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News-Releases Index | Hohenstein Institute

05/05/2026

Hohenstein Establishes Soil-Based Testing Framework for Biodegradable Tree Shelters (5/5/26)

Plastic tree shelters protect young tree seedlings from browsing animals – but left in the ground after 
use, they gradually break down into macro- and microplastics. DIN SPEC 35808 is the first 
standardized framework specifically designed to verify whether a bio-based alternative will biodegrade 
completely under conditions that replicate forest environments.

Hohenstein developed the framework in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, forestry 
authorities and industry partners. The standard establishes binding requirements and testing 
procedures for tree shelters made from renewable raw materials – addressing a gap and building on 
frameworks for mulch films, such as DIN EN ISO 17033 and ISO 23517.

"The challenge is to develop materials that are durable enough to reliably protect young trees while 
leaving no harmful trace in the soil," said Mihaela Szegedi, project manager at Hohenstein. "Our testing 
methods allow us to specifically identify such materials."

The framework applies to forest owners, forestry operations and manufacturers of tree shelters. For 
buyers, it provides a verifiable basis for selecting materials that break down into natural components 
without leaving harmful substances behind. For manufacturers, it establishes clear quality and testing 
criteria for product development and proof of claims. Products meeting the framework's requirements 
are designed to be left in place after use, eliminating the need for manual removal.

U.S. manufacturers of tree shelters and bio-based materials can submit products for testing against 
DIN SPEC 35808 through Hohenstein Americas.

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