Nova-Institute has released an updated version of its widely used poster, Biodegradable Polymers in Various Environments, offering the latest scientific and regulatory insights into polymer biodegradability across multiple environments.
Published as part of the PerPlacsBio initiative, the updated poster provides a detailed overview of how different biodegradable polymers perform in marine, freshwater, soil and composting environments based on recognised international standards and certification systems. The revised edition is designed to support policymakers, researchers and industry stakeholders working on sustainable plastics and environmentally responsible end-of-life solutions.
One of the major updates in the 2026 edition is the classification of PBSA, PBS and PBAT as materials with “proven biodegradability” in soil, marine and freshwater conditions. PBS has also been recognised for home compostability, reflecting recent advances in scientific testing and material-specific research.
The updated poster also incorporates additional standards and certifications, including ISO 17088 for industrial compostability, ISO 23517 for soil biodegradability and NF T 51-800 for home composting. Existing references such as EN 17033 and marine biodegradation standards have also been revised to align with current international certification frameworks.
According to nova-Institute, several refinements have been introduced to improve the scientific clarity and practical usability of the resource. These include updated information on slower-degrading polymers such as PLA in marine environments, a new explanatory note clarifying the meaning of “biodegradability not proven,” and the integration of the PerPlacsBio project identity.
For the first time, the poster is also available in German, expanding accessibility for researchers, regulators and industrial users in German-speaking regions.
The institute emphasized that biodegradability depends heavily on environmental conditions and material composition, and therefore must always be verified through standardized testing methods rather than broad assumptions.
The PerPlacsBio project was launched at the end of 2025 by the University of Münster, the University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg and nova-Institute. Supported by Germany’s Agency for Renewable Resources under the Sustainable Renewable Resources programme, the project explores the future role of bio-based and biodegradable plastics in agriculture and forestry applications.
The initiative also involves collaboration with leading European experts and institutions, including Wageningen University & Research, DIN CERTCO and TÜV AUSTRIA.
