What is the lifespan of Biocovers®

 

Lifespan of Biocovers

How long does degradation and composting take?
(see also the section on composting)

  • If the bio-nonwoven is stored in dry and cool conditions and does not come into contact with microorganisms, it will not biodegrade.
  • When used in Europe, the biological degradation process will take a long time (>5 years), but not centuries as with conventional oil-based plastics such as PP, PET, PE, or PA.
  • When used outdoors in tropical regions, where high humidity and elevated temperatures combine, biological degradation may occur within a few years or even faster.
  • If composted at an industrial composting facility, the biological degradation/composting will occur within 6 months (90%).

 

Too long??
People often ask what the “right” lifespan of our biocovers is.
It turns out to be longer than initially expected — which, in landscaping and geotextile applications, is often more of an advantage than a disadvantage!

Sometimes it’s said that the fabric hasn’t composted after 5 or even 10 years — which to some, seems too long...

But let’s consider what we see in nature and rarely talk about:
In Europe, many types of wood used underground have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, and when used above ground, they last even longer.
For example, a piece of oak lying in a garden can remain visibly intact for more than 20 years. These and many other European wood species only rot or compost after many years — sometimes after 20 years or more.
So, a long lifespan should not be taken as proof that a product cannot compost, nor should it cast doubt on its 100% plant-based origin.

According to the definitions in European regulation, we will never obtain an OK compost SOIL certificate — and that’s actually a good thing, since it would mean our product would compost within 12 months, which would be far too short for our intended use.

 

Many European wood types also take a long time to compost – see for example durability class 2:

lifespan

The European standard EN 350-2 defines durability classes for most wood species used in Europe.
Each wood species is classified based on the natural durability of its heartwood (the central, dense part of the trunk), in terms of its resistance to rot and fungi.

The classification is based on a test where a 50x50 mm stake is placed into the ground. The longer the average lifespan of the wood, the higher the durability.
When used above ground, these wood types typically last about 10 years longer.

Testing is only done with heartwood, since sapwood is never considered durable and always falls into durability class V.

 

Wood Durability Class II:

  • Lifespan between 15 and 25 years
  • Examples: European Oak, Robinia (Black Locust), Chestnut, Western Red Cedar, and modified pine or spruce