#Belgium #Gent #Normec OWS #B4Plastics #biodegradability

Launching a New Era in Biodegradation Testing

In a groundbreaking move, Normec OWS, a prominent leader in biodegradability and compostability testing, has collaborated with B4Plastics, a Belgian pioneer in biomaterials, to introduce an advanced pre-screening platform designed to expedite biodegradation testing. This new system is set to transform the landscape of sustainable materials by providing a faster and more efficient approach to understanding how materials break down in various environments.

Addressing Industry Challenges

As the demand for rapid and cost-effective biodegradation testing grows, Normec OWS and B4Plastics have responded by developing this innovative platform. It integrates a series of pre-screening tests that generate extensive big data crucial for predictive modeling. This approach not only accelerates testing processes but also enhances the accuracy and reliability of biodegradation assessments.

Sam Deconinck, Director of Business Development at Normec OWS, highlighted the shift in market demand from short-lived applications to a focus on long-lasting products. "The industry needs faster testing methods to predict how materials will behave in open environments, including fields and oceans," he stated, emphasizing the necessity for timely and comprehensive assessments of material degradation rates.

The Environmental Impact

The urgency to address the sources of microplastics in ecosystems has never been more pressing. As noted by Stefaan De Wildeman, CEO of B4Plastics, up to 600 Olympic swimming pools worth of microplastics are released into the environment in Europe annually. Traditional testing methods have proven too slow to keep pace with the growing concerns about microplastic pollution and its environmental impact.

With insights drawn from challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in the 1990s, the collaborative efforts of Normec OWS and B4Plastics have culminated in a platform that offers valuable insights into biodegradability. The new testing system is not only high-throughput but also designed for scalability, allowing for the integration of additional testing modules in the future.

Features of the New Pre-Screening Platform

The high-throughput pre-screening platform promises to set a new benchmark for rapid and reliable biodegradation testing. Its innovative setup and synergistic testing approach create a comprehensive solution that meets the growing demands of the sustainable materials industry. Emphasizing the need for precision, B4Plastics develops bio-based materials engineered to break down accurately according to specified life cycles. Each material necessitates thorough fine-tuning and testing methodologies to ensure optimal performance.

As this innovative platform marks a significant leap forward in biodegradation science, both companies are committed to enhancing their contributions to sustainability by providing practical solutions that address one of the most critical environmental challenges today. The importance of refining testing processes cannot be overstated, as the industry continues to pursue paths toward greener alternatives and the reduction of plastic waste.

For more information about this revolutionary platform and its potential impact on biodegradability testing, visit Normec OWS. Normec OWS stands as a global expert in independent biodegradation, compostability, and ecotoxicity testing, while B4Plastics focuses on innovative, performance-driven, and sustainable biomaterial solutions.