Why Certification Logos Matter More Than Material Claims
Table of Contents
Many packaging products use material terms like PLA, PBAT, or plant-based plastic.
These words sound sustainable, but they do not prove compliance.
In regulated markets, certification logos matter more than material claims.
Logos show verified testing, clear standards, and real disposal pathways.
This page explains why material claims are risky—and why certification logos are the safer way to evaluate compostable packaging.
What Are Material Claims?
Material claims describe what a product is made from, not how it behaves after disposal.
Common material claims include:
- PLA material
- PBAT biodegradable resin
- Plant-based plastic
- Bio-based polymer
These claims focus on ingredients, not outcomes.
A product can use compostable materials and still fail in real waste systems.
Why Material Claims Are Risky for Buyers
Material claims often create confusion and compliance risk.
They usually do not explain:
Where the product will break down
How long degradation will take
Whether it works in real composting systems
If third-party testing was done
Because of this, many councils, composters, and regulators do not accept material claims alone.
This confusion is one of the most common issues discussed in biodegradable vs compostable compliance problems
What Certification Logos Actually Prove
Certification logos show that a product has passed independent testing under a defined standard.
A certified compostable product is tested for:
Biodegradation speed
Disintegration during composting
No harmful residue in finished compost
Performance in specific composting conditions
Unlike material claims, logos link products to real disposal environments.
Common Compostable Certification Logos Explained
Different markets recognize different certification systems.
Common compostable certification logos include:
- EN 13432 – Industrial composting standard for the EU
- BPI Compostable – ASTM D6400 standard for the USA
- OK Compost INDUSTRIAL – Industrial composting verification
- OK Compost HOME – Home composting conditions
Each logo represents a specific testing scope.
A logo must match the local waste system to be valid.
Learn how standards differ across regions in EN 13432 vs ASTM D6400 vs AS 4736 compostable standards
Industrial vs Home Composting: Why the Right Logo Matters
Industrial and home composting are not the same.
Industrial composting uses controlled heat and time
Home composting is slower and less consistent
A product certified only for industrial composting may not break down at home.
Using the wrong logo can lead to:
Product rejection
Customer complaints
Contamination in compost streams
For Australian systems, see AS 4736 vs AS 5810 compostable certifications
Real Buyer Mistakes Caused by Material-Only Claims
Many buyers rely on material descriptions instead of verified logos.
Common mistakes include:
- Approving products based on “biodegradable” wording
- Assuming plant-based means compostable
- Ignoring logo requirements in tenders
- Skipping certification verification
These mistakes often result in:
- Rejected shipments
- Re-labeling costs
- Compliance disputes
These issues are explained in detail in Private Label Compostable Bags: Common Importer Mistakes
How Buyers Should Evaluate Compostable Bags
Instead of asking only “What material is this?”, buyers should ask:
- Which certification logo does the product carry?
- Is the certification valid for my market?
- Does it match industrial or home composting?
- Is the certification number traceable?
This approach reduces risk and improves long-term supply stability.
Use our step-by-step guide in Minimum Compliance Checklist for Compostable Bag Imports
Key Takeaways
- Material claims describe ingredients, not disposal results
- Certification logos confirm verified compostability
- Logos matter more than material names in regulated markets
- Buyers should always match logos to local waste systems
In compostable packaging, logos protect buyers better than material claims.
Need Help Verifying Certification Claims?
If you are sourcing compostable bags for regulated markets, certification logos should be reviewed before pricing or sampling.
B2B buyers only · Factory-direct manufacturer · Verified certifications
FAQ
Are material claims like PLA or PBAT enough to prove compostability?
No. Material claims only describe ingredients. They do not prove where or how a product will break down. Certification logos confirm verified compostability under defined standards.
Why are certification logos more reliable than material claims?
Certification logos show third-party testing, clear standards, and approved disposal environments. Material claims are often unverified and can be misleading.
What compostable certification logos should buyers look for?
Common logos include EN 13432 (EU), BPI Compostable (USA), OK Compost INDUSTRIAL, and OK Compost HOME. The correct logo depends on the market and waste system.
Does plant-based or bio-based mean compostable?
No. Plant-based materials are not automatically compostable. Compostability must be proven through certified testing and verified logos.
Can a compostable product be rejected even if the material sounds eco-friendly?
Yes. Products without the correct certification logo are often rejected by composters, councils, or regulators, even if the material claim sounds sustainable.
How can buyers verify a compostable certification logo?
Buyers should check the logo type, certification number, and official certification database to confirm validity and scope.
