ASTM D6868 Compostable Coated Paper & Plastic-Composite Testing
ASTM D6868 applies to end goods that contain plastics or polymers and are designed to be composted under aerobic conditions in municipal and industrial composting facilities where thermophilic temperatures are achieved (either through lamination, extrusion, or mixing). The SI units are to be taken as standard.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D6868 covers the labeling requirements for end items that incorporate plastics as additives into paper or other substrates, and are designed to be aerobically composted in industrial composting facilities. It ensures that compostability claims on mixed-material products (e.g., coated papers, laminated food packaging) are scientifically substantiated and consistent.
This standard is important for manufacturers of compostable packaging, food service items, and consumer products that make environmental labeling claims, bridging material-level compostability testing and product-level application.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D6868 applies to end items such as coated papers, laminates, and other composite products containing plastic components that are marketed as compostable. It requires:
- Compliance with ASTM D6400 for any plastic additives used
- Demonstration that the entire end item disintegrates and biodegrades in industrial composting
- No ecotoxicity to compost from residual material
- Labeling accuracy for compostability claims
Applications
- Compostable food service packaging (cups, plates, containers)
- Plastic-coated paper bags and wraps
- Agricultural mulch films with paper substrates
- Compostable labels and tags
- Retail packaging with mixed plastic-paper construction
Benefits
- Enables substantiated compostability labeling for composite products
- Builds consumer trust in environmental product claims
- Supports compliance with composting facility acceptance criteria
- Encourages development of compostable packaging innovations
- Aligns with international standards on industrial composting
Test Process
Component Verification
Each plastic additive or coating is verified for compliance with ASTM D6400 specifications.
1Disintegration Testing
The complete end item is subjected to industrial composting conditions to verify physical disintegration within the required time.
2Biodegradation Testing
The biodegradation rate of the total carbon in the product is measured under controlled aerobic composting conditions.
3Ecotoxicity Assessment
Mature compost containing the test material is assessed for phytotoxicity and plant growth impacts.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Products | End items with plastic additives combined with paper/substrate |
| Composting Type | Aerobic industrial composting |
| Disintegration Requirement | No more than 10% residual > 2mm after defined composting period |
| Biodegradation Reference | Per ASTM D5338 or equivalent |
| Ecotoxicity Reference | Compost plant growth bioassay |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Industrial composting simulation vessel (bioreactor)
- CO2 measurement system for biodegradation monitoring
- Sieve set (2 mm mesh) for disintegration assessment
- Plant germination and growth test apparatus
- Balance and sample preparation equipment
Results and Deliverables
- Disintegration rate and final residual percentage
- Biodegradation percentage relative to the positive control
- Ecotoxicity/phytotoxicity assessment results
- Pass/fail determination against ASTM D6868 criteria
- Test report
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D6868?
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Frequently Asked Questions
D6400 applies to plastic products intended for composting, while D6868 applies to composite end items where plastic is an additive component combined with paper or other substrates.
ASTM D6868 is a standard specification covering labeling of biobased products, ensuring clear identification of renewable content and helping consumers and industries distinguish biobased materials from conventional petroleum-based products.
ASTM D6868 is important because it supports accurate labeling of biobased products, promotes transparency, helps regulatory compliance, and encourages the use of renewable resources in manufacturing and consumer goods.
ASTM D6868 establishes requirements for labeling based on verified biobased content, typically determined using standards like ASTM D6866, ensuring consistency and reliability in product identification.
ASTM D6868 requires proper documentation, verified test results, and accurate representation of biobased content on labels, ensuring claims are scientifically supported and not misleading.
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