Compostable Certifications Guide & Verification
Understand, Compare and Verify Compostable Certifications
Are you also confused by the different compostability standards, certification programs and conformity marks used for compostable bags and packaging? BPI? TÜV AUSTRIA? EN 13432? What do they mean for businesses?
ORIZON has manufactured compostable bags since 2009. This guide explains major compostability standards and certification programs, the composting environments they apply to, and how buyers can verify certification claims before sourcing.
This page explains major compostability standards and certification programs and provides ORIZON’s current TÜV AUSTRIA certificate-level records. Evidence classification, company information and the general verification procedure are available in the ORIZON Evidence & Verification Center.
Why Do Compostable Certifications Matter?
“Biodegradable” and “compostable” are not the same.
“Biodegradable” is a broad claim and does not by itself define the required conditions, timeframe or end-of-life environment.
Certified compostable products, by contrast, are evaluated against defined requirements under specified composting conditions.
Certification programs may evaluate factors such as:
- Biodegradation
- Disintegration
- Ecotoxicity
- Material composition
- Finished-product thickness
- Printing and pigments
- Other requirements defined by the applicable standard or certification scheme
For B2B buyers, compostability certification is more than a marketing claim. It provides third-party evidence that a product has been evaluated against defined requirements within the applicable certification scope.
Avoid Greenwashing and Compliance Risks
Unsupported or misleading compostability claims can create commercial and compliance risks.
Depending on the market and buyer requirements, potential consequences may include:
- Rejection by large retailers
- Import or customs clearance problems
- Loss of trust from customers and partners
- Legal risks related to green marketing claims
Verified certification and accurate claims can reduce compliance risk, improve buyer confidence and support market access where specific certification requirements apply.
Which Compostable Certification Applies to Your Market?
The applicable certification depends on:
- Target market
- Intended composting environment
- Finished-product configuration
- Buyer requirements
- Waste-system or composting-program requirements
- Local labeling rules
As a general starting point:
North America:
ASTM compostability standards and BPI certification are commonly used for third-party verification of eligible compostable products.
Europe:
EN 13432-based industrial-compostability certification is widely used for compostable packaging.
Australia — commercial composting:
AS 4736 is the relevant Australian standard for commercial compostability.
Australia — home composting:
AS 5810 applies to biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting.
Home composting in other markets:
Certification schemes associated with conformity marks such as OK compost HOME may apply.
Certification should not be treated as automatic acceptance by every council, composting facility, retailer, waste contractor or organics program.
Local acceptance requirements should be confirmed separately.
Major Compostable Certifications Explained
The standards, certification programs and conformity marks below apply to different markets, composting environments and product configurations.
They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Buyers should confirm the finished-product scope, certification status and local acceptance requirements before approving a compostable product for sourcing.
BPI operates third-party compostability certification programs for eligible products, components and materials.
BPI Certification and ASTM D6400
ASTM D6400 is commonly used as a base assessment standard for eligible plastic products entering commercial compostability certification programs in North America.
Depending on product construction and intended certification, additional standards or program requirements may apply.
Composting environment: Commercial / industrial composting
Main market: North America
Typical applications: Eligible compostable bags, foodservice products and packaging intended for commercial composting systems
BPI Commercial & Home Certification
Home compostability should be verified separately and should not be assumed from commercial-compostability certification alone.
Where home compostability is claimed, buyers should check the applicable current certification-body listing and the exact finished product.
Buyers should verify the company, product or SKU in BPI’s official product database before relying on a BPI certification claim.
AS 4736 — Australian Commercial Compostability Standard
AS 4736 is an Australian standard used for commercial-compostability assessment of applicable biodegradable plastics.
Products certified against AS 4736 are intended for commercial or industrial composting conditions rather than home composting.
Composting environment: Commercial / industrial composting
Main market: Australia
Typical applications: Eligible compostable bags and other products intended for commercial organics systems
Where a FOGO or other organics program permits certified compostable plastic liners, buyers should confirm whether AS 4736 certification is required by that particular council, processor or program.
Certification alone should not be treated as automatic acceptance by every FOGO system.
AS 5810 is the Australian standard for biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting.
It applies to products evaluated for composting under home or backyard composting conditions rather than controlled commercial composting facilities.
