In response to environmental challenges and growing expectations around sustainability, manufacturers are increasingly developing materials and products designed to reduce their environmental impact.Â
Among the key criteria are biodegradability and the ability of materials to break down naturally in the environment.
The materials concerned can be varied (non-exhaustive list):
However, the biodegradability of a material depends on many parameters: its chemical composition, its structure, environmental conditions, and even the presence of additives.
It is therefore essential to scientifically validate the behavior of materials in the environment through appropriate testing.
Assess biodegradability under different conditions
Biodegradability tests make it possible to assess a material’s ability to break down under the action of microorganisms in different environments.
These tests can be carried out in several environmental contexts, for example:
- in an aquatic environment
- in the soil
- under industrial composting conditions
- in simulated environments
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The analyses make it possible in particular to:
- track the material’s degradation over time
- identify the degradation products
- assess the biodegradation rate
- compare different materials or formulations
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Validate the environmental performance of materials
Biodegradability testing enables manufacturers to validate the environmental performance of their materials and incorporate this data into their innovation and eco-design initiatives.
The analysis carried out by FILAB make it possible in particular to:
compare different material formulations
identify the factors influencing degradation
validate bio-based materials or biodegradable
strengthen the environmental credibility of products
These analytical data also provide scientific support for regulatory, CSR, or Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) initiatives.
Would you like to assess the biodegradability of your materials or products?
Biodegradability testing makes it possible to objectify the environmental behavior of materials and support manufacturers in developing more sustainable solutions.
👉 Thanks to its expertise in analytical chemistry and materials characterization, FILAB supports manufacturers in setting up studies tailored to their materials and applications.
assess the biodegradability of their materials
assess the biodegradability of their materials
compare different bio-based solutions
compare different bio-based solutions
secure their eco-design initiatives
secure their eco-design initiatives
strengthen the environmental credibility of their products
strengthen the environmental credibility of their products
Why choose FILAB?
Let's discuss your project
Would you like to analyze the biodegradability of your materials or products?
Our experts can assess your situation and propose an analytical approach tailored to your materials and their use environment.
Learn more:
Life Cycle Assessment of Materials: Evaluating the Environmental Footprint of Industrial Products
Learn moreOur other services
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Transition Offer: analytical and consulting solution to optimize your environmental impact
FILAB supports industrial companies in their LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) efforts for their products to find environmental optimization solutions thanks to its expertise in chemistry and materials.
- Choose the right materials from the design stage
- Reduce your product's environmental footprint
- Reduce the environmental footprint by optimizing the production chain
- Turn waste into resources
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Our FAQ
This is a common misconception: the term "bio-based" refers to the material’s origin (biomass), while "biodegradable" refers to its end of life (its ability to be broken down by microorganisms). A polymer can be derived from petroleum and still be biodegradable, or vice versa. FILAB’s analysis make it possible to distinguish these properties and scientifically validate the actual behavior of your products.
Biodegradation is not a fixed intrinsic property. It depends on the material’s chemical structure, its form (thickness, porosity), and above all the environment (temperature, humidity, presence of bacteria). Our laboratory tests simulate different environments (soil, water, industrial composting) to determine precisely the time required for complete decomposition.
We use rigorous testing protocols that measure the transformation of organic carbon into CO2 or biomass. Thanks to our dual expertise in chemistry and materials, we also analyze residues to verify the absence of microplastics or persistent degradation products that could harm the ecosystem.
LCA requires reliable field data to calculate the overall environmental impact. By providing scientific proof of biodegradability, you strengthen the credibility of your CSR strategy and avoid any risk of greenwashing. FILAB’s data provide technical support for your environmental claims or certifications.
The Transition Offer supports packaging manufacturers (food processing, cosmetics, luxury goods) in choosing alternative formulations. We verify that the addition of additives or pigments does not block the biodegradation process. Working with an accredited ISO 17025 laboratory ensures that your innovations meet the most demanding sustainability standards.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your constraints and industrial urgencies.