Compostable Packaging Compliance Checklist
Table of Contents
Compostable packaging is subject to strict technical, regulatory, and certification requirements that vary by market and composting system.
Misunderstanding these requirements often leads to rejected products, failed audits, or greenwashing risks.
This compliance checklist is designed to help buyers, importers, brand owners, and sustainability teams systematically assess whether compostable packaging is truly compliant before sourcing, importing, or marketing it.
How to Use This Checklist
Use this checklist as a pre-approval tool before:
- Importing compostable packaging
- Launching private label or OEM products
- Submitting packaging for retailer or council approval
- Making compostable or environmental claims
Each section highlights what must be verified, why it matters, and common compliance risks.
Certification Verification (Mandatory)
EU-Level Framework
Confirm that the finished product is certified — not just the raw material.
Checklist:
- The product holds a recognized compostable certification
- The certificate applies to the final product construction
- Certificate number and validity period are available
- Certification body is officially recognized
Common certifications include:
- EN 13432 (EU – industrial compostable)
- ASTM D6400 / BPI (US – industrial compostable)
- AS 4736 (Australia – industrial compostable)
- AS 5810 (Australia – home compostable)
Reference: Can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards?
Composting Environment Match
Ensure the certification matches the actual disposal environment.
Checklist:
- Industrial composting vs home composting is clearly defined
- No claims are made beyond the certified composting environment
- Product instructions align with local composting infrastructure
Common risk:
- Marketing industrial compostable products as “home compostable”
- Selling certified products into regions without composting acceptance
Reference: AS 4736 vs AS 5810 (industrial vs home compostable)
Product Construction Scope
Verify that certification covers the exact product design.
Checklist:
- Film thickness matches the certified specification
- Inks, pigments, and adhesives are included in certification scope
- No unapproved additives or fillers are introduced
- Multi-layer structures are explicitly covered
Common risk:
Assuming certified raw materials automatically guarantee certified packaging
Labeling and Claim Accuracy
Compostable claims must be accurate, specific, and verifiable.
Checklist:
- Correct certification logos are used (e.g. Seedling, BPI)
- Logo license numbers are valid and traceable
- Claims specify industrial vs home compostable
- No vague or unqualified “biodegradable” claims
Common risk:
Greenwashing due to unclear or misleading labeling
Regional Regulatory Compliance
Certification alone does not replace local regulatory rules.
Checklist:
- Packaging claims comply with local consumer protection laws
- Retailer or council-specific requirements are met
- Claims are consistent with waste system acceptance
Market considerations include:
- Australia: FOGO programs, APCO guidelines
- EU: Packaging and environmental claim regulations
- US: State-level compostable labeling laws
Reference:
Verification and Audit Readiness
All compliance documentation should be audit-ready.
Checklist:
- Certificates are current and downloadable
- Test reports are available upon request
- Supplier name matches certificate holder
- Compliance documents are traceable and consistent
This step is critical for retailer onboarding, tenders, and council approvals.
Risk Assessment Before Import or Launch
Evaluate potential compliance risks before scaling.
Checklist:
- Product performance aligns with composting timelines
- Local composters accept certified products
- Certification renewal timelines are monitored
- Packaging claims are reviewed by compliance teams
Failure to assess these risks may result in:
- Product rejection
- Legal exposure for misleading claims
- Loss of retailer or council trust
Key Takeaways
- Compostable packaging compliance requires more than one certificate
- Finished-product certification is essential
- Claims must match composting reality and local regulations
- A structured checklist reduces compliance and reputational risk
