Biodegradability Certification

RespirTek, Inc. Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program

RespirTek’s Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program provides independent, laboratory-verified certification for products and chemical substances that meet defined criteria for Ready Biodegradability or Ultimate Biodegradability in aquatic environments.

All testing is conducted under RespirTek’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation using internationally recognized test methodologies, including:

  • OECD 301
  • OECD 310
  • ISO 7827
  • ISO 9408
  • ISO 9439
  • ISO 10707
  • ISO 14593
  • ASTM D5864
  • ASTM D6139
  • ASTM D6731

Certification decisions are based exclusively in accordance with RespirTek’s published Certification Scheme requirements.

Apply for Certification

Purpose of the Program

The RespirTek Certification Program is designed to:

  • Provide third-party validation of Ready or Ultimate Biodegradability claims
  • Support regulatory submissions and technical documentation
  • Reduce the risk of unsupported or misleading environmental claims
  • Establish transparent, science-based performance criteria
  • Create confidence among manufacturers, regulators, distributors, researchers, and consumers
  • Delivers instantly recognizable consumer-facing branding verifying the biodegradability of certified products

Upon successful certification, clients are authorized to use the RespirTek Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Mark on approved materials in accordance with the Certification Mark Use Guidelines.

Authorization is subject to ongoing compliance and may be suspended or withdrawn if program requirements are not maintained.

Why RespirTek?

RespirTek is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory specializing exclusively in biodegradability and environmental fate testing. We provide independent certification for Ready and Ultimate Biodegradability in aquatic environments.

Our certification program is grounded in laboratory science. All decisions are based on stringent requirements using internationally recognized OECD, ISO, and ASTM methodologies and sources.

Our expertise includes:

  • Over 25 years of bioenvironmental/biodegradability testing experience
  • Expert technical interpretation of OECD classification requirements
  • Direct support for regulatory submissions and compliance documentation
  • High-value, scientifically rigorous evaluation of products and formulations

RespirTek does not grant certification based on self-declared claims or unverified third-party reports. Certification decisions are based exclusively on validated laboratory data and structured technical review.

Certification Categories

1. RespirTek Aqueous Ready Biodegradability Certification

Products or substances that meet OECD classification criteria under applicable OECD, ISO, or ASTM Ready Biodegradability standards within the required time window as defined by the methodology.

The Product as a whole, or each of the organic constituents that make up the Product, shall meet all OECD requirements for a ready biodegradability classification as defined in:

OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, Section 3

Testing must be conducted via an appropriate aerobic aqueous test method.

Aqueous Ready Biodegradability Testing Scheme

2. RespirTek Aqueous Ultimate Biodegradability Certification 

Products or substances that meet OECD classification criteria under applicable OECD, ISO, or ASTM Ultimate Biodegradability standards defined by the methodology.

The Product as a whole, or each of the organic constituents that make up the Product, shall meet all OECD requirements for an ultimate biodegradability classification as defined in:

OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, Section 3

Testing must be conducted via an appropriate aerobic aqueous test method.

Aqueous Ultimate Biodegradability Testing Scheme

Scope

The program applies to:

  • Chemical substances
  • Surfactants
  • Formulated products (e.g., detergents, cleaners, personal care products)
  • Raw materials
  • Intermediate products
  • Water-soluble and insoluble materials
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Packaging materials
  • Plastics
  • Finished products

Exclusions, material limitations, and applicability conditions are defined within the Certification Scheme.

Certification Process

  • Application Submission
  • Technical Review of Formulation and Documentation
  • Laboratory Testing under Approved Standards
  • Impartial Data Evaluation
  • Certification Decision
  • Execution of Certification Agreement
  • Listing in the RespirTek Certified Products Database
  • Authorization for use of the Certification Mark

All certifications are subject to surveillance and defined validity periods.

The initial certification is granted for a period of three (3) years.

Certificate holders may apply for extension or renewal prior to expiration, subject to the requirements defined in the applicable Certification Scheme.

Use of the RespirTek Certification Mark

  • Upon successful certification, approved clients are granted authorization to use the appropriate RespirTek Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Mark in accordance with the Certification Mark Use Guidelines.The Certification Mark serves as:
    • A visible indicator of independently verified laboratory performance
    • A traceable certification tied to a specific product and certificate number
    • A controlled conformity mark governed by defined usage requirements

    Authorization for mark use is subject to surveillance and may be suspended or withdrawn if program requirements are not maintained. This ensures the Certification Mark represents verified laboratory data, and not a self-declared environmental claim.

Transparency & Accountability

  • RespirTek maintains records of complaints and appeals in accordance with internal quality procedures following ISO/IEC 17025:2017 guidelines.Confirmed misuse of the Certification Mark or non-compliance with Certification Scheme requirements may result in:
    • Suspension of certification
    • Withdrawal of certification
    • Public notice of status change in the Certified Products Database

    All certified products are listed in our publicly accessible database, including:

    • Product name
    • Company name
    • Certification category
    • Certification period

Program Governance & Integrity

  • RespirTek is committed to maintaining the integrity, impartiality, and technical objectivity of its Aqueous Biodegradability Certification Program. Certification decisions are based solely on verified laboratory data, compliance with the Certification Scheme, and documented technical evaluation.Personnel involved in certification review operate free from conflicts of interest, and certification outcomes are not influenced by commercial or external pressures. RespirTek does not grant certification based on marketing claims or self-declared data.
  • Complaints & Appeals Complaints: RespirTek accepts written complaints related to certification decisions, certified products, misuse of the Certification Mark, or non-compliance with program requirements. Complaints are reviewed by impartial personnel, findings are documented, and outcomes are communicated to the complainant.
  • Appeals: Certificate holders may submit a written appeal within 30 days of a certification decision if they believe testing or review did not follow required protocols. During the appeal process, the current certification remains valid. Appeals are limited to one per certification cycle per material. Re-testing, if required, is provided at no cost if an error is confirmed; otherwise, additional testing is at the applicant’s expense.All complaints and appeals are handled promptly and fairly, and decisions are final within the scope of the program.

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