Composting environment: Home / backyard composting
Main market: Australia
Typical applications: Eligible products specifically evaluated and certified for home-composting conditions
AS 5810 should not be treated as a substitute for AS 4736 where a commercial organics or FOGO program specifically requires commercial-compostability certification.
Buyers should also confirm that the exact finished product being purchased falls within the applicable certification scope.
EN 13432 is a widely used European standard relating to packaging intended to be recovered through industrial composting and biodegradation.
It addresses compostability requirements under defined industrial-composting conditions.
Composting environment: Industrial / commercial composting
Main market: Europe
Typical applications: Eligible compostable packaging and bag applications
Compliance or certification associated with EN 13432 should be checked against the actual finished-product configuration being purchased.
Certification does not automatically mean that every local collection program or composting facility will accept the product.
Local waste-system requirements should be confirmed separately.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME — TÜV AUSTRIA
OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME are separate TÜV AUSTRIA conformity marks associated with different composting environments and certification requirements.
They should not be treated as interchangeable.
The OK compost HOME conformity mark applies to products that have been certified within the applicable TÜV AUSTRIA certification scope for home or garden composting conditions.
Home composting normally operates at lower and less controlled temperatures than industrial composting, which is why home and industrial compostability must be evaluated separately.
Composting environment: Home / garden composting
Typical scope: Eligible finished products certified for home-composting conditions, subject to the applicable certificate.
Home compostability should be confirmed for the exact finished product.
The OK compost INDUSTRIAL conformity mark applies to products certified within the applicable TÜV AUSTRIA certification scope for industrial composting conditions.
EN 13432 is the reference standard associated with the OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification scheme.
Composting environment: Industrial / commercial composting
Typical scope: Eligible finished products certified for industrial-composting conditions, subject to the applicable certificate.
A product certified only for industrial composting should not automatically be treated as suitable for home or garden composting.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL vs OK compost HOME
| Certification | Composting Environment | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| OK compost INDUSTRIAL | Industrial / commercial composting | EN 13432 is the reference standard for the certification scheme |
| OK compost HOME | Home / garden composting | Separate certification for home-composting conditions |
OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME are not interchangeable.
Buyers should verify the certification mark, certificate scope and exact finished-product configuration before making compostability claims or approving a product for sourcing.
ORIZON TÜV AUSTRIA Certificate Scope
ORIZON’s current TÜV AUSTRIA certificates do not cover every product manufactured by the company.
The current OK compost INDUSTRIAL certificate TA8012004817 covers the product types Bags for collection of biodegradable refuse and Shopping bags (check-out bags), with a maximum nominal thickness of 78 μm.
The current OK compost HOME certificate TA8022004818 covers the product types Bags for collection of biodegradable refuse and Shopping bags (check-out bags), with a maximum nominal thickness of 63 μm.
Certification applicability should be confirmed against the applicable current certificate and final finished-product specification. Product similarity, material type or intended use should not be used to extend certification scope to other product categories.
ORIZON Certificate Register
The records below identify ORIZON’s current finished-product compostability certification records.
This section is the certificate-level reference for ORIZON certification information published on this website.
Certificate applicability remains subject to:
- Current certification status
- Covered product category
- Applicable thickness range
- Material formulation
- Film colour
- Printing and ink system
- Pigments and additives
- Labels or adhesives
- Finished-product construction
- Other conditions stated in the applicable certificate or certification-body listing
Where a current certification-body public listing is available, that official listing should be used to confirm the latest certification status.
BPI Certification — Certificate ID 10529118
Certificate ID: 10529118
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Body:
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
Certification Program:
BPI Compostability Certification
Relevant Standard:
ASTM D6400 / D6868, as applicable under the certification program
Covered Product Description:
Compostable Waste and Shopping Bags with Printing
Maximum Certified Thickness:
≤ 120 μm
Composting Environment:
Commercial / industrial composting
Published Valid Until:
December 31, 2026
Status as of 2026-11-09:
Current
Certification applies only to products and configurations falling within the applicable BPI listing and program requirements.
A company-level certification reference should not be used by itself to conclude that every ORIZON product is BPI certified.
