EN 13667 Chlorine in Organic Waste
The European Standard EN 13667 specifies the determination of chlorine content in organic waste. This is particularly relevant for ensuring that products labeled as compostable or biodegradable do not contain excessive levels of chlorine, which can inhibit effective composting and harm beneficial microorganisms.
The significance of this standard lies in its role within waste management and recycling testing, specifically addressing the challenge posed by chlorinated compounds. Chlorine-containing additives are frequently used in plastics to enhance their properties such as durability or flame retardancy. However, these compounds can persist through composting processes, leading to environmental concerns.
Composting facilities need to ensure that any materials they accept for composting do not contain excessive chlorine content, which could disrupt the natural decomposition process and affect soil quality. This is where EN 13667 comes into play by providing a methodical approach to quantifying chlorine levels in organic waste.
The standard outlines a procedure using titrimetric analysis involving potentiometric end-point detection. This involves preparing an aqueous extract of the organic waste sample and then titrating it with a standardized sodium thiosulfate solution until the endpoint is reached, which indicates that all available iodine has been reduced. The amount of sodium thiosulfate required to reach this point corresponds directly to the chlorine content present in the original sample.
This method ensures high precision and accuracy, making it suitable for both routine quality control checks as well as more comprehensive research studies aimed at understanding the impact of different additives on composting processes. By adhering strictly to EN 13667 guidelines, laboratories can provide reliable data that supports informed decision-making regarding product claims about biodegradability.
For instance, a company developing a new compostable packaging material might use this test to ensure their product meets stringent regulatory requirements before submitting it for broader market release. Similarly, municipal authorities responsible for managing waste streams could employ these tests to monitor incoming materials and maintain compliance with local environmental regulations.
- Customer Impact: Ensures products labeled as compostable truly meet those claims, reducing risks associated with false labeling.
- Sustainability: Helps prevent pollution of landfills by identifying and avoiding harmful substances during the design phase.
- Regulatory Compliance: Provides essential information needed for compliance checks ensuring businesses stay within legal boundaries.
In summary, EN 13667 plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity across various sectors including packaging manufacturers, municipal waste management companies, and research institutions focused on sustainable materials development. Its implementation ensures that only genuinely biodegradable products enter the composting cycle, thereby promoting true environmental sustainability.
Applied Standards
The primary applied standard for this service is EN 13667 - Determination of chlorine in organic waste. This European Standard specifies a procedure using potentiometric titrimetric analysis to determine the chlorine content in solid and liquid organic wastes.
To elaborate further, the procedure involves preparing an aqueous extract of the sample by adding it to distilled water followed by shaking gently for several minutes to ensure thorough mixing. After this initial step, the solution is filtered through a membrane filter with a pore size appropriate for capturing any particulates that may interfere with accurate measurement.
The filtrate obtained from this process serves as the basis for subsequent titration steps. A burette filled with standardized sodium thiosulfate solution is used to add drops into the filtered sample until reaching the endpoint determined by potentiometric measurements. At this point, all available iodine has been reduced by the chlorine present in the sample.
The volume of sodium thiosulfate consumed during this titration process directly correlates with the amount of chlorine present initially. Therefore, careful calibration and standardization are crucial aspects of conducting this test accurately.
Other supporting standards that complement EN 13667 include ISO 8402 series for general terms used in chemical analysis and ASTM D5289 which provides guidelines on the collection and preparation of solid waste samples. These additional references help ensure consistency across various testing environments while also providing broader context regarding proper sample handling practices.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients operating within sectors such as waste management and recycling. Our expertise in conducting EN 13667 tests ensures that you receive accurate, reliable results every time.
We employ highly skilled technicians equipped with state-of-the-art equipment capable of performing precise titrimetric analyses according to international standards like those specified by ISO and ASTM. Our laboratories adhere strictly to these protocols ensuring consistency and accuracy in all our findings.
Our commitment to quality extends beyond mere compliance; we strive to offer additional value-added services designed specifically for your business needs. For example, if you're developing a new compostable product, we can work closely with you throughout the entire testing process from initial sample preparation through final report generation. This collaborative approach allows us to identify potential issues early on and provide recommendations based on our findings.
In addition to technical excellence, Eurolab is committed to sustainability initiatives that align with your goals. By offering EN 13667 tests, we contribute towards reducing environmental impact by helping companies produce genuinely biodegradable products. Our services play a vital role in fostering trust and transparency within the industry, ensuring consumers can make informed choices about the products they choose.
Choose Eurolab for your EN 13667 chlorine testing needs and experience the difference that dedicated professionals bring to every project.
