OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL: Which Matters for Bin Liners?
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Many buyers see OK Compost HOME and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL on compostable bin liners and assume they mean the same thing.
They do not.
These two certifications are designed for very different composting environments.
Choosing the wrong one can lead to confusion, misuse, and rejection by composting systems.
This page explains the difference between OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL, and which certification actually matters for bin liners used in food waste and organics collection.
What Is OK Compost Certification?
OK Compost is a third-party compostability certification issued by TÜV Austria.
It verifies that a product:
- Breaks down under specific composting conditions
- Leaves no harmful residues
- Meets strict testing requirements
However, the composting conditions depend on the certification type.
What Does OK Compost HOME Mean?
OK Compost HOME certifies products that can break down in home composting environments.
These conditions are:
- Lower and less controlled temperatures
- Natural backyard compost heaps
- Slower biological activity
Products with OK Compost HOME certification are designed to decompose without industrial composting equipment.
Learn more here: What Does OK Compost HOME Mean?
What Does OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Mean?
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certifies products for industrial composting facilities.
These facilities use:
- Higher and controlled temperatures
- Managed moisture and oxygen
- Active turning and monitoring
Most municipal and commercial composting systems fall into this category.
Learn more here: What Does OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Mean?
OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL — Key Differences
HOME vs INDUSTRIAL Composting Conditions
| Factor | OK Compost HOME | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Composting location | Home compost | Industrial facility |
| Temperature | Low, uncontrolled | High, controlled |
| Processing speed | Slow | Faster |
| System control | Minimal | Actively managed |
| Typical users | Home gardeners | Municipal & commercial programs |
These differences are critical when choosing bin liners.
Which Certification Matters for Bin Liners?
For most bin liners, especially those used for food waste:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is usually the required certification.
Why?
Bin liners are commonly used in:
- Municipal organics or FOGO bins
- Commercial food waste collection
- Shared composting systems
These systems rely on industrial composting, not home composting.
OK Compost HOME alone is often not sufficient for these applications.
When Does OK Compost HOME Matter?
OK Compost HOME may be relevant when:
Liners are marketed for home compost use only
End users compost waste in their own backyard
No municipal organics system is involved
Even then, acceptance depends on local guidance and education.
Why Municipal Programs Focus on INDUSTRIAL Certification
Municipal programs need:
- Predictable breakdown timelines
- Low contamination risk
- Clear acceptance rules
Industrial composting certifications provide this consistency.
See why disposal environment matters in Do Compostable Bags Break Down in Landfill?
Common Misunderstandings About HOME vs INDUSTRIAL
Some frequent myths include:
- “HOME is better because it sounds more natural”
- “If it works at home, it must work in municipal systems”
- “Both certifications are interchangeable”
These assumptions often lead to incorrect product selection.
What Buyers and Distributors Should Check
Before sourcing bin liners, buyers should confirm:
- Which composting system the bags will enter
- Which certification is accepted by that system
- Whether labels and claims match real use
Compare all major standards on our Compostable Certifications Overview page.
Conclusion: Choose Certification Based on the Composting System
OK Compost HOME and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL serve different purposes.
For bin liners used in organics and food waste collection, OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is usually the certification that matters most.
Understanding this difference helps buyers avoid rejection, reduce contamination, and select the right product for the right system.
