We're pursuing the most rigorous independent biodegradability certifications available — and doing it in partnership with accredited research institutions. Here's the roadmap and current status.
All certifications are in progress as of 2026. We publish status updates here as testing progresses. We do not make claims beyond what testing supports.
| Certification | Standard | Certifying Body | What It Proves | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Biodegradability | ASTM D6691 | WSU (accredited) | Biodegrades in open ocean aerobic conditions | Testing in progress |
| Home Compostability | ISO 17088 | TÜV Austria or equiv. | Biodegrades at home compost temperatures | Pursuing |
| Biobased Content | USDA BioPreferred | USDA | Percentage of product that is biobased | Pursuing |
| Food Contact Safety | FDA 21 CFR | FDA | Safe for oral use and food contact | Pursuing |
* This page is updated as testing progresses. Last updated: 2026. Contact us for the most current status.
Magic Materials is conducting marine biodegradability validation in partnership with Washington State University (WSU) — an accredited research institution with established materials science and environmental testing capabilities.
Testing is conducted under ASTM D6691 protocols in controlled laboratory conditions that simulate open-ocean marine environments. Results are fully reproducible and methodology is independently verifiable.
Results will be published on this page as they become available and shared directly with partners.
Any brand can claim "biodegradable" without testing. Third-party lab results from an accredited institution are reproducible and independently verifiable.
ASTM D6691 is the recognized gold standard for marine biodegradability claims. It measures actual CO₂ production by marine microorganisms in controlled conditions.
Once testing is complete, partners receive full access to test results, methodology, and third-party validation documentation for use in retail, PR, and DTC.
Tests whether a material biodegrades in a simulated marine environment. The test measures the amount of CO₂ produced as marine microorganisms consume the material over time. Unlike "marine biodegradable" claims made without testing, this is a standardized, reproducible test conducted by accredited labs.
Why it matters: The ocean is where most plastic ends up. This is the only test that actually measures degradation in those conditions.
International standard for compostable plastics. Unlike EN 13432 (industrial composting), ISO 17088 is specifically for home compost conditions — ambient temperatures, no industrial facility required. Most "compostable" products only meet industrial standards that consumers can't access.
Why it matters: Only about 1-2% of US households have access to industrial composting. Home compostability is the claim that actually serves consumers.
Certifies the percentage of a product's content that comes from renewable biological sources rather than petroleum. Magic Materials PHA/PHB has high biobased content — the PHB polymer is produced entirely via bacterial fermentation.
Why it matters: Biobased content is a separate (and complementary) claim to biodegradability. Together, they tell the full sustainability story.
FDA 21 CFR covers materials that come into contact with food or the mouth. For oral care accessories, this is a relevant safety baseline. Magic Materials PHA/PHB is designed to meet FDA food contact safety requirements.
Why it matters: Retailers and consumers increasingly expect safety documentation for products used in the mouth.
Most "biodegradable" oral care claims in the market today are misleading at best. Here's what the evidence actually shows.
| Competitor type | Material | Marine Biodegradable? | Home Compostable? | Third-party tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Materials | Magic Materials PHA/PHB (PHB + Nylon-6) | Testing in progress ↑ | Testing in progress ↑ | WSU / ASTM |
| "Cornstarch" brands (e.g. Humble Co.) | ~53% cornstarch + 47% PP blend | ✗ No | ✗ No (industrial only) | Not for marine |
| Recycled plastic brands | rPP or rNylon | ✗ No | ✗ No | N/A |
| Paper-based products | Paper / wood fiber | Limited | Limited | Varies |
| Standard PP/Nylon | Conventional plastic | ✗ No | ✗ No | N/A |
Competitor analysis based on publicly available materials and marketing claims. Magic Materials certifications in progress — final claims subject to test results.
We're happy to walk you through the science, share preliminary data, or connect you with our testing team.
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