NITE Certifies Japan's First Organization for Marine Biodegradability Testing of Plastics
NITE's Groundbreaking Certification for Marine Biodegradability Testing
On October 29, 2025, Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), led by Chairman Fumihiko Hasegawa, officially acknowledged the Chemical Substances Evaluation Research Organization as the first domestic operator conducting marine biodegradability tests for plastics. This recognition marks a significant milestone, as it confirms compliance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, and paves the way for further advancements in the fight against rising marine plastic pollution.
As a global concern, plastic pollution in oceans necessitates innovative approaches. One promising solution lies in the development of biodegradable plastics that can decompose safely without harming marine life. However, to promote their widespread adoption, it’s crucial to have reliable scientific evaluations of their biodegradability. In response to this need, NITE conceived a certification system last year, guided by the