Aerobic biodegradation of textiles

Biodegradation is the biological breakdown of organic contaminants by microorganisms like fungi or bacteria when oxygen is present. The assessment system for biodegradation of textiles, developed by the Hohenstein Institute, includes the evaluation of the aerobic biodegradability of textiles via a controlled soil burial within a defined test period. Controlled means, there are sufficient oxygen and living organisms in the soil. Considering to the global problem of the rising amount of waste and pollution is forcing us to find new solutions for a more sustainable economy. The test gives important information of the decay properties of a product and for its optimization, the general determination of risks and also to ensure the futureproof disposal of products for environmental benefits.