Australian Standard for Biodegradable Materials AS4736

The corresponding standard established by the Australian Standards Board to regulate compostable biodegradable materials entering the Australian market is AS 4736 "Biodegradable Plastics - Biodegradable Plastics Suitable for Composting and Other Biological Treatment Methods."

This standard is based on the European standard EN 13432, with an additional requirement for ecotoxicological performance: the earthworm ecotoxicity test.

Specific requirements are as follows:

A Chemical Substance Restrictions: Specifies the minimum content of organic matter, heavy metals, and fluorine in compostable materials;

B Biodegradability: Requires that compostable materials must convert over 90% into carbon dioxide, water, and minerals under aerobic composting conditions within a maximum of [specified period] months;

C Disintegration Performance: Mandates that compostable biodegradable materials must break down into over 90% fragments passable through a 22mm sieve within a maximum of 12 weeks under aerobic composting conditions;

D Ecotoxicological Performance: Selected plants must achieve over 90% of their original survival rate and biological traits when introduced to compost decomposition substances of compostable biodegradable materials. Additionally, earthworms must also achieve over 90% of their original survival rate and biological traits under the same conditions.