Hajoittuvuutta

Hajoittuvuus is a Finnish noun that translates to “biodegradability” or “decomposability” in English. It refers to the ability of a material, substance, or product to be broken down by biological processes, primarily by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. The concept is central to environmental science, waste management, and product design because it determines how quickly an item can return to natural cycles without leaving harmful residues.

In practice, hajoittuvuus is evaluated through laboratory and field tests that measure the rate and completeness of decomposition. Common methods include the ASTM D6400, ISO 14855, and the OECD 301 series, which assess biodegradation under aerobic conditions. Results are expressed as a percentage of the material’s mass that disappears over a set period, often 90 days. A material considered highly hajoittuvuus typically shows more than 90% degradation under specified conditions.

The environmental importance of hajoittuvuus lies in reducing landfill use and mitigating pollution. Plastics with high hajoittuvuus can be engineered to degrade in marine or soil environments, thereby lessening long‑term ecological damage. Regulations in the European Union, such as the EU Directive 2019/904 on biodegradable and compostable plastics, set thresholds for hajoittuvuus to ensure that marketed products meet specific decomposition standards before sale.

Products ranging from single‑use packaging and agricultural films to certain construction materials incorporate hajoittuvuus into their design. Manufacturers often highlight a product’s biodegradability to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. However, market claims must be substantiated by standardized testing to avoid “greenwashing,” as misrepresented hajoittuvuus can lead to environmental harm if non‑degradable materials are incorrectly classified as biodegradable.