Announcement • Sep 07

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Completes Comprehensive Soil Biodegradation Study on D2w Plastics

Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc announced the successful completion of an extensive independent testing programme comprising reports of eight tests conducted by the ISO 17025-accredited laboratory of Intertek India Pvt Ltd. between February 2025 and May 2026 on polymer films incorporating Symphony's d2w technology. The programme evaluated abiotic degradation, biodegradation, ecotoxicity, and the absence of microplastic particles. The testing programme was conducted in accordance with ASTM D6954, an internationally recognised standard guide for evaluating plastics that degrade in the environment through a combination of oxidation, biodegradation, together with ecotoxicity assessment. ASTM D6954 provides a structured three-tier framework consisting of Tier 1: Abiotic degradation, Tier 2: Biodegradation, Tier 3: Ecotoxicity assessment. As part of the Tier 1 evaluation, the material underwent accelerated abiotic degradation in accordance with ASTM D5208, resulting in a reduction of molecular weight to approximately 2,200 Daltons and meeting the ASTM D6954 requirements for progression to biodegradation testing. The material also exhibited only 3.1% gel formation, well below the maximum levels contemplated by ASTM D6954. Following Tier 1, the material was subjected in 2026 to biodegradation testing in soil under ISO 17556, Plastics - Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil. After 600 days under controlled soil conditions, the material achieved 98.7% mineralisation. At the conclusion of the biodegradation process, the resulting biomass was analysed by Intertek using analytical methodologies developed with reference to ISO 24187, employing micro-FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and associated analytical techniques. Intertek reported that there were no microplastic particles in the resulting biomass, and that the absence of original polyethylene in the biomass shows complete mineralisation of the original sample. In addition, the resulting biomass was evaluated for ecotoxicity in accordance with internationally recognised OECD methods 207 (Earthworm Acute Toxicity Test) and OECD 208 (Terrestrial Plant Test). There were no adverse effects on earthworm survival, plant growth, or seed germination. The sample passed Tier 3 ecotoxicity assessment and demonstrated no harmful environmental effects. These studies form part of Symphony's long-term commitment to generate independent scientific evidence from accredited laboratories regarding the environmental fate of plastics incorporating d2w technology. The Company believes that this programme of studies represents the most comprehensive evaluation ever undertaken on an oxidative biodegradable polyethylene technology, integrating abiotic degradation, biodegradation, ecotoxicity assessment, and microplastic investigation within a single programme. The testing was conducted using internationally recognised standards and methodologies specifically designed to evaluate environmental performance. Unlike many biodegradation standards which focus primarily on industrial composting, ISO 17556 assesses aerobic biodegradation directly in soil. The results are therefore particularly relevant to terrestrial environments where mismanaged plastic waste may ultimately accumulate. The results announced demonstrate that after extensive testing in soil there were no microplastic particles in the resulting biomass and no adverse effects on plant growth or earthworms. Combined with previous independent studies by Queen Mary University, London, the French Oxomar project, and others, these findings strengthen the scientific evidence supporting d2w technology as a practical solution for reducing the persistence of plastic in the environment. Symphony's growing portfolio of independent scientific evidence provides policymakers, brand owners and consumers with objective scientific data relevant to concerns about persistence, microplastics and environmental safety, whilst preserving the many benefits plastics bring to society. The testing programme utilised the following international standards: ASTM D6954 - Standard Guide for Exposing and Testing Plastics that Degrade in the Environment by a Combination of Oxidation and Biodegradation; ASTM D5208 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics; ISO 17556 - Determination of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability of Plastic Materials in Soil; OECD 207 - Earthworm Acute Toxicity Test; OECD 208 - Terrestrial Plant Test; ISO 24187 - Principles for the Analysis of Microplastics Present in the Environment.

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Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Completes Comprehensive Soil Biodegradation Study on D2w Plastics

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