Three pilot barrier-coated boards that were recently produced at the Tampere University of Technology were tested for biodegradation potential using the soil-burial test method. The tests were conducted in the field as well as in the laboratory. We found that the baseboards degraded regardless of differences hi coating; however, the degradation rate was different. The laboratory conditions as well as the addition of inoculum accelerated the degradation process. The coated layer of the boards was isolated by laminating with black polyethylene; then their biodegradation rate was compared to the biodegradatioti rate of the control, boards coated with low-density polyethylene. It was observed that paperboards coated with polyester-based polymers were biodegradable but at different rates. The differences in the biodegradation rates of the boards were attributed to their coating formulations. (c) 2006 Wiley periodicals, Inc.