CEC-L-33-A-93 was considered to be the general test for lubricants until recently. IGRALUB therefore also had its products tested according to this method, and still makes use of some of the results today. This test version is no longer used nowadays.
OECD 301 B, also known as the Storm Test, is the new, recognised test. The procedure is based on the production of CO2. A biological degradability is determined at the end of the so-called 10-Day-Test-Window and after a test period of 28 days. If the product has reached the required degradation level of 60% at both the end of the 10-day window and also after 28-day incubation, it will be designated as
– readily biodegradable –.
OECD 302 B is well suited for the test of cleaning products that find their way into sewage works. The dissolved organic carbohydrates are measured here. This type of test is unsuitable for lubricants, which hardly ever find their way into the sewage, but is, nevertheless, occasionally used by other manufacturers.