For OK compost® or OK biodegradable® certifications, the ecotoxicity requirements are evaluated.

Ecotoxicity is a validationstep to see that plant growth is not adversely affected

Plant ecotoxicity (domestic and industrial compost): The ecotoxicity test in domestic and industrial compost is carried out according to OECD 208 (Terrestrial plant test: test for emergence of seedlings and growth of seedlings). This test makes it possible to study the acute toxic effect on two types of plants (monocotyledon and dicot). The test consists of bringing the seeds and the compost having received the plastic to be tested into contact. After 21 days of observations, the plants are photographed and recovered. The size of the plants, the production of biomass (wet and dry), as well as the number of germinated plants, are examined and compared to the control compost (without plastic). For a plastic to be considered non–toxic to plants, at least 90% of the seeds must be germinated compared to the control, and biomass production of 90% compared to the control. No phytotoxic effects should be observed on plants.

This study is carried out in an enclosure with controlled temperature, humidity, and lights throughout the study. To carry out this test, IPC invested in a Memmert HPP 750 eco climatic chamber allowing the control of all the parameters.

Marine ecotoxicity: At IPC we test ecotoxicity in the marine environment following the recommendations of the OECD 202 and the specifications of TÜV Austria. The principle is to test after the plastic has biodegraded in the environment, the impact of biodegradation products on Daphnia magna. Young daphnids, less than 24 hours old at the start of the test, are exposed to water contaminated with biodegradation products during the incubation process. Immobilization is recorded at 24 and 48 hours,
then compared to control values (pure water). The results are analyzed and for a plastic to be considered non–toxic, at least 90% of Daphnia magna must survive the test.