The proposed finished product should be checked against the current BPI product listing before any BPI claim or certification mark is used.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL — Certificate No. TA8012004817
Certificate No.: TA8012004817
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Body:
TÜV AUSTRIA
Conformity Mark / Certification Scheme:
OK compost INDUSTRIAL
Licensee S-code:
S1362
Covered Product Types:
- Bags for collection of biodegradable refuse
- Shopping bags (check-out bags)
Maximum Nominal Thickness:
78 μm
Composting Environment:
Industrial / commercial composting
Published Valid Until:
July 30, 2030
Status:
Current
Certification applicability must be confirmed against the current certificate and the actual finished-product specification before any certification claim or conformity mark is used.
Important: S1362 identifies the TÜV AUSTRIA licensee. It is not a certificate number.
OK compost HOME — Certificate No. TA8022004818
Certificate No.: TA8022004818
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Body:
TÜV AUSTRIA
Conformity Mark / Certification Scheme:
OK compost HOME
Licensee S-code:
S1362
Certification Basis:
TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost HOME certification scheme
Covered Product Types:
- Bags for collection of biodegradable refuse
- Shopping bags (check-out bags)
Maximum Nominal Thickness:
63 μm
Composting Environment:
Home / garden composting
Published Valid Until:
July 30, 2030
Status:
Current
OK compost HOME is a separate TÜV AUSTRIA certification scheme and should not be described as certification “according to AS 5810.”
Certification applicability must be confirmed against the current certificate and the actual finished-product specification before any certification claim or conformity mark is used.
Important: S1362 identifies the TÜV AUSTRIA licensee. It is not a certificate number.
ABA AS 4736 — Certificate ID ABAP10126
Certificate ID: ABAP10126
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Program:
Australasian Bioplastics Association certification
Standard:
AS 4736
Covered Product Description:
Printed / coloured compostable shopping and waste bags
Maximum Certified Thickness:
≤ 143 μm
Composting Environment:
Commercial / industrial composting
Published Valid Until:
July 30, 2027
Status:
Current
Certification applicability remains subject to the current certificate conditions and actual finished-product specification.
AS 4736 is an Australian standard and should not be presented as a TÜV AUSTRIA certification scheme.
ABA AS 5810 — Certificate ID ABAP20055
Certificate ID: ABAP20055
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Program:
Australasian Bioplastics Association certification
Standard:
AS 5810
Covered Product Description:
Printed / coloured compostable shopping and waste bags
Maximum Certified Thickness:
≤ 63 μm
Composting Environment:
Home / backyard composting
Published Valid Until:
July 30, 2027
Status:
Current
Certification applicability remains subject to the current certificate conditions and actual finished-product specification.
AS 5810 is a separate Australian home-compostability standard and should not be presented as equivalent to OK compost HOME.
DIN CERTCO — Certificate ID 7P1050
Certificate ID: 7P1050
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Body:
DIN CERTCO
Certification Basis:
EN 13432-based industrial-compostability certification
Covered Product Category:
Shopping Bag
Composting Environment:
Industrial / commercial composting
Published Valid Until:
September 30, 2029
Status:
Current
Applicable thickness limits and other product conditions should be confirmed against the current DIN CERTCO documentation before this certification is applied to a finished-product claim.
Certification applicability is subject to the exact product and specification scope stated in the current certification record.
DIN CERTCO — Certificate ID 7P1051
Certificate ID: 7P1051
Certificate Holder:
Shandong Orizon Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Certification Body:
DIN CERTCO
Certification Basis:
EN 13432-based industrial-compostability certification
Covered Product Category:
Waste Bag — coloured / printed
Maximum Certified Thickness:
≤ 143 μm
Composting Environment:
Industrial / commercial composting
Published Valid Until:
September 30, 2029
Status:
Current
Certification applicability is subject to the exact product and specification scope stated in the current DIN CERTCO documentation.
Product Coverage Matrix
The table below is intended as a sourcing and verification guide.
