EN 13685 Hydrocarbons in Compostable Waste
The European Standard EN 13685 specifies the determination of hydrocarbon content in compostable waste materials intended for industrial composting. This test is critical for ensuring that products labeled as biodegradable or compostable do not contain harmful levels of petroleum-based hydrocarbons, which can hinder the biological degradation process and contaminate valuable compost used in agriculture.
Hydrocarbons are a major component of fossil fuels and synthetic plastics, and their presence in compostable materials can indicate potential contamination from non-biodegradable sources. The test helps ensure that only truly sustainable and environmentally friendly waste products reach industrial composting facilities.
The standard is widely used by manufacturers of biodegradable packaging, agricultural films, and other plastic-like materials to verify the purity of their products before they enter the composting process. Compliance with this standard is crucial for maintaining market integrity and consumer trust in eco-friendly products.
During testing, samples are typically prepared according to the specified procedures outlined in EN 13685, which may include extraction methods using solvents like dichloromethane or Soxhlet extraction. The extracted hydrocarbons are then quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
The acceptance criteria for this test are stringent to ensure that only products with low levels of hydrocarbon contamination can be certified as compostable according to EN 13685. This helps protect the integrity of industrial composting facilities, which rely on uncontaminated organic matter to produce high-quality compost.
Understanding and adhering to this standard is essential for manufacturers aiming to meet market demands for sustainable products. It also supports regulatory compliance and enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Scope and Methodology
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sample Preparation: Collect samples of compostable waste materials according to the specified procedure in EN 13685. |
| 2 | Extraction: Extract hydrocarbons from the samples using a solvent like dichloromethane or through Soxhlet extraction. |
| 3 | Determination of Hydrocarbon Content: Use gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to quantify the extracted hydrocarbons. |
| 4 | Data Analysis: Compare the results against the acceptance criteria specified in EN 13685. |
| 5 | Reporting: Compile and report the test results, including any deviations from acceptable limits. |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample Type | Biodegradable plastics, agricultural films, and other compostable materials. |
| Test Method | Extraction using dichloromethane or Soxhlet extraction followed by GC/MS analysis. |
| Acceptance Criteria | Hydrocarbon content must not exceed 0.5% (mass/mass). |
Why Choose This Test
- Ensures compliance with international standards for compostable waste.
- Guarantees the purity of products intended for industrial composting.
- Aids in maintaining market integrity and consumer trust.
- Supports regulatory compliance requirements.
- Enhances brand reputation through demonstrated environmental responsibility.
- Protects industrial composting facilities from contamination by non-biodegradable materials.
- Facilitates the production of high-quality compost for agricultural use.
Use Cases and Application Examples
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Biodegradable Packaging | Verify that packaging materials meet the hydrocarbon content limits specified in EN 13685. |
| Agricultural Film Production | Ensure that agricultural films are free from harmful petroleum-based contaminants before they enter composting facilities. |
| Compostable Plastics Development | Test new formulations of compostable plastics to ensure they meet the strict hydrocarbon content limits. |
| Application Example | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer A | Company X produces biodegradable packaging. They use our laboratory to test their products for compliance with EN 13685, ensuring that they meet the hydrocarbon content limits. |
| Manufacturer B | Company Y specializes in agricultural films. Our lab helps them verify the purity of their films before they are sent for industrial composting. |
