Global Compostable & Biodegradable Certifications Guide
Certified Compostable Bags You Can Actually Trust
Are you also confused by the various logos and regulations for compostable packaging bags? BPI? TÜV? What are these, and what do they mean for businesses?
As a manufacturer with over 16 years of experience in biodegradable and compostable products, we created this page as a global compostable certifications guide.
This is not just a list of logos. It is a decision reference designed to help brands, importers, distributors, and B2B buyers understand which certification works in which market and waste system.
Think of this page as the central hub for global compostable and biodegradable bag certifications. Wondering which are the top-rated compostable trash bags for your needs? Visit our Best Compostable Trash Bags page for expert recommendations, including the best sizes, certifications, and brands.
Why Do Compostable Certifications Matter?
“Biodegradable” and “compostable” are not the same.
Many products labeled as “biodegradable” may only break into small fragments and still leave harmful residues behind. In contrast, certified compostable bags must pass strict third-party testing to prove that they:
- Fully break down within a defined time
- Leave no toxic or harmful residues
- Are compatible with approved composting systems
For B2B buyers, certifications are not marketing tools.
They are proof of compliance, safety, and market acceptance.
Avoid Greenwashing and Compliance Risks
Using uncertified or misleading “eco-friendly” bags is risky.
In real business scenarios, this may lead to:
- Rejection by large retailers
- Import or customs clearance problems
- Loss of trust from customers and partners
- Legal risks related to green marketing claims
Verified compostable certifications protect your product, your brand reputation, and your access to global markets.
Compostable Certification Is Your Product’s Passport
Think of compostable certification as a passport.
- Selling in the United States or Canada? You need BPI certification.
- Selling in Europe? You need EN 13432–based certification (such as TÜV Austria).
- Selling in Australia? AS4736 or AS5810 is often required for FOGO systems.
Different markets accept different certifications.
Choosing the wrong one can delay or even block market entry.
Major Compostable Certifications Explained
Below is a high-level overview of the most important compostable certifications worldwide.
Each certification serves a different market and composting environment.
Product is suitable for industrial composting environments, including Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) systems.
- Composting environment: Industrial composting
- Typical use: Commercial packaging, food service, municipal waste streams
- Market relevance: Often mandatory for products entering Australian FOGO programs
Products certified to AS4736 are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities, not in home compost bins.
AS5810 certification verifies that a product can safely decompose in home composting conditions.
- Composting environment: Home compost
- Typical use: Consumer and household products
- Market relevance: Retail products labeled as home compostable in Australia
This standard requires successful degradation at lower temperatures over a longer time, similar in concept to OK Compost HOME.
BPI certification confirms compliance with ASTM D6400, the main industrial composting standard in the United States and Canada.
- Composting environment: Industrial composting
- Applicable markets: USA and Canada
- Typical use: Commercial, municipal, and B2B packaging
This certification allows legal use of the “Compostable” claim in North America.
OK Compost is a TÜV Austria certification widely used in Europe. TÜV Austria issues two OK Compost certifications for different composting environments.
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL (EN 13432) applies to industrial composting and is widely used for commercial and municipal packaging in Europe.
OK Compost HOME applies to home composting, with stricter low-temperature testing, and is mainly used for consumer and retail products.
EN 13432 is the core European standard for industrial compostable packaging.
- Composting environment: Industrial composting
- Applicable markets: Europe and EU-regulated markets
- Typical use: Commercial packaging and public procurement
Products certified to EN 13432 are widely accepted by municipal composting facilities across Europe.
Which Compostable Certification Should You Choose?
If you are unsure where to start, use this simple decision guide:
- Selling only in the USA or Canada → BPI (ASTM D6400)
- Selling only in Europe → EN 13432 / OK Compost INDUSTRIAL
- Selling in multiple regions → EN 13432 + BPI
- Selling to end consumers → OK Compost HOME (if required)
- Selling in Australia → AS4736 or AS5810
Choosing the right certification early helps avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Waste System Compatibility by Market
Certification does not guarantee acceptance everywhere.
Even certified compostable bags must match local waste collection and composting systems.
| Market | Certification | Acceptance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | BPI / ASTM D6400 | Acceptance depends on local facility |
| Europe | EN 13432 | Widely accepted |
| Australia | AS4736 / AS5810 | Required for FOGO systems |
| Home compost | OK Compost HOME | Household compost only |
Understanding waste system compatibility is critical for real-world disposal success.
Comparison: Compostable Certifications at a Glance
| Certification | Region | Composting Type | Typical Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPI | North America | Industrial | B2B / Municipal |
| EN 13432 | Europe | Industrial | B2B / Public |
| OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | Global | Industrial | Commercial |
| OK Compost HOME | Global | Home | Retail / Consumer |
| AS4736 / AS5810 | Australia | Industrial / Home | FOGO / Retail |
How to Verify Compostable Certifications
We encourage full transparency.
You can verify compostable certifications directly on official platforms:
- Find the certificate number on the document
- Visit the official certification website
- Search the company name or certificate number
Our certification references:
- BPI Certificate No.: 10529118
- TÜV Austria Certificate No.: S1362
This allows you to independently confirm certification authenticity.
Labeling and Claims: What You Can Safely Say
Incorrect wording can cause compliance problems.
General best practices include:
- Use “industrial compostable” when applicable
- Avoid claiming “home compostable” without certification
- Do not use vague terms like “eco-safe” or “green” alone
- Follow market-specific labeling rules
Clear and accurate claims protect your brand and customers.
Understanding the correct sizing for compostable bin liners is essential. Check out our Bin Liner Sizing Guide to ensure you’re using the right size for your bins.
Don't Just Take Our Word for It: Check for Yourself!
We want you to be 100% sure. You can easily check our certifications on the official websites. It’s easy!
- Find Our Certificate Number
You can find the number on our certificate documents. - Go to the Official Website
- For BPI: BPI Certified Products Website
- For TÜV AUSTRIA (OK compost): TÜV AUSTRIA Certified Products Website
- Search for Our Company or Number
Just type our company name(SHANDONG ORIZON BIOMATERIALS CO.,LTD) or the certificate number( BPI Certificate No.: 10529118 ; TUV Certificate No.: S1362) into their search box. You’ll see our official listing pop right up!
FAQ
Often yes. Many exporters choose both EN 13432 and BPI to cover Europe and North America.
Not always. Acceptance depends on local waste collection systems
You may face delays, rejection by buyers, or disposal problems.
Still Unsure? Let’s Talk
Choosing the right compostable certification does not have to be complicated.
When you work with us, you are not just buying certified bags.
You are working with a manufacturer experienced in global compliance, ready to help you choose the right solution for your market.
