Companies developing more environmentally responsible products often want to demonstrate that their materials are biodegradable. However, concerns about testing costs, project timelines, and certification requirements can make it difficult to determine where to begin.
The good news is that biodegradability certification may cost less than you expect. Through RespirTek’s Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program, qualifying products can be certified for as low as $2,099 when additional biodegradability testing is not required.
The first step is a technical assessment designed to evaluate your product’s composition, available scientific information, and applicable certification requirements. This process helps determine whether existing information is sufficient or whether additional laboratory testing is necessary.
What Is Biodegradability Certification?
Biodegradability certification provides independent verification that a product or material meets defined biodegradability criteria under specified environmental conditions.
For manufacturers, formulators, and product developers, certification can provide credible scientific support for environmental claims and help distinguish verified product performance from unsubstantiated marketing statements.
Products that successfully complete the certification process are eligible to receive the appropriate RespirTek Biodegradability Certification Mark, providing companies with a recognizable way to communicate their product’s verified biodegradability status. Certified products are also included in RespirTek’s Certified Products Registry, allowing customers and other interested parties to verify certification status.RespirTek’s Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program focuses on Ready and Ultimate Aqueous Biodegradability. The program evaluates materials using defined certification criteria and applicable internationally recognized OECD, ISO, and ASTM test methods.
RespirTek is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory with extensive experience in biodegradability testing and environmental assessments. Our Biodegradability Certification Program goes beyond laboratory testing by incorporating an independent technical evaluation and certification process developed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 certification principles and guidelines. This approach distinguishes our program from testing services alone and provides a structured framework for evaluating whether products meet the applicable biodegradability requirements.
Can You Get Your Product Certified for $2,099?
In some cases, yes.
The initial technical assessment and application fee is $2,099 per product. If the assessment determines that additional biodegradability testing is not necessary and the product satisfies all applicable certification requirements, the product may qualify for certification at this starting price.
This is particularly relevant for products with well-documented compositions and existing scientific information that supports the required biodegradability criteria.
However, the $2,099 fee does not guarantee certification. Each product must undergo an individual assessment, and certification is granted only when all applicable requirements have been satisfied.
If additional testing is needed, RespirTek will identify the testing requirements and discuss the next steps with you. , helping reduce the overall cost of pursuing certification.
The benefit is simple: determine if your product qualifies for certification before committing to additional testing.
Why Does a Technical Assessment Matter?
Not every product requires the same testing approach. Formulations can contain multiple ingredients, and the available scientific information may vary significantly between components and constituents.
RespirTek’s technical assessment considers the product’s ingredient composition and relevant supporting information to determine the appropriate path toward certification.
Depending on the product, published scientific literature and recognized databases may provide useful information about individual ingredients. Some components and constituents may be eligible for evaluation using existing information, while others may require additional biodegradability testing.
This initial review helps identify potential testing needs before additional laboratory work begins. It also provides a clearer understanding of the applicable certification criteria, potential costs, and next steps.
Importantly, the assessment is not simply a review of whether a product has been marketed as biodegradable. Following the principles and guidelines of ISO/IEC 17065, our certification process requires that certification decisions be supported by the appropriate scientific evidence and demonstrated compliance with the applicable certification scheme.
What Types of Products Can Be Evaluated?
RespirTek’s Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program may be applicable to a range of materials and formulated products, depending on their characteristics and the program requirements.
Examples include:
- Surfactants and specialty chemicals
- Cleaning products and detergents
- Personal care formulations
- Industrial chemical products
- Raw materials and intermediate products
The program offers Ready and Ultimate Aqueous Biodegradability Certification. The appropriate category depends on the product, applicable criteria, and supporting scientific evidence.
Because certification eligibility varies by material, companies are encouraged to discuss their product with RespirTek before beginning the application process.
What Happens After the Assessment?
The process begins with an application and review of the product’s composition and available documentation.
Following the technical assessment, RespirTek determines whether additional biodegradability testing is required. If testing is necessary, the appropriate methods and requirements will be discussed before proceeding.
Once the assessment and any required testing are complete, the product undergoes evaluation against the applicable certification criteria. Products that satisfy all requirements may receive certification and authorization to use the appropriate
Certified products are also listed in RespirTek’s Certified Products Registry, providing a way to verify their certification status.
Initial certification is valid for three years, subject to the program’s applicable requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.
Conclusion
Biodegradability certification provides companies with an independent way to support their environmental claims, demonstrate product performance, and build confidence with customers and business partners. By evaluating individual ingredients and reviewing the complete formulation, RespirTek’s Biodegradability Certification Program helps identify potential testing requirements and prevent masking effects that may occur when only the final product is evaluated.
Your company does not necessarily need to begin with a full biodegradability testing program. Starting with a technical assessment can help determine whether additional testing is needed and establish a clear path toward certification. Certification starts at $2,099 for products that do not require additional biodegradability testing, making it possible to pursue independent certification without automatically committing to the cost of additional laboratory studies.
RespirTek provides biodegradability testing and certification services backed by our ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory, technical expertise, and a certification program developed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 guidelines. Our team works with companies to evaluate their products, identify applicable requirements, and navigate the certification process with greater confidence, supported by sound scientific evidence and a structured certification framework.
If your company is developing a new formulation or looking to substantiate the biodegradability claims of an existing product, start with a technical assessment to understand your options. Contact RespirTek today to learn more about our Biodegradability Certification Program and take the next step toward independently verified biodegradability claims.
