EN 13432 Requirements for Compostable Packaging Compliance
EN 13432 requirements are often mentioned in the EU market, but many buyers still ask the same question: What do I actually need to meet to stay compliant?
This page explains EN 13432 requirements in practical terms—materials, components, labeling, and documentation—so B2B buyers can evaluate compostable packaging with less risk.
If you need the full standard definition and certification background, see EN 13432 Certification Guide
What EN 13432 Requires (Practical Summary)
EN 13432 is a European standard used to assess whether packaging is suitable for industrial composting.
In simple terms, EN 13432 compliance requirements focus on three outcomes:
The packaging should break down in an industrial composting process
The materials should biodegrade under controlled composting conditions
The final compost should not be harmed by the packaging residues
This is why EN 13432 is commonly linked to commercial / industrial composting facilities, not backyard composting.
Material & Component Requirements
One common mistake is thinking: “If the film is compostable, the whole package is compostable.”
In reality, EN 13432 packaging requirements apply to the whole packaging item, including key components.
That includes:
The main film or paper structure
Printing inks
Adhesives and glue
Labels, coatings, and additives
Many industry guides highlight that compostability claims should cover all constituents, not just one layer.
What this means for buyers:
When you review a compostable packaging product, ask whether every part has been considered under the certification scope—not only the base material.
Certification & Documentation Requirements
EN 13432 requirements are normally demonstrated through third-party certification, not self-declaration.
For EU markets, the Seedling logo system is operated through independent certifiers such as DIN CERTCO and TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium, based on EN 13432.
For B2B procurement, this is what you should request:
A valid certificate (with certificate number and validity dates)
Clear scope: which product type, structure, and variants are covered
The certifier name (who issued it)
Supporting documents if needed (test reports or compliance statements)
Many buyers also want to verify certificates through official channels, rather than relying on screenshots. (This is also increasingly common in supplier screening.)
For the full certification process overview, see EN 13432 Certification Guide.
Labeling & Claim Requirements
EN 13432 labeling requirements are not just about putting “compostable” on the package.
The key risk is misleading claims—especially when a product is only industrially compostable.
Use “compostable” carefully
For B2B packaging, it is safer to use clear language such as:
- “Certified compostable according to EN 13432”
- “Industrially compostable”
Be cautious with “biodegradable”
“Biodegradable” can be vague and may create confusion if it is not supported by a recognized standard and proper context.
Seedling logo rules
The Seedling logo may only be used if the product has been formally certified, and logo use must follow the certification scheme rules.
Buyer tip:
If a supplier offers the Seedling logo, ask for proof of certification and authorization. Do not treat the logo as a design element.
When EN 13432 Is Not Enough
This is one of the most important parts of EN 13432 requirements in real markets:
EN 13432 proves industrial compostability, but it does not guarantee acceptance everywhere.
Two common reasons:
- Local waste system reality
Even certified products may face rejection if composting facilities run shorter cycles than standard test periods, or if sorting systems cannot identify compostable plastics reliably. - Country-level enforcement differences
EU countries apply the same baseline standard, but market expectations differ.
For country-specific guidance, see:
EU Compostable Packaging Regulations: Country Comparison Guide
Germany Compostable Packaging Regulations
France Compostable Packaging Regulations
Italy Compostable Packaging Regulations
Spain Compostable Packaging Regulations
How B2B Buyers Use EN 13432 in Procurement
In procurement, EN 13432 certification is usually a baseline requirement, not the final decision factor.
B2B buyers typically use EN 13432 compliance requirements to:
- Reduce legal and claim risk
- Align with customer sustainability policies
- Support tenders and compliance files
- Avoid “greenwashing” disputes
After that, they still evaluate:
- Supply consistency (same materials over time)
- Labeling accuracy across product variants
- Documentation response speed
- Fit with local disposal systems
This is why “requirements” pages perform well: buyers want practical checks, not only definitions.
EN 13432 Compliance Checklist (B2B-Oriented)
Use this checklist when reviewing any compostable packaging supplier.
Certification
- Certificate number, issuer, validity date
- Certification scope matches your product type and variants
- Ability to verify certificate information
Materials & Components
- Film/material covered by certification scope
- Inks, adhesives, and labels considered as part of the certified packaging
Labeling & Claims
- “Industrially compostable” wording used when appropriate
- No vague “biodegradable” claims without context
- Seedling logo used only with formal certification
Market Fit
- Country-level expectations reviewed (Germany vs Spain are not the same)
- Disposal pathway clarified for buyers (industrial composting, not home composting)
Key Takeaways on EN 13432 Requirements
EN 13432 requirements are practical: they affect materials, components, labeling, and documentation.
For B2B buyers, the safest approach is:
Treat EN 13432 as a compliance baseline
Verify certificates and scope
Use precise compostable claims
Check country-level acceptance before scaling to multiple EU markets
If you want a full explanation of the standard and certification system, see EN 13432 Certification Guide.
