The Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA) has expanded its technological capabilities by carrying out biodegradability and disintegration tests, positioning itself as a pioneering organisation accredited by ENAC for the rigorous assessment of biodegradable materials in an aqueous environment. This accreditation represents a key step towards supporting industry in the development of more sustainable products that are in line with current regulatory and environmental requirements. To date, the ITA is the only laboratory in Spain accredited by ENAC to carry out biodegradability testing in water in accordance with the UNE-EN ISO 14852 standard.

Accreditation in accordance with this UNE-EN ISO 14852 standard guarantees the reliability, technical competence and validity of biodegradability tests in an aqueous medium. This internationally recognised method enables the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials to be assessed by measuring the carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated under controlled laboratory conditions. The test is particularly relevant for materials designed to degrade in natural aquatic environments, such as rivers, lakes or marine environments, where the environmental impact of plastics is one of the main environmental challenges. Thanks to this accreditation, the ITA is responding to growing demand from companies that require robust technical evidence regarding the environmental performance of their materials. These tests are aimed at sectors such as the plastics industry, packaging, consumer goods, chemicals, coatings and innovative bio-based materials, which require objective and recognised validation of their products’ biodegradability.

Having this accredited test ensures that the results obtained are comparable, technically valid and accepted by certification bodies and competent authorities, thereby helping to prevent incorrect or misleading environmental claims and to strengthen market and consumer confidence. With this new accreditation, the ITA continues to strengthen its role as a leading technology partner, supporting companies in their transition towards more sustainable production models and in complying with the regulatory requirements associated with the circular economy. Full details of this test can be found at https://www.ita.es/analisis-y-ensayo/ensayos-quimicos/#biodegradabilidad

Source: ITA publication https://www.ita.es/actualidad/noticias/el-ita-se-acredita-en-ensayos-de-biodegradabilidad-en-agua-y-refuerza-su-liderazgo-en-materiales-sostenibles/