Ecotoxicity and Biodegradation Behavior of a Bamboo-Based Plastic-Free Fibrous Composite

The increasing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste have stimulated the development of fully bio-based and plastic-free materials for single-use applications. In this study, a bamboo-based fibrous composite composed entirely of plant-derived components was developed and evaluated with respect to its environmental behavior. Ecotoxicity was assessed using a standardized earthworm soil test (Eisenia fetida) conducted by an accredited third-party laboratory, while biodegradation behavior was examined under controlled aerobic composting conditions using a respirometric method. The ecotoxicological assessment showed no adverse effects on earthworm survival or body weight compared with the control compost. Biodegradation experiments performed in triplicate demonstrated that the composite achieved an average biodegradation rate of 86.4% after 360 days, with a reference material included to verify test validity. These results indicate that the bamboo-based fibrous composite exhibits low acute soil ecotoxicity and substantial biodegradability under controlled composting conditions. Within the scope of the present study, the findings provide experimental evidence regarding the environmental compatibility of fully bio-based bamboo composites and contribute to the evaluation of their biodegradation and ecotoxicological characteristics.