EN 13432 Certified Bags for Food Waste Collection
Table of Contents
Food waste collection programs across Europe operate under strict regulatory and composting requirements.
For municipalities, waste operators, and importers, choosing EN 13432 certified bags for food waste collection is not a branding decision.
It is a compliance decision based on certification, system compatibility, and contamination control.
This page explains what EN 13432 certification means, why it is required for food waste collection in Europe, and what buyers should understand before sourcing compostable bags for regulated waste systems.
What Is EN 13432 Certification?
EN 13432 is the European standard for industrial compostable packaging.
Bags certified to EN 13432 are tested to confirm that they:
- Disintegrate under industrial composting conditions
- Biodegrade within defined timeframes
- Leave no harmful residues in finished compost
- Meet limits for heavy metals and ecotoxicity
EN 13432 certification explains what makes a compostable bag compliant in regulated European waste systems, where products must perform reliably at scale.
Why EN 13432 Is Required for Food Waste Collection
Food waste collection systems handle high volumes of wet organic material.
European municipalities and waste operators require EN 13432 certified bags because they:
- Match industrial composting processes
- Break down within controlled processing cycles
- Reduce contamination risk in finished compost
- Provide clear and enforceable procurement criteria
Material claims alone are not sufficient for food waste programs.
Certification ensures predictable system performance.
EN 13432 vs Other Compostable Standards
Not all compostable standards apply to food waste collection.
In Europe:
EN 13432 applies to industrial composting systems
Home compostable standards apply to small-scale backyard composting
Food waste collection programs use industrial composting facilities, which is why EN 13432 is the commonly specified standard across EU markets.
Compostable vs Biodegradable Bags in EU Food Waste Systems
A common source of confusion is the difference between biodegradable and compostable bags.
Biodegradable claims do not define:
- Composting conditions
- Processing timeframes
- Residue safety
Because of this uncertainty, biodegradable bags are often excluded from regulated food waste collection systems.
These risks are explained in detail in biodegradable vs compostable compliance risks , which outlines why biodegradable claims increase rejection risk in EU markets.
Performance Requirements for Food Waste Collection Bags
Certification confirms compostability, but performance during use is equally important.
EN 13432 certified bags used for food waste collection are typically expected to:
- Hold wet and heavy food waste
- Resist leakage during handling and transport
- Maintain seal strength
- Remain stable during storage before use
Poor performance can lead to odour issues, bin contamination, and operational complaints, even when certification is valid.
Compliance vs Acceptance in European Waste Programs
EN 13432 certification confirms compliance, but acceptance depends on local waste systems.
Acceptance may be influenced by:
- Municipal guidelines
- Waste operator requirements
- Approved product lists
- National or regional implementation rules
Local organics bin acceptance rules always take priority over general product claims, even when certification is valid.
What Buyers Should Check When Sourcing EN 13432 Bags
Before sourcing EN 13432 certified bags for food waste collection, buyers should confirm:
- Valid EN 13432 certification
- Certification scope and supporting test reports
- Clear compostable logos or certification markings
- Shelf life and recommended storage conditions
- Alignment with local food waste collection guidelines
Early verification helps prevent rejected supply and compliance disputes.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- EN 13432 is the primary standard for food waste collection in Europe
- Certification is required for industrial composting systems
- Biodegradable claims increase compliance risk
- Acceptance rules vary by municipality and operator
- Performance and documentation are equally important
Related Resources
Need EN 13432 Certified Bags for Food Waste Collection?
Buyers sourcing EN 13432 certified bags for food waste collection should confirm certification, performance requirements, and local acceptance rules before requesting samples or placing orders.
Contact our technical team for EU-specific compliance and sourcing guidance.
