OWS becomes Normec OWS!
We are proudly announcing that OWS will be known as Normec OWS from now on!
As opposed to biodegradation, abiotic degradation is a non-microbial process that concerns the fragmentation of the material into many small pieces, influenced by UV light and/or heat. At Normec OWS, we perform abiotic degradation testing that accurately replicates natural thermal fluctuations and sunlight conditions. Although no certificates exist, the test results can be used for making legal or marketing claims, or for research & development purposes.
Our testing capabilities are equipped for day-and-night cycles to replicate different kinds of natural conditions, including UV weathering, thermal weathering and different temperature profiles.
The size of the particles can be calculated after the designated testing time by looking at the molecular weight of the material.
Our abiotic degradation testing is done according to different standards, including SASO 2879 and ASTM D6954, which consider abiotic degradation as the first step in the full degradation process.
According to these standards, upon reaching a certain molecular weight the abiotic degradation of the material is followed by a second stage of biodegradation. The purpose is to show that the fragmented material is biodegradable, in compost or soil for example, through the conversion of the material into CO₂, H₂O and biomass.
Optionally, ecotoxicity testing can be done as the third and final step.
We are proudly announcing that OWS will be known as Normec OWS from now on!
Our managing director Bruno De Wilde recently had an interview with the French Packaging Council.
OWS has released its environmental report from 2021.
