Plastics: Useable solids formed by using polymers (synthetic resins) as major materials during processing.

The biodegradable plastics (“products”) denote in the criteria are plastics which generate carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass through biodegradation in a composting process, at rates comparable to other compostable materials and without leaving observable, distinguishable or toxic residuals.

1. The weight of inorganic fillers in the products shall be less than 40%.
2. In accordance with the test methods stated in CNS 14432 (ISO 14855), the conversion ratio of organic carbon to carbon dioxide shall be greater than 90%. Upon application of license renewal/extension, if the analysis of organic or inorganic contents of the product is consistent with the original application, there is no need for re-testing of this requirement.
3. The product shall not contain PE, PP, PS or PVC.
4. The contents of the product shall not exceed the following limits:

   Metals	Limits (unit: ppm)
   Zn	100
   Cu	23
   Ni	15
   Cd	0.3
   Pb	30
   Hg	0.3
   Cr	30
   Mo	Non-detectable
   Se	Non-detectable
   As	3.5
   F	Non-detectable

5. The weight of additives (such as binders, inks or labels) in the product shall be less than 1%.
6. The product shall meet the non-toxic requirements stated in the OECD chemical testing guidelines No. 208.
7. Detailed components of the product shall be provided in the Green Mark application. The following products are treated as one identical product, if they:
   • 1. contain same components (plastics, polymers, intermediates, inorganics or additives), and the weight compositions of the additives and intermediates are the same or lower;
   • 2. the exterior look and sizes are similar, but the weight compositions and/or density of materials are smaller.
8. The name and address of the Green Mark user shall be clearly printed on the product or on the packaging material. For non-manufacturing Logo users, the manufacturer's name and address shall also be shown.
9. The product or its packaging shall bear a label reading "Biodegradable Plastics".

Notes

1. Random sampling of labeled products shall be conducted jointly by Green Mark management organization and applicant, at the sites of product sale, and sent to certified testing laboratory specified by the applicant for product testing.
2. Testing methods for organic and inorganic components:
   • (1) Analysis of organic components:Analyses of major organic components conducted using FTIR, DSC, NMR, EA or TGA methods.
   • (2) Analyses of inorganic components or metals:Analyses of major in-organic components using, AA,X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, and ICP methods.
3. Green Mark management organization shall compare the listings of organic and inorganic components in the analytical test report and Green Mark application form, follow-up testing and on-site audit will be conducted only if the listings are found to be consistent.