As apparel brands replace conventional plastic polybags, compostable garment bags are increasingly used for garment protection, storage, export packaging, and retail presentation.
However, garment bags are often misunderstood from a compliance perspective.
Not all compostable certifications apply equally, and using the wrong certification or claim can create regulatory and greenwashing risks.
This article explains which certifications apply to compostable garment bags, how compliance differs by market, and what apparel brands and buyers should verify before sourcing.
What Are Compostable Garment Bags?
Compostable garment bags are inner packaging bags made from certified compostable materials, designed to protect clothing during storage, transport, and retail handling.
They are commonly used by:
- Apparel brands
- Garment factories
- Retailers and distributors
- Dry cleaners (short-term use)
Compostable garment bags are a specific product type within the broader category of compostable apparel packaging.
Their compliance requirements depend heavily on how and where they are used, which makes certification selection especially important.
Why Compostable Garment Bags Certifications Are Different
Garment bags differ from other apparel packaging formats such as mailing bags or shopping bags.
Key differences include:
- They are often inner packaging, not consumer-facing
- They may be used in export cartons rather than retail distribution
- Disposal instructions are rarely seen by end consumers
- Storage time can be longer than e-commerce mailers
Because of this, certification suitability depends on application, not just material composition.
Which Certifications Apply to Compostable Garment Bags?
Below is a clear breakdown of the most relevant certifications and when they apply.
EN 13432 (European Union)
EN 13432 is the primary compostability standard for packaging placed on the EU market.
For compostable garment bags, EN 13432 evaluates:
- Biodegradation under industrial composting conditions
- Disintegration during composting
- Ecotoxicity and heavy metal content
Best suited for:
- Apparel brands exporting garments to the EU
- Inner garment bags used in EU retail or distribution
If compostable garment bags are supplied as part of finished apparel sold in the EU, EN 13432 is often essential.
ASTM D6400 & BPI Certification (United States)
In the United States, ASTM D6400 defines industrial compostability requirements, while BPI provides third-party certification.
Important clarification:
- ASTM D6400 = test standard
- BPI = certification body
For compostable garment bags:
- BPI certification confirms suitability for industrial composting
- Claims must match local composting infrastructure and labeling rules
Best suited for:
- Apparel brands selling in the US
- Garment bags used in domestic distribution or fulfillment
OK Compost (HOME & INDUSTRIAL)
TÜV Austria OK Compost certification is divided into:
- OK Compost INDUSTRIAL
- OK Compost HOME
For compostable garment bags:
- INDUSTRIAL certification is more common
- HOME certification applies only if lower-temperature composting is intended
Important note:
HOME certification should not be claimed unless materials are specifically tested for home composting conditions.
Australian Standards: AS 4736 & AS 5810
Australia applies two compostability standards:
- AS 4736 – Industrial composting
- AS 5810 – Home composting
For compostable garment bags exported to Australia:
- Certification must match the disposal claim
- Incorrect labeling can lead to market compliance issues
Certification Requirements Based on Garment Bag Usage
Certification suitability depends strongly on how the garment bag is used.
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Certification |
|---|---|
| Inner packaging for EU apparel | EN 13432 |
| US domestic distribution | ASTM D6400 + BPI |
| Export packaging (industrial composting) | EN 13432 / BPI |
| Home compost claims | OK Compost HOME / AS 5810 |
| Short-term garment storage | Industrial compost certifications |
This is why one certification does not fit all markets.
Common Compliance Mistakes with Compostable Garment Bags
Many compliance issues arise not from materials, but from incorrect claims.
Common mistakes include:
- Using “biodegradable” instead of certified compostable
- Applying HOME compost claims without certification
- Mixing certifications across markets without clarity
- Omitting disposal guidance where required
- Assuming garment bags are exempt because they are inner packaging
These errors can expose brands to EPR risk, customs delays, and greenwashing penalties.
How to Choose a Certified Compostable Garment Bag Supplier
When sourcing compostable garment bags, apparel brands should verify that suppliers:
- Understand product-specific certification requirements
- Provide valid third-party certificates
- Support market-specific labeling and documentation
- Have experience exporting to regulated markets
- Control material selection and quality inspection in-house
Working with an experienced manufacturer helps ensure that certification, performance, and compliance remain aligned.
Compostable garment bags supplied as part of a complete compostable apparel packaging program simplify sourcing and compliance management for global apparel brands.
Conclusion
Compostable garment bags play an important role in reducing plastic use across the apparel supply chain — but only when certification and compliance are handled correctly.
By understanding which certifications apply, how usage affects compliance, and how requirements differ by market, apparel brands can adopt compostable garment bags with confidence.
Choosing experienced manufacturers ensures that compostable garment bags meet regulatory expectations while maintaining packaging performance and supply stability.
