Impact Solutions

18/06/2026

How Is CO₂ Used to Measure Biodegradation?

As bacteria and other microorganisms consume organic substances, they release CO₂ as part of their natural metabolic processes. By tracking the amount of CO₂ generated during a test, scientists can assess how much biodegradation has taken place.

This approach is used in recognised methods such as OECD 301B, helping organisations better understand the environmental performance of their materials.

Through Impact-Bio®, Impact Solutions provides biodegradation testing and expert insight to support informed decision-making.

Visit our website for more information: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/biodegradability-testing/

16/06/2026

What's the difference between readily biodegradable and inherently biodegradable?

Although both terms describe materials that can be broken down by microorganisms, they are not the same.

Readily biodegradable materials break down quickly and meet strict pass criteria within a defined test period.

Inherently biodegradable materials show clear evidence of biodegradation, but may require more time or different conditions to achieve the same level of breakdown.

Understanding this distinction is important when assessing environmental performance and making sustainability claims.

At Impact Solutions, our Impact-Bio® service helps businesses generate reliable biodegradation data and gain a clearer understanding of how materials perform under recognised test conditions.

Find out more about how we support sustainable materials development: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/biodegradability-testing/

11/06/2026

We've expanded our laboratory capabilities with the addition of a new UL 94 Horizontal/Vertical Flame Chamber.

This investment enhances our flammability testing services, helping customers assess the fire performance of materials and components against recognised UL 94 standards.

Whether you're developing new products, validating materials, or supporting compliance requirements, our team is here to help with reliable testing and expert guidance.

We're excited to continue investing in the facilities and expertise that help our customers bring innovative pro

Visit our website for more information on our flammability testing capabilities: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/impact-laboratories-plastic-experts/fire-testing/

02/06/2026

We’re live at Interplas 2026!

The Impact Solutions team is on the ground at NEC Birmingham for day one of the show.

Come and visit us at Stand S68 to meet the team and learn more about our latest work in materials testing, innovation, and sustainable plastics solutions.

We’re looking forward to connecting with industry peers, customers, and new faces throughout the event.

If you’re attending, please stop by and say hello!

01/06/2026

Interplas 2026 kicks off tomorrow!

The Impact Solutions team are looking forward to exhibiting at Interplas this week at NEC Birmingham.

📍 NEC Birmingham
📅 2–4 June 2026
📌 Stand S68

Be sure to visit us to discuss the latest developments in materials testing, product development, sustainability, and innovation.

Don't forget to head over to the Interplas Insights Stage on Wednesday 3rd June, to catch Dr Samuel Patterson's session on rapid assessment of biodegradable plastics: https://interplasuk.com/newfront/sessions/7960

Whether you're attending for new ideas, technical insights, or networking opportunities, we'd love to meet you.

See you at Stand S68!

28/05/2026

Can data acquired through testing be used to support biodegradable or compostable labelling claims?

Yes, but it needs to be relevant, credible, and suitable for the product and its intended use.

Testing data can support sustainability claims when it aligns with recognised standards, appropriate methods, and real-world conditions. Every product is different, and the way it behaves in the environment depends on several key factors.

Understanding how to interpret this information correctly is important to making accurate and responsible labelling claims.

If you are unsure what claims you can make on your product, speak to our team and we can help guide you through the best approach.

https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/contact-us/

26/05/2026

Do you need certification to call a product biodegradable or compostable?

Not always.

At Impact Solutions, we help businesses understand the best way to support environmental claims with practical, science-based guidance.

Depending on the product and how it is used, biodegradable or compostable claims can often be backed up through scientific evidence, recognised application standards, or self-certification under standards such as ISO 14021.

If independent certification is needed for customers or retailers, we can also help arrange this through trusted third-party partners.

Our goal is to help businesses make sustainability claims that are clear, credible, and suitable for their specific application.

Get in touch to learn more about biodegradable and compostable testing support: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/contact-us/

20/05/2026

“How can I prove my material biodegrades?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from companies developing sustainable materials, packaging, coatings, polymers and formulations.

The answer?
You need robust scientific evidence backed by recognised biodegradability standards.

At Impact-Bio®, we help businesses move from environmental claims to measurable proof through accredited biodegradability testing and expert guidance.

Depending on your material and intended end-of-life environment, testing may involve internationally recognised methods such as ISO, ASTM or OECD standards; measuring factors like CO₂ evolution, oxygen demand, disintegration and ecotoxicity.

Why does this matter for your business?

• Validate sustainability claims
• Support regulatory compliance
• Reduce risk before market launch
• Build customer and stakeholder confidence
• Accelerate product development with early-stage screening

Biodegradability is not a one-size-fits-all claim. A material must be tested under the right environmental conditions to demonstrate how it behaves in the real world.

Visit Impact-Bio® for more information: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/biodegradability-testing/

18/05/2026

Are household cleaning products truly biodegradable?

Many products are labelled “eco-friendly”, but the ingredients inside the formulation tell a much more detailed story.

Our latest blog explores:

• Surfactants and biodegradability
• The impact of preservatives and fragrances
• Why full formulation testing matters
• How rapid screening can identify ingredients that hinder biodegradation

Read more here: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/biodegradability-of-household-cleaning-products/

Learn how surfactants, preservatives and more affect the biodegradability of household cleaning products, and how rapid screening can help.

12/05/2026

Biodegradable additives and inherent biodegradability are not the same thing.

Some additives help plastics break apart faster, but that can still leave behind microplastics in the environment.

Inherently biodegradable materials are designed to naturally break down through biological processes, helping reduce long term environmental impact.

As sustainability expectations continue to grow, understanding the difference is becoming increasingly important for businesses and consumers alike.

At Impact Solutions, we work with organisations looking for smarter, more sustainable material solutions.

Visit our website to learn more about sustainable innovation and material development: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/biodegradability-testing/