Normec OWS provides laboratory and consulting services to a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors. We support our clients with consulting services in the areas of biodegradability, compostability, ecotoxicity, and relevant legislation in Europe, Canada, and the United States. In addition, we offer contract laboratory testing to determine the biodegradability and compostability of various materials, enabling our clients to have their materials certified.
Thanks to our laboratory infrastructure and analytical expertise, we support our customers with their needs for specialized analyses in various matrices.
Through our ACS division, we support customers with their waste management by conducting inspections and audits of waste sorting and by optimizing waste streams.
Improve Quality. Reduce Risk.
As an independent laboratory, we have built an international reputation in biodegradation and compostability testing.
We are recognized worldwide by all certification bodies in the field of biodegradable or compostable materials.
For almost four decades, Normec OWS has been at the forefront of biodegradation, compostability, and ecotoxicological assessment. Recognized internationally for our scientific expertise and commitment to quality, we empower brands, manufacturers, and innovators worldwide with trusted scientific data, expert guidance, and practical sustainability solutions. Beyond laboratory testing, our comprehensive portfolio includes auditing, waste management assessments, material sorting, life cycle assessments, and sustainability consulting. By combining deep technical expertise with a customer-focused approach, we help organizations make informed decisions, bring sustainable innovations to market, and meet evolving environmental expectations with confidence.
Our high-quality tests form the foundation. You choose the service level that best suits your needs for insight, advice, or knowledge. Not sure which level is right for you? We’d be happy to help you make a choice.
With Explore, you get quick access to scientifically grounded insights thanks to innovative high-throughput testing. This fast service helps you:
Perfect for the R&D phase or for making quick, evidence-based decisions prior to large-scale testing.
Core offers accredited biodegradation testing with the quality you’ve come to expect from Normec OWS. Perfect if you know exactly what data you need and are looking for a reliable partner to provide independent test results.
For teams seeking certainty, without customized guidance.
Advanced builds on Core and offers direct, personalized guidance from Normec OWS specialists. With over 35 years of experience, you’ll benefit from expert advice, priority scheduling, and comprehensive reports that enable you to refine your development strategy.
Ideal if you need strategic insight and guidance for your next steps.
This knowledge service brings together the latest insights on regulations, market trends, and science. With Intelligence, you stay ahead of the curve, make more informed decisions, and respond more quickly to changes.
Stay ahead of the curve with Intelligence.
News
Normec OWS’ high-throughput biodegradation pre-screening platform has been featured in Sustainable Plastics, highlighting its role in accelerating sustainable materials development.
On 23 June 2025, Normec OWS officially launched its new modular service methodology, a structured approach designed to support companies at every stage of material development and sustainability testing.
On 26 June 2025, Normec OWS welcomed sales colleagues from across its international network to headquarters for the annual International Sales Days.
On March 14, 2025, Normec OWS, a leading biodegradability & compostability testing organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FITI Testing & Research Institute (FITI) to support Korean export companies in obtaining biodegradability & compostability certifications. The agreement was formalized at FITI’s headquarters in Seoul, strengthening cooperation in testing, certification, and research.
On 14 April 2025, Normec OWS proudly hosted the POLYMEER consortium for its General Assembly at the Ghent facility. This marked a key milestone in the EU-funded project’s progress toward developing next-generation polymer materials with improved recyclability and sustainability.
On April 17, 2025, Normec OWS opened its headquarters for Woman & Engineer, a special evening celebrating women in engineering and the role of sustainability in engineering careers. The event brought together students, budding professionals and experienced engineers for open, inspiring conversations. Attendees engaged directly with Normec OWS experts to explore challenges and opportunities within engineering fields - from navigating engineering career paths to driving sustainable innovation in science and industry.
During the session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of biodegradation, composting, and ecotoxicity testing, gaining insight into how materials are evaluated for their environmental impact. The visit demonstrated how laboratory science directly supports sustainability goals, regulatory compliance, and responsible product development.
Normec is a leading organization in the TICC sector (Testing, Inspection, Certification, Compliance). Our areas of expertise range from (drinking) water quality, air quality, and soil quality to fire safety, food safety, management systems, fair labor practices, good working conditions, and social compliance. Every day, we work to create a safe, healthy, and reliable work and living environment—for both current and future generations.
Normec OWS is accredited for inspection assignments in accordance with ISO 17020:2012. More specifically, this accreditation covers the validation of data and the verification of compliance with all legal obligations regarding the management of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). All other inspection assignments are carried out in accordance with ISO 17020 to the greatest extent possible. Normec OWS is an active member of several industry associations, including European Bioplastics and Belgium BioProducts, and sits in the steering committee of the Compostable by Design Platform. Normec OWS is also a Belgian delegate of several international (ISO), regional (CEN) and national (ASTM) standardisation working groups on plastics, packaging, textiles, cigarettes, etc. with the aim to continue co-developing reliable and reproducible test methods for biodegradability, compostability & ecotoxicity testing.
Normec OWS is accredited conform the requirements of the standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by BELAC as described in the scope of accreditation 338-TEST.
Normec OWS is accredited conform the requirements of the standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by BELAC as described in the scope of accreditation 338-TEST.
The internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). By adhering to this standard, Normec OWS ensures it is taking proactive measures to minimize its environmental footprint and comply with relevant legal requirements.
ISO/IEC 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results.
Packaging or products featuring the OK compost INDUSTRIAL label are guaranteed as biodegradable in an industrial composting plant.
Packaging or products featuring the OK compost INDUSTRIAL label are guaranteed as biodegradable in a garden compost heap.
The OK biodegradable SOIL label is a guarantee a product will completely biodegrade in the soil without adversely affecting the environment.
Products certified for OK biodegradable WATER guarantee biodegradation in a natural fresh water environment, and thus substantially contribute to the reduction of waste in rivers, lakes or any natural fresh water.
Products that are in compliance with EN 13432 can be awarded with the Seedling logo.
