What is ISO 17088 about?
ISO 17088 specifies procedures and requirements for plastics, and products made from plastics, that are suitable for recovery through organic recycling. These four aspects are addressed:
- Disintegration during composting
- Ultimate aerobic biodegradation
- No adverse effects of compost on terrestrial organisms
- Control of constituents
Note: ISO 17088 does not provide information on requirements for the biodegradability of plastics that end up in the environment as litter. It is also not applicable to the biological treatment undertaken in small installations by householders.
Note: “Compostable” or “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities” are expressions considered to be equivalent to organically recyclable for the purposes of ISO 17088.
Who is ISO 17088 for?
ISO 17088 on organic recycling is relevant to:
- Plastic recycling companies
- Manufacturers of compostable plastic material and products
- Composting facilities
- Regulatory bodies
Why should you use ISO 17088?
The four aspects covered by ISO 17088 will aid in assessing the effects on the industrial composting process.
ISO 17088 is intended to be used as the basis for systems of labelling and claims for compostable plastics materials and products.
ISO 17088 aims to correctly identify compostable plastics and compostable products made from plastics that can be recovered through organic recycling, i.e., will disintegrate and biodegrade satisfactorily in composting or anaerobic digestion followed by composting, and will not leave any persistent or hazardous residues.
ISO 17088 establishes criteria for plastic materials and plastic products that can be recovered through organic recycling in well-managed industrial composting facilities where typical composting conditions can be obtained regularly. This can aid in enhancing air and water quality by lowering pollutants.
ISO 17088 can assist businesses by lowering raw material prices, increasing profitability, and minimizing the company's carbon impact. Furthermore, recycling can contribute to the development of a positive company culture.