ISO 17088

Definition

ISO 17088 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the assessment and specification of biodegradable polymers and their applications. This standard is crucial for ensuring that biodegradable materials meet specific criteria for degradation in various environments, thus influencing their acceptance and use in industries like packaging and medical devices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISO 17088 provides a framework for specifying the criteria that biodegradable polymers must meet to be considered truly biodegradable under defined conditions.
2. The standard is particularly relevant in environmental assessments and helps manufacturers ensure that their biodegradable products will break down as intended.
3. ISO 17088 is widely recognized across various industries, which aids in international trade and regulatory compliance for biodegradable materials.
4. By establishing common guidelines, ISO 17088 encourages innovation in biodegradable polymer technologies while promoting sustainability.
5. Compliance with ISO 17088 can enhance consumer confidence in biodegradable products by ensuring they are designed to meet specific environmental performance standards.

Review Questions

• How does ISO 17088 influence the development and marketability of biodegradable polymers?
  • ISO 17088 sets forth clear guidelines for the assessment of biodegradable polymers, influencing how these materials are developed and marketed. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products meet specific criteria for biodegradability, which enhances their appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. Furthermore, compliance with ISO 17088 can facilitate regulatory approval and market entry in various regions.
• Compare ISO 17088 with ASTM D6400 in terms of their approaches to assessing biodegradable materials.
  • Both ISO 17088 and ASTM D6400 provide frameworks for assessing biodegradable materials but differ in their specific focus areas. ISO 17088 emphasizes the general biodegradability criteria across diverse environments, while ASTM D6400 specifically targets compostable plastics and their performance in composting systems. Understanding these differences helps manufacturers choose the appropriate standard based on the intended application of their products.
• Evaluate the implications of ISO 17088 on environmental sustainability and waste management practices in the context of biodegradable polymers.
  • ISO 17088 plays a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability by establishing rigorous guidelines for biodegradable polymers. By ensuring these materials break down effectively in the environment, the standard reduces the potential accumulation of plastic waste. Furthermore, its adoption can lead to improved waste management practices as industries shift toward using compliant biodegradable options, ultimately contributing to more sustainable consumption patterns and minimizing ecological impact.

Related terms

Biodegradable Polymers: Polymers that can break down into natural substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, through the action of living organisms.

ASTM D6400: A standard guide that outlines the specifications for the evaluation of compostable plastics, often compared with ISO 17088.

Compostability: The ability of a material to decompose under specific conditions into a compost-like product, contributing to soil health.