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Taipei Laboratory Expands Capabilities with Japan BioPlastics Association Accreditation

Consumer CompactHardgoods, SoftlinesJuly 03, 2025

On February 6, 2025, our laboratory in New Taipei City, Taiwan (ROC), received accreditation from the Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA) to conduct testing and certification for the compostability and decomposition of biodegradable plastics used in consumer goods.

With the demand for sustainable materials increasing, our laboratory in Taipei is enhancing its capabilities in biodegradable and compostable bioplastics testing. Located in the heart of a major industrial hub, the facility is strategically positioned to support rapid innovation, thanks to close collaboration with leading enterprises and seamless integration into the local supply chain.

According to the JBPA, bioplastics is a general term that covers both biodegradable plastics and biomass plastics (a material derived wholly or partly from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane and cassava). It should be noted that not all biomass-based plastics are biodegradable, but some fossil-based plastics are biodegradable. Manufacturers need access to advanced testing capabilities to assess biodegradability under different environmental conditions.

Fully automated and digitalized, our laboratory delivers faster, more accurate results to help manufacturers bring sustainable products to market with confidence.

Location: New Taipei City
Established: 2022
Size: 274 sqm

Products

Serving national and international clients, we offer comprehensive testing and certification services for a wide range of products:

  • Textiles
  • Footwear
  • Leather goods
  • Plastics
  • Hardlines
  • Coated paper
  • Packaging materials

Key services

Following accreditation, we now support manufacturers with a range of bioplastic testing services to the following standards:

  • ISO 14855-1: Biodegradability test (CO₂ release) – determines if microorganisms can biodegrade the plastic
  • ISO 16929: Disintegration test (physical fragmentation) – determines if the plastic will physically break down in composting environments
  • OECD 208: Plant damage test/ecotoxicity impact on plants – determines if degradation residues affect plant growth
  • AS 5810/NF T51-800: Home composting – determines if microorganisms can biodegrade the plastic under mesophilic temperature conditions
  • ASTM D5511: Anaerobic biodegradation – determines whether the plastic can be biodegraded in an anaerobic environment

Testing to these standards ensures the plastics are compostable and biobased materials are safe for the environment. It confirms biodegradable plastics will decompose properly without leaving harmful residues or causing ecological disruptions.

Furthermore, we are in the final stages of developing marine biodegradation testing, which will allow us to evaluate the environmental impact of materials in ocean-like conditions. These expanded capabilities enable us to assess biodegradability across a wide range of real-world environments, providing comprehensive support for sustainable material development.

Certifications and accreditations

Our New Taipei City facility holds several certifications and accreditations, including:

  • Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) ISO/IEC 17025
  • JBPA
  • DIN Certco
  • Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

With trusted expertise and internationally recognized accreditations, our Taipei laboratory is driving sustainable innovation in bioplastics for the textile industry. In the end, it’s trusted because it’s tested.

IMPACT NOW for sustainability

The IMPACT NOW for sustainability initiative brings together all our sustainability solutions under four strategic pillars: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity. Under the IMPACT NOW circularity pillar, we provide practical solutions to reduce dependence on virgin plastics while improving recyclability and promoting circular systems. Together, we empower businesses to drive meaningful change and meet growing regulatory and stakeholder demands. This ambitious initiative underscores our commitment to a climate-neutral, nature-positive and pollution-free future.

Learn about IMPACT NOW for sustainability.

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© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA.

For more information, please contact:

Climbgreat Yang

Climbgreat Yang

Assistant Manager

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