The nonwoven fabric or product can be formed from a combination of materials (natural or manufactured fibers, continuous or staple fibers, film laminate, binder resins, etc.). Each material may be comprised of more than a single component, for example, natural or synthetic polymers, dyes or pigments, surfactants, and other additives. All components and materials which are organic in nature must be evaluated and determined to be biodegradable and to cause no toxic or negative effect in the compost medium. Inorganic fillers or additives (except for heavy metal salts, which are separately regulated) are assumed to be neutral to the composting process. Biodegradation of the materials is demonstrated only through carbon dioxide evolution tests and is considered to be the first and one of the most important steps in establishing the ultimate compostability of the nonwoven.

Nonwoven fabrics and products that are designed to degrade after use have been developed. These nonwovens are intended to enhance existing solid waste landfill diversion programs by allowing difficult to recycle materials to be collected and processed in alternative solid waste disposal systems. Biological waste management, such as composting, has emerged as a viable approach to process these compostable nonwovens along with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). A comprehensive testing program is needed to establish the compostability (for example, fragmentation rate, biodegradation rate and safety) of these materials.

Each tier in this guide includes objectives and a summary which presents potential test methods, method principles, test duration, implication of results and recommended priority.

This guide can be adapted to generate product specific evidence for substantiation of compostable claims and obtaining classification as a compostable product. State and local regulations should also be considered.