RE ZRO® develops impact-protection components using a specially formulated TPE incorporating TOTO-TOA® technology. A material sample identified as RE ZRO® TPE was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions using the anaerobic biodegradation test methods described in ASTM D5511-18 and ISO 15985:2014.

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14.14% anaerobic biodegradation after 90 days

The tested RE ZRO® TPE sample recorded 14.14% biodegradation after 90 days under controlled high-solids anaerobic-digestion laboratory conditions. The percentage was calculated from conversion of organic carbon in the sample into methane and carbon dioxide.

What was tested?

The reported laboratory conditions included:

a methanogenic microbial inoculum derived from anaerobic digesters treating pretreated household waste;

high-solids anaerobic conditions with more than 30% total solids;

static, non-mixed conditions;

thermophilic incubation at approximately 52°C; and

a test duration of 90 days.

These are defined laboratory conditions. They must not be presented as evidence of performance in every landfill, composting facility or natural environment.

What the result establishes

The reports establish that measurable anaerobic biodegradation occurred in the tested sample under the specified test conditions and that the recorded level after 90 days was 14.14%.

What the result does not establish

• that the material will completely biodegrade over an estimated timeframe;
• the time required for complete biodegradation;
• industrial or home compostability;
• biodegradation in soil, freshwater or marine environments;
• that the complete protector or finished product is biodegradable;
• a recognised biodegradable or compostable product certification; or
• an overall reduction in lifecycle environmental impact.

Material claim versus whole-product claim

The test evidence relates specifically to the tested RE ZRO® TPE material. A finished protector may also contain textiles, adhesives, fasteners, coatings, labels, packaging or other components that were not included in the tests. RE ZRO® therefore does not claim that the complete finished product is biodegradable on the basis of these reports.

Compostability and disposal

The tested TPE material is not certified as industrially compostable or home compostable under EN 13432, EN 14995, ISO 17088 or an equivalent certification scheme. Do not place the product in household food-waste, garden-waste or compost collections unless it is expressly accepted by the relevant local waste authority. Dispose of the product through the appropriate local collection or waste-management route.

Technical note on weight loss

The reports also recorded 13.60% sample weight loss over the 90-day study. This is a separate measurement and must not be presented as an additional biodegradation percentage or added to the 14.14% result.

Test reports and certification status

• ASTM D5511-18 test report: HKGT05256930
• ISO 15985:2014 test report: HKGT05256934

The reports are laboratory test reports, not product-certification or compostability-certification certificates. They state that the testing was performed by an approved subcontractor laboratory within the Intertek Group and that the reports do not imply participation in an Intertek certification programm

What the result establishes

The reports establish that measurable anaerobic biodegradation occurred in the tested sample under the specified test conditions and that the recorded level after 90 days was 14.14%.

RECYCLABILITY**

Ask your local recycling authority if recycling facilities are available for this type of product.