediju – Metoda z merjenjem porabe kisika v zaprtem respirometru

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2003
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: EPO - Packaging - sales and grouped
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Due Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Completion Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Directive: 94/62/EC - European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste
• Mandate: M/200 - Mandate to CEN for standardization and a study related to packaging and packaging waste
• Ref Project: EN 14048:2002 - Packaging - Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials in an aqueous medium - Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer

Overview

SIST EN 14048:2003 is a European standard developed by CEN focused on assessing the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials in an aqueous medium. The standard specifies a method for evaluating biodegradability by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer. It is essential for manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental agencies seeking to ensure packaging materials meet biodegradability requirements. The method supports sustainable packaging initiatives by providing a scientifically sound and reproducible test procedure.

Key Topics

• Scope of the Standard
  SIST EN 14048:2003 applies to packaging materials and their constituents intended to be organic recoverable. It determines ultimate aerobic biodegradability by quantifying oxygen consumption during the biodegradation process in water.

• Testing Principle
  The method uses a closed respirometer system to measure oxygen demand continuously. Oxygen consumption reflects microbial oxidation of biodegradable substances, providing reliable data on biodegradability.

• Relation to Other Standards
  This standard references EN 13432, which defines requirements for packaging materials recoverable through composting and biodegradation, and ISO 14851, a method for ultimate aerobic biodegradability testing of plastics in aqueous media. EN 14048 complements these by adapting established plastic biodegradability methodologies for packaging materials broadly.

• Method Adaptability
  Although ISO 14851 originally targets plastics, EN 14048 extends the respirometric oxygen consumption test to various packaging materials and components, ensuring broad application and consistency in biodegradability evaluation.

Applications

• Packaging Industry
  Manufacturers use EN 14048 to verify that packaging materials comply with environmental regulations and market claims about biodegradability, enhancing product sustainability profiles.

• Environmental Compliance
  Regulatory bodies and certification agencies use the standard to assess packaging material compliance with eco-design standards and green labeling schemes such as those under EN 13432.

• Material Innovation
  Research and development teams leverage the oxygen demand test method to develop new biodegradable packaging solutions and optimize formulations for improved environmental performance.

• Waste Management and Composting
  The standard assists in predicting the behavior of packaging waste in organic recovery systems, supporting efficient composting and biodegradation processes.

Related Standards

• EN 13432: Packaging – Requirements for Recoverability through Composting and Biodegradation
  Defines test schemes and evaluation criteria for packaging acceptance in composting and biodegradation environments.

• ISO 14851: Determination of Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability of Plastics in Aqueous Medium
  Provides a detailed method for measuring oxygen demand related to plastic biodegradation in water, serving as a technical basis for EN 14048.

• CEN/TC 261 Packaging Committee Guidelines
  CEN’s technical committee responsible for developing and harmonizing packaging standards across European markets.

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SIST EN 14048:2003 plays a critical role in advancing sustainable packaging by standardizing the measurement of aerobic biodegradability in aqueous environments. By using oxygen demand measurement in a closed respirometer, this method delivers precise, replicable results that empower stakeholders to develop, certify, and regulate biodegradable packaging materials effectively. This alignment with broader environmental norms supports circular economy goals within the packaging and waste management sectors.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.LURPHWUXVerpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aeroben Bioabbaubarkeit von Verpackungsmaterialien in einem wässrigen Meduim - Verfahren mittels Messung des Sauerstoffbedarfs in einem geschlossenen RespirometerEmballage - Détermination de la biodégradabilité aérobie ultime des matériaux d'emballage dans un milieu aqueux - Méthode de mesure de la demande d'oxygene dans un respirometre ferméPackaging - Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials in an aqueous medium - Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer55.020Pakiranje in distribucija blaga na splošnoPackaging and distribution of goods in generalICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14048:2002SIST EN 14048:2003en01-julij-2003SIST EN 14048:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14048December 2002ICS 55.020English versionPackaging - Determination of the ultimate aerobicbiodegradability of packaging materials in an aqueous medium -Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closedrespirometerEmballage - Détermination de la biodégradabilité aérobieultime des matériaux d'emballage dans un milieu aqueux -Méthode de mesure de la demande d'oxygène dans unrespiromètre ferméVerpackung - Bestimmung der vollständigen aerobenBioabbaubarkeit von Verpackungsmaterialien in einemwässrigen Meduim - Verfahren mittels Messung desSauerstoffbedarfs in einem geschlossenen RespirometerThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 8 November 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,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre:
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