Abstract This International Standard is used to determine the degree of disintegration of plastic materials in a pilot-scale aerobic composting test under defined conditions. The test method laid down in this standard can also be used to determine the influence of the test material on the composting process and the quality of the compost obtained. It cannot be used to determine the aerobic biodegradability of a test material. Other methods are available for this (see e.g. ISO 14851, 14852 or 14855).