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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Biodegradation and Composability

Eco-Friendly & Recyclability Testing – Sustainable Packaging Solutions by METS Lab Abu Dhabi

As global focus shifts toward sustainability, regulatory bodies, industries, and consumers alike are demanding eco-friendly materials, recyclable packaging, and verified environmental claims. At METS Lab Abu Dhabi, we empower manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and brand owners to meet these demands through scientific testing, certification, and regulatory compliance

Our Eco-Friendly & Recyclability Testing services provide critical data on how materials behave in natural and industrial environments, how recyclable they are, and how they impact the environment over their life cycle. From biodegradability to heavy metal screening, our testing supports compliance with global standards such as EN 13432, ASTM D6400, RoHS, and REACH, while helping you innovate responsibly. 

Why Sustainable Testing Matters?

Environmental responsibility is no longer a marketing advantage—it’s a regulatory and ethical obligation. With increasing global concern over plastic pollution, carbon emissions, and landfill waste, companies are under pressure to: ✅ Use biodegradable or compostable packaging ✅ Improve recyclability and material traceability ✅ Comply with RoHS, REACH, and green procurement standards ✅ Lower their carbon footprint ✅ Demonstrate sustainability through credible Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) Whether you’re introducing a new bio-based polymer, seeking green certification, or verifying end-of-life performance, METS Lab Abu Dhabi is your trusted testing partner.

Our Eco-Friendly & Recyclability Testing Services 

Composability and Biodegradability Testing 

(EN 13432 / ASTM D6400) 

Compostable and biodegradable materials are designed to break down into natural components (CO₂, water, and biomass) in specific environments. However, not all “green” materials truly compost or degrade as claimed. We test and verify these claims under controlled conditions. 

Standards Covered: 

  • EN 13432 – Industrial compostability of packaging 
  • ASTM D6400 / ASTM D5338 – Compostable plastics testing 
  • ISO 14855 / ISO 17088 – Aerobic biodegradation 
  • OECD 301 / ISO 17556 – Environmental degradation tests 

Tests Include: 

  • Disintegration under composting conditions 
  • Biodegradation rate via CO₂ evolution 
  • Heavy metal content 
  • Residue quality and eco-toxicity of compost 

Applications: 

  • Bioplastic packaging and films 
  • Food-contact compostable containers 
  • Agriculture mulch films 
  • Shopping and carrier bags 
  • Industrial and municipal compostable products 

Benefits

  • Compliance with composability certifications  
  • Improved credibility for eco-labeling  
  • Product differentiation in green markets 

Recyclability and Resin Identification 

Not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Our Recyclability Testing services determine whether a material can be collected, sorted, and reprocessed through existing recycling infrastructure. We also use techniques like FTIR and DSC for resin identification, especially in multilayer or unknown samples. 

Key Services: 

  • Visual inspection and mechanical separation analysis 
  • Resin code determination (1–7) based on ASTM D7611 
  • FTIR spectroscopy for polymer type verification 
  • Melt Flow Index (MFI) and DSC for processing behavior 
  • Sorting compatibility and contamination risk analysis 

Use Cases: 

  • Packaging recyclability verification 
  • Product design for circular economy 
  • Compatibility with closed-loop systems 
  • Waste stream classification and labeling 

Carbon Footprint and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product across its entire lifespan—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to usage and disposal. At METS Lab, we provide data-driven environmental impact reports aligned with ISO 14040/44 and GHG Protocol methodologies. 

Parameters Assessed: 

  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 
  • Energy consumption and fossil fuel use 
  • Water footprint 
  • Acidification, eutrophication, and smog potential 
  • End-of-life emissions (incineration, landfill, recycling) 

Standards Followed: 

  • ISO 14040 / 14044 – LCA methodologies 
  • PAS 2050 – Product carbon footprint 
  • GHG Protocol Product Standard 
  • ISO 14067 – Carbon footprint of products 

Applicable Products: 

  • Primary and secondary packaging 
  • Biopolymers vs. petroleum-based plastics 
  • Recycled vs. virgin material comparison 
  • Sustainability benchmarking between suppliers 

Benefits: 

  • Make data-backed sustainability decisions 
  • Improve environmental declarations and reporting 
  • Support eco-certifications and CSR commitments 
  • Identify hotspots for design and supply chain improvements 

Heavy Metal Screening (RoHS, REACH) 

Certain toxic substances—such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and brominated flame retardants—are restricted in packaging materials by laws like RoHS, REACH, and local waste packaging directives. 

Standards & Regulations: 

  • RoHS (2011/65/EU) – Restriction of Hazardous Substances in EEE packaging 
  • REACH (EC 1907/2006) – Registration, Evaluation & Authorization of Chemicals 
  • CONEG / EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC – Heavy metal limits 
  • California Toxics in Packaging Prevention Act 

Techniques Used: 

  • X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) for rapid elemental screening 
  • ICP-OES / ICP-MS for trace-level heavy metal detection 
  • GC-MS / HPLC for SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) 

Applications: 

  • Electronic and consumer goods packaging 
  • Food contact packaging 
  • Export materials to the EU, USA, and APAC markets 
  • Sustainable product development and due diligence 

Benefits: 

  • Supports compliance with environmental and safety regulations 
  • Prevents heavy metal contamination of recycling streams 
  • Essential for global market access and product stewardship 

 

Who We Serve 

  • Packaging Manufacturers & Converters 
  • Sustainability Consultants & R&D Teams 
  • Retailers & Brand Owners with Green Goals 
  • Pharma, Food, and FMCG Companies 
  • Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies 
  • Plastic Recycling Facilities 
  • Product Designers and Innovators 

Why Choose METS Lab Abu Dhabi? 

ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited – Precision testing for regulatory and certification purposes 
International Methodologies – EN 13432, ASTM, ISO, RoHS, and REACH compliant 
Comprehensive Sustainability Analytics – From single-use assessments to full LCAs 
Cross-Disciplinary Expertise – Polymers, materials science, chemistry, and environmental studies 
Green Testing Partners – Supporting UAE Vision 2030 and global circular economy initiatives 

Ready to Make Packaging Greener, Safer, and Globally Compliant? 

At METS Lab Abu Dhabi, our Eco-Friendly & Recyclability Testing services go beyond compliance—they enable innovation, transparency, and long-term environmental responsibility. Whether you’re launching a new product or transforming your sustainability strategy, our team provides the data and insights you need to lead the market with confidence. 

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