Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradable plastic can be used in consumer electronics, packaging, textile and etc.

In Europe, the European Committee for Normalisation (CEN) had published EN 13432 for determining whether a material can be considered "compostable".  In USA, the ASTM D6400 standard was published for those who want to label their products as "compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities".  Moreover, countries around the world, such as Australia, Japan, Rwanda, Kenya, etc., are also establishing their own corresponding requirements.

In January 2020, China's National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued the "Opinions on Further Strengthening the Treatment of Plastic Pollution", had established a timetable for the prohibition and limit the use of traditional plastics, and required the introduction of a provincial implementation plan by August 2020.  By the end of the year, some regions and areas will be the first to ban and restrict the production, sale and use of non-degradable plastic products, which will have a dramatic effect on the plastic industry.

To cope with this trend, SGS offers various services to determine the compliance of biodegradable plastics in accordance to different markets.