PHA is a family of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers made by microorganisms, while PLA is polylactic acid, a different bio-based polyester commonly produced from fermented plant sugars. Both names describe material families, not a guaranteed package performance. Buyers must verify the exact grade, additives, coating or film thickness, food-contact conditions, converting process and supported end-of-life claim.

Some specific PHA grades have test or certification evidence for biodegradation under defined marine conditions, whereas a standard industrial-compostable PLA claim does not establish seawater biodegradation. This is not proof that every PHA is marine biodegradable or that every PHA package will perform alike. The claim must follow the evidence for the exact material and completed product.

It depends on the exact PHA grade, formulation, thickness, product geometry and test conditions. Evidence for one certified resin, film or article cannot be transferred automatically to another PHA formulation or to a printed, coated and glued food package. Request the current report or certificate and confirm that its tested scope matches the material and construction being purchased.

Do not assume it does. A PLA material certified for industrial composting is intended for controlled composting conditions and is not automatically marine biodegradable. Marine and composting environments differ in temperature, microorganisms, oxygen and exposure. A seawater claim requires separate evidence applicable to the exact material or product.

No. PHA covers multiple polymers and blends, and commercial formulations can include other polymers, fillers, colourants and processing aids. Their environmental behaviour can differ. A buyer should obtain the exact trade name and grade, composition declaration where available, applicable test method, current certificate, certificate holder and certified product scope.

It proves only what the stated method, criteria, specimen and certification scope cover. ISO 22403:2020 addresses intrinsic biodegradability of virgin plastic materials and polymers under specified aerobic marine laboratory conditions; it does not by itself certify the performance or lifetime of every finished product. Product certification must be read together with its scheme rules, permitted claims and scope.

ISO 22403:2020 provides methods and criteria for assessing intrinsic biodegradability of virgin plastic materials and polymers exposed to marine inocula. ASTM D6691 is a test method for aerobic biodegradation using a defined microbial consortium or natural seawater inoculum. A test method supplies a controlled way to generate evidence; it is not automatically a finished-package certification or a legal marketing authorization.

No. ASTM lists D7081-05 as withdrawn in 2014. Buyers should not accept a vague statement such as tested to ASTM D7081 without checking the date, laboratory report, specimen, result and any current certification scheme being claimed. Ask which active method and pass criteria support the present product claim.

No. Printing inks, adhesives, paperboard, barrier layers, blends, pigments, coating weight and product thickness can change the completed construction and its claim. Confirm whether the certificate covers raw resin, film, coating, an intermediate component or the finished printed package, and whether UGI Packging or another converter is included within the permitted certification chain.

No. Bio-based or biodegradable plastics are not automatically outside EU single-use-plastics rules. Scope depends on the product category and construction, and national implementation and marking or producer-responsibility requirements may apply. Marine biodegradability is an environmental characteristic, not a general exemption from product legislation.

No. Marine biodegradability is a risk-reduction characteristic for defined exposure scenarios, not permission to litter or a preferred disposal route. Collection and the locally approved recycling, composting or waste-treatment system remain the normal route. Claims should not encourage deliberate release into water.

Specify the package format, food type, direct or indirect contact, temperature and duration, barrier and sealing requirements, exact polymer grade, coating or film thickness, other layers, inks and adhesives, destination market, food-contact documents, intended environmental claim, applicable test or certification, certificate holder and scope, quantity, converting process and a production-equivalent finished sample for approval.