Faster Landfill Breakdown
Biodegradation Results
FILTRUM ZERO was developed to reduce the long-term landfill persistence associated with conventional disposable PPE. This page presents the biodegradation testing, verification methodology, and current results for FILTRUM ZERO biodegradable non-woven material elements under simulated landfill conditions. As the ongoing study progresses, this page will be updated to reflect new performance data over time.
81%
Average biodegradable material content by weight across the product range
Models range from 74–90%
~53%
Biodegradation achieved by tested biodegradable material elements
In 700 days of testing
100%
Biodegradable filter sleeves for surgical respirators
Made using plant-derived materials with a lower fossil-plastic profile
FILTRUM ZERO is the result of more than five years of development through NSW Government-backed innovation programmes, including the Small Business Innovation & Research program and the Industry Growth Grant, alongside industry experts and HealthShare NSW. The goal was practical from the beginning: to improve the end-of-life material profile of disposable PPE while preserving the filtration performance, breathability, comfort, and compliance required in healthcare environments.The programme considered the full product system, from non-woven material selection and mask construction through to box packaging, sleeve packaging, manufacturing practicality, clinician usability, and real-world disposal. The development process combined material science, production expertise, and healthcare feedback to ensure the finished products were not only lower-persistence, but suitable for everyday medical use.
FILTRUM ZERO’s biodegradable non-woven material elements have been tested under ASTM D5511 high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions, a landfill-relevant test environment used to assess biodegradation in oxygen-limited conditions. In testing, selected biodegradable material elements achieved approximately 53% biodegradation after around 700 days. Testing is ongoing, and updated biodegradation results will be published on this website as further data becomes available. The purpose of the technology is to improve the end-of-life material profile of disposable PPE while preserving the fit, breathability, comfort, and performance required for medical use. FILTRUM is continuing to research additional biodegradable material elements to further improve the end-of-life profile of disposable PPE. A portion of profits from FILTRUM ZERO is reinvested into ongoing material development, testing, and product improvements designed to increase biodegradation while maintaining medical performance.
FILTRUM ZERO’s biodegradable non-woven material elements have been tested under ASTM D5511 high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions, a landfill-relevant test environment used to assess biodegradation in oxygen-limited conditions. In testing, selected biodegradable material elements achieved approximately 53% biodegradation after around 700 days. Testing is ongoing, and updated biodegradation results will be published on this website as further data becomes available. The purpose of the technology is to improve the end-of-life material profile of disposable PPE while preserving the fit, breathability, comfort, and performance required for medical use. FILTRUM is continuing to research additional biodegradable material elements to further improve the end-of-life profile of disposable PPE. A portion of profits from FILTRUM ZERO is reinvested into ongoing material development, testing, and product improvements designed to increase biodegradation while maintaining medical performance.
Testing & Verification
Accelerated Biodegradation Study Results
The chart below shows the current biodegradation results for tested FILTRUM non-woven material elements under high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions. Testing was conducted by Intertek in accordance with ASTM D5511, with ongoing results to be updated as additional data becomes available.
Testing & Verification
Accelerated Biodegradation Study Results
The chart below shows the current biodegradation results for tested FILTRUM non-woven material elements under high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions. Testing was conducted by Intertek in accordance with ASTM D5511, with ongoing results to be updated as additional data becomes available.
FILTRUM ZERO products incorporate a proprietary active ingredient designed to significantly accelerate the degradation of non-wovens via natural enzymes. Biodegradation testing applies to biodegradable non-woven material elements and does not represent every component in the assembled product, such as aluminium nose wire, staples, and other non-biodegradable components retained for performance, fit, comfort, and clinician adoption. Results may vary depending on landfill conditions, product configuration, and the specific materials tested.