It does not extend the scope of any certificate.
| Product Category | Current Certification Position |
|---|---|
| Shopping bags | Explicitly listed within applicable current ORIZON finished-product certification records |
| Waste bags | Explicitly listed within applicable current ORIZON finished-product certification records |
| Produce bags | Not separately listed on the current certificates; applicability is assessed against the Shopping Bag category during specification review |
| Mailer bags | Not presented as covered by default; product-level verification required |
| Garment / apparel bags | Not presented as covered by default; product-level verification required |
| Dog waste bags in small rolls | Not presented as covered by default; product-level verification required |
| Toilet / sanitation bags | Not presented as covered by default; product-level verification required |
| Other specialty flexible-packaging configurations | Product-level verification required |
Produce Bag Classification Note
Produce bag configurations are not separately listed on the current certificates.
Their applicability is assessed against the Shopping Bag category during specification review, subject to:
- Applicable certificate conditions
- Product dimensions
- Film thickness
- Material formulation
- Film colour
- Printing
- Inks and pigments
- Additives
- Finished-product construction
- Other relevant specification requirements
A produce bag should not be presented as certified solely because it is similar to a certified shopping bag.
Certification Scope Limitations
A compostability certificate applies only within its defined certification scope.
Certificate applicability should not be extended automatically on the basis of:
- Similar appearance
- Similar end use
- Raw-material composition
- Supplier resin certification
- A different bag model
- A different thickness
- A different formulation
- Different colours or pigments
- Different printing systems
- Additional additives
- Adhesives
- Labels
- Laminates
- Closures
- Other structural changes
Raw Materials vs. Finished Products
A certificate covering a raw material or resin does not, by itself, certify the finished bag.
Certificates held by raw-material suppliers should not be presented as ORIZON finished-product certifications.
Finished-product certification must be confirmed against the applicable certificate or certification-body listing and the actual finished-product specification.
Home vs. Industrial Compostability
Home and industrial compostability are different composting environments.
A product certified only for industrial composting should not automatically be presented as home compostable.
A home-compostability certification should likewise not be used as a substitute for a commercial-compostability certification where the destination market or organics program requires one.
Other Disposal Environments
Industrial or home compostability certification does not by itself establish suitability for:
- Landfill biodegradation
- Soil biodegradation
- Freshwater biodegradation
- Marine biodegradation
Claims relating to these environments require separate applicable evidence.
Compostability Standards & Certification Programs at a Glance
| Standard / Program | Main Market | Composting Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPI Certification | North America | Commercial Only; Commercial & Home available for eligible products | Third-party certification program |
| EN 13432 | Europe | Industrial | Standard |
| OK compost INDUSTRIAL | Multiple markets; local requirements vary | Industrial / commercial composting | TÜV AUSTRIA conformity mark |
| OK compost HOME | Multiple markets; local requirements vary | Home / garden composting | TÜV AUSTRIA conformity mark |
| AS 4736 | Australia | Commercial / industrial composting | Standard |
| AS 5810 | Australia | Home / backyard composting | Standard |
These standards, certification programs and conformity marks are not interchangeable. Their applicability depends on the target market, composting environment, finished-product configuration and the scope of the applicable certification.
For ORIZON-specific certification claims, buyers should verify the applicable Certificate ID, covered product category, thickness range and final finished-product specification before using a certification claim or certification mark.
How to Verify a Compostable Certification
Before accepting a compostability claim from a supplier, buyers should verify that the certification applies to the actual finished product being purchased, not only to a raw material, a similar product or another configuration.
Use the following checks:
1. Request the current certificate or official listing
Ask the supplier for the latest certificate, official product listing or other current certification evidence.
2. Check the certificate holder or licensed company name
Confirm that the company named on the certificate or official listing matches the manufacturer, license holder or authorized party associated with the product.
3. Check the Certificate ID and any separate license or registration identifier
Confirm the Certificate ID exactly as shown on the certificate or official listing.
Where the certification body uses a separate license, registration, catalog or product identifier, record that value separately rather than treating it as the certificate number.
For TÜV AUSTRIA:
S1362 = Licensee S-code
TA8012004817 = OK compost INDUSTRIAL Certificate No.
TA8022004818 = OK compost HOME Certificate No.
The S-code must not be presented as a certificate number.
4. Verify the product or SKU in the certification body’s official database
Where a public verification system is available, search the company name, product name, SKU or certification number directly in the certification body’s official database.
5. Confirm the Finished-Product Scope
Check whether the certification covers the actual bag or packaging configuration you intend to purchase, including relevant details such as:
- product type
- dimensions
- thickness
- film color
- printing
- additives
- labels or adhesives
- finished-product structure
6. Confirm Certification-Mark and Private-Label Requirements
If a certification logo or conformity mark will appear on custom or private-label packaging, confirm whether its use is permitted for the specific certified product.
