#Belgium #Normec OWS #B4Plastics #biodegradability #Gand

Introduction

On June 3, 2025, Normec OWS and B4Plastics announced the launch of an innovative platform designed to enhance the pre-screening processes for biodegradability. This new development addresses one of the major bottlenecks in the sustainable materials industry by significantly reducing testing times for biodegradable materials. With sustainability becoming a critical focus globally, this advancement is poised to accelerate the transition away from microplastics, a pressing environmental issue.

The Need for Faster Testing

As the market demand for quick and cost-efficient biodegradation testing escalates, both Normec OWS, a world leader in biodegradability testing, and B4Plastics, a pioneering Belgian company in biomaterials, have collaborated to create a platform that incorporates advanced pre-screening tests. This system is based on synergistic interactions, allowing the generation of comprehensive big data needed for effective predictive modeling.

Sam Deconinck, Business Development Director at Normec OWS, highlighted the changing expectations within the market. He noted that companies are increasingly seeking to evaluate products with extended lifespans in natural environments, such as soil and seawater. This shift necessitates faster responses regarding the degradation time and extent of materials, a demand that traditional testing methodologies struggle to meet.

Revolutionizing Biodegradability Testing

Through their partnership, Normec OWS and B4Plastics have rethought the entire approach to biodegradability testing. The outcome is a high-throughput pre-screening platform specifically designed to generate the substantial big data required for predictive analytics. This innovation promises to reduce the development timelines for sustainable products significantly.

B4Plastics has carved a unique niche in the biomaterials landscape by developing custom biodegradation rates for their bio-based products. CEO Stefaan De Wildeman emphasized the urgency of addressing and mitigating the environmental impacts of human-made (plastic) products entering ecosystems. Each year, Europe alone releases the equivalent of 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of microplastics into the environment. The traditional testing methods simply cannot keep up with the current sustainability demands.

Dynamic and Scalable Solution

The new platform is not only a milestone in biodegradation testing but also a dynamic and scalable system that is designed to incorporate additional testing modules over time, adapting to evolving industry needs. This flexibility ensures that the platform remains relevant and valuable as environmental standards and expectations continue to rise.

By working together, Normec OWS and B4Plastics are pioneering a paradigm shift in the testing and validation of biodegradable materials, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the process, which will ultimately lead to more sustainable product offerings in the market.

Conclusion

The introduction of this revolutionary pre-screening platform marks a significant step forward in the effort to combat plastic pollution. With reduced testing times and a more comprehensive approach, the collaboration between Normec OWS and B4Plastics is set to propel the industry toward a sustainable, microplastic-free future. As both companies continue to innovate, they emphasize the importance of measuring the impact of manufactured products on our ecosystems to foster a healthier planet for future generations.