In today’s sustainability-focused world, it is vital for companies to understand the biodegradability of materials in order to comply with environmental regulations and certification standards. One of the most widely recognized and accepted tests for assessing biodegradability is the OECD 301B test, a reliable method for determining the aerobic biodegradability of organic substances. If you’re looking for a trusted OECD 301B biodegradability testing lab, it is important to choose one with the necessary expertise, accreditation, and capability to provide accurate results.
What is OECD 301B Biodegradability Testing?
The OECD 301B test, also known as the CO₂ Evolution Test, is a standardized method used to evaluate ready or ultimate biodegradability of a substance under aerobic conditions. This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolved as microorganisms break down the test material in a controlled environment. It is commonly used for:
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring products meet biodegradability requirements for regulations such as REACH, FIFRA, TSCA, and California’s SCP.
- Environmental Claims Verification – Providing scientific validation for biodegradability claims. A certificate of biodegradability is issued with the testing report (assuming passing results).
- Sustainability Assessments – Supporting new product development and R&D for biodegradability potential. Screen and certified testing options are available.
- Certification Purposes – Meeting the criteria for biodegradability certifications for programs such as Cradle to Cradle and Safer Choice.
Why Choose an ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 Accredited OECD 301B Biodegradability Testing Lab?
Selecting the right OECD 301B biodegradability testing lab ensures your materials undergo rigorous testing in compliance with international standards. A certified and experienced lab provides:
- Accurate and Reliable Results – Laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 maintain strict quality control measures to ensure precision.
- Regulatory Compliance – ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories are recognized as technically competent and trustworthy, which is crucial when dealing with regulatory bodies.
- Versatile Testing Solutions – ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited biodegradability laboratories have the technical expertise to perform testing on a variety of material types, including plastics, coatings, chemicals, polymers, surfactants, detergents, and packaging materials.
- Comprehensive Reporting – Detailed biodegradation reports help companies make informed decisions about product sustainability.
The OECD 301B Testing Process
- Sample Preparation – The test material is introduced into an aqueous medium containing microorganisms collected from a local WWTP and a nutrient media at the method required concentrations.
- Aerobic Incubation – The test is usually conducted for 28 days under controlled conditions. The OECD 301B test may be extended if needed to meet the requirements for ultimate biodegradability. RespirTek provides updates throughout the entire testing process with data progressions to keep you informed about the biodegradability performance of your products.
- CO₂ Evolution Measurement – The amount of CO₂ released is monitored to determine the biodegradation percentage over time.
- Pass/Fail Criteria – If the substance achieves ≥ 60% conversion of CO₂ evolution within the test, along with all method requirements for test validity, it will meet the requirements for a biodegradability classification.
The OECD 301B certified test allows for direct, explicit classification of a material’s biodegradability. The method establishes threshold criteria for the direct classification of materials under the terms of ready or ultimate biodegradability according to OECD definitions.
Ready Biodegradability:
A material is readily biodegradable if 60% of the organic carbon in the material is converted to CO2 within a 10-day window during the 28-day test period. The 10-day window starts when 10% of the organic carbon has been converted to CO2 and lasts ten days (but must end before 28 full days of the test).
Ultimate Biodegradability:
A material is ultimately biodegradable (under the subclassification of inherent biodegradability) if 60% of the organic carbon in the material converts to CO2 throughout the test. In this case, the test can be extended beyond 28 days.
Industries That Benefit from OECD 301B Testing
Many industries rely on OECD 301B biodegradability testing labs to validate environmental claims:
- Biodegradable Packaging – Ensuring compliance with biodegradability standards.
- Chemical & Surfactant Manufacturers and Distributors – Assessing the breakdown of detergents, lubricants, and cleaning agents.
- Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies – Evaluating the environmental fate of active ingredients and polymers.
- Marine & Agricultural Products – Testing materials that come into contact with soil, water, or natural ecosystems.
Partner with a Trusted OECD 301B Testing Lab
If your company is seeking OECD 301B biodegradability testing, it’s essential to work with a certified and experienced laboratory that ensures compliance with international environmental standards. A dedicated OECD 301B biodegradability testing lab will provide scientifically validated data to support your sustainability initiatives, regulatory approvals, and product development goals.
Contact RespirTek at (228) 392-7977 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our technical team to learn more about the OECD 301B test, and take the next step in ensuring your products meet the highest environmental standards.
