How to Identify Genuine Compostable Products (Certifications & Labels)
Why Identifying Genuine Compostable Products Matters
Many products today are labeled eco-friendly, green, or biodegradable.
However, these terms are often used without clear standards or verification.
In waste systems, unclear compostable claims can cause contamination, rejected loads, and compliance risks.
A product is only truly compostable if it can be identified, verified, and accepted by a real composting system.
This page explains how to identify genuine compostable products using certifications, labels, and practical checks — not marketing language.
What “Genuine Compostable” Actually Means
A product is considered genuinely compostable only when it meets all of the following conditions:
- It breaks down under defined composting conditions
- It decomposes within a specific timeframe
- It leaves no toxic residue or microplastics
- It is verified by a recognized third-party certification
Being “plant-based” or “biodegradable” is not enough.
For the official definition, see: What Is Compostable? (Official Definition)
Step 1: Check for Recognized Compostable Certifications
The fastest way to identify a genuine compostable product is to look for recognized certification marks.
Common Compostable Certifications by Region
- North America
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) — ASTM D6400 / D6868 - Europe
EN 13432 (often shown as the Seedling logo, certified by DIN CERTCO or TÜV Austria) - Australia & New Zealand
AS 4736 (industrial compostable), AS 5810 (home compostable) - International
TÜV Austria — OK Compost INDUSTRIAL / OK Compost HOME
A product without one of these certifications should not be treated as compostable.
Learn what each standard actually proves: Compostable Certification Standards Explained
Step 2: Verify Whether the Certification Is Real
Certification logos can be misused. Always verify.
How to Verify a Compostable Certification
- Check the certification body’s official database
- Search by company name, product name, or certificate number
- Confirm the scope (industrial vs home composting)
For example, BPI-certified products can be verified through the official BPI product registry.
If a brand cannot provide a verifiable certificate, the claim should be treated as unverified.
Learn why verification matters: Why certification-based compostable claims matter
Step 3: Check the Entire Product — Not Just the Material
A common mistake is assuming the base material determines compostability.
In reality, the entire product must be compostable, including:
- Inks and dyes
- Adhesives and glue
- Labels and stickers
- Coatings and laminates
- Handles, drawstrings, or closures
A compostable film with non-compostable labels or glue may be rejected by composting facilities.
This is especially important for packaging, mailers, and bags.
For disposal implications, see: How compostable products should be disposed of
Common Misleading Claims to Watch Out For
The following terms do not guarantee compostability:
- “Biodegradable”
- “Eco-friendly”
- “Green”
- “Plant-based”
- “Degradable”
- “Oxo-degradable”
These claims often lack timeframes, conditions, or residue requirements.
Oxo-degradable plastics, in particular, fragment into microplastics and are not compostable.
Learn the difference: What biodegradable really means in waste systems
Industrial vs Home Compostable: Know the Boundary
Not all compostable products work in the same environment.
- Industrial compostable products require controlled, high-temperature facilities
- Home compostable products must break down at lower temperatures in backyard systems
Most certified compostable plastics are industrial compostable only.
Using the wrong product in the wrong system leads to failure, contamination, or rejection.
Detailed comparison: OK Compost Home vs Industrial
What to Do If a Product Cannot Be Verified
If a compostable claim cannot be verified:
Do not place it in compost bins
Do not mix it with recycling
Treat it as general waste to avoid contamination
Incorrect disposal can remove any environmental benefit the product claims to offer.
FAQ
No. Biodegradable does not define conditions, timeframe, or residue.
No. Compostable plastics contaminate plastic recycling streams.
No. Home composting requires separate certification.
Not reliably. Compostable products are designed for composting systems.
How This Page Fits Into the Knowledge Hub
This page is part of the Biodegradable & Compostable Knowledge Hub.
- Definition pages explain what terms mean
- Standards pages explain what certifications prove
- Comparison pages explain where claims differ
- Identification pages explain how to verify claims in practice
Start from the hub if you are new: Biodegradable & Compostable Knowledge Hub