A certificate for a raw material or resin does not, by itself, certify the finished bag. Certification of another product, thickness or configuration must not be used as evidence that the finished product being purchased is certified.
For ORIZON-specific company and certification verification, visit our Manufacturer & Certification Verification page.
Compostability Claims & Certification Marks
Compostability claims should match the applicable finished-product evidence, certification scope and destination-market requirements.
- General best practices include:
- Use “industrial compostable” only where supported by applicable finished-product evidence.
- Do not make a “home compostable” claim unless supported by applicable evidence for the finished product and target market.
- Do not describe OK compost INDUSTRIAL or OK compost HOME as standards.
- Do not describe OK compost HOME as certification according to AS 5810.
- Do not describe OK compost INDUSTRIAL as certification according to AS 4736.
- Do not use a raw-material certificate as proof that the finished bag is certified.
- Do not use vague environmental terms such as “eco-safe” or “green” as substitutes for specific, supportable claims.
- Follow applicable destination-market labeling and certification-mark requirements.
- Use only approved certification artwork and marks where authorization applies.
Clear, evidence-based claims help reduce buyer confusion and compliance risk.
Certification Updates & Current Status
Certification validity and scope may change following renewal, product updates or certification-body decisions.
The Certificate Register on this page should be updated whenever:
- A certificate is renewed
- A certificate expires
- A certification body modifies the listed product scope
- A thickness range changes
- A certificate number changes
- A certification status changes
- A replacement certificate is issued
For current certification status, the certification body’s official listing takes precedence where available.
Last verified: 2026-11-09
Not Sure Which Compostable Certification You Need?
The correct certification depends on:
- Target market
- Intended composting environment
- Finished-product configuration
- Buyer requirements
- Waste-system requirements
- Intended use of certification marks
For a custom project, provide:
- Product type
- Dimensions
- Film thickness
- Material requirement
- Film colour
- Printing requirements
- Closure or adhesive requirements
- Intended composting environment
- Destination market
- Required certification or conformity mark
ORIZON can then review which current certification documentation may be relevant to the proposed finished product.
Final certification applicability should always be confirmed against the applicable current certificate, finished-product specification and relevant certification-body requirements.
FAQ
Possibly. Different markets and composting environments may rely on different standards or certification programs.
Buyers should define the destination market and intended composting route before selecting certification requirements.
No. Certification demonstrates conformity with specified requirements, but individual councils, waste contractors and composting facilities may apply their own acceptance rules.
No. A certification covering a raw material or resin does not, by itself, certify the finished bag. Finished-product certification must be confirmed against the applicable certificate or official product listing and the actual finished-product specification.
No.
Certificate applicability is limited to the product categories and conditions defined in the applicable certificate or official certification-body record.
Products outside an explicitly listed category require product-level verification.
Not on the current certificates referenced on this page.
Produce bag configurations are assessed against the Shopping Bag category during specification review, subject to the applicable certificate conditions and actual finished-product specification.
No.
S1362 is the TÜV AUSTRIA Licensee S-code.
The applicable ORIZON certificate numbers are:
TA8012004817 — OK compost INDUSTRIAL
TA8022004818 — OK compost HOME
No.
OK compost HOME is a TÜV AUSTRIA conformity mark associated with its own certification scheme.
AS 5810 is an Australian home-compostability standard.
They should not be treated as interchangeable.
No.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL is a TÜV AUSTRIA conformity mark associated with industrial-compostability certification.
AS 4736 is an Australian commercial-compostability standard.
They should not be presented as the same certification.
Use the Certificate ID shown in the ORIZON Certificate Register and, where available, verify the company and product through the certification body’s current official database.
For product-specific projects, also confirm the actual finished-product specification before relying on the certification claim.
Need Help Confirming Certification Requirements?
Send us your target market, bag specification and intended composting environment.
We can review your target market, intended composting environment and finished-product specification, and identify which current ORIZON certification documentation may be relevant to your project.
Final certification applicability should be confirmed against the applicable current certificate, finished-product specification and relevant certification-body requirements.
