Compostable Certifications Overview
Compostable packaging is regulated through multiple certification systems, not a single global standard.
This often creates confusion for buyers, brands, and distributors—especially when products are sold across different regions with different waste systems.
This page provides a clear overview of the major compostable certification standards, explains how they differ, and shows how to select the correct certification based on real composting systems, not marketing claims.
Why Compostable Certifications Exist
Terms like biodegradable or eco-friendly do not define how a product behaves in a composting system.
Compostable certifications exist to answer critical questions:
- Under what conditions does the product break down?
- How long does biodegradation take?
- Does the product disintegrate fully?
- Is compost quality protected?
- Can the claim be verified by a third party?
Without certification, compostability claims are often vague and difficult to audit.
Industrial vs Home Composting: The Core Boundary
All compostable certifications are built around one fundamental distinction:
industrial composting vs home composting
Industrial composting facilities operate under:
- Controlled temperatures (often 55–60°C)
- Managed moisture and airflow
- Defined processing cycles
Home composting systems operate under:
- Lower, inconsistent temperatures
- Variable moisture and oxygen
- Household-level management
Most compostable packaging is designed for industrial composting systems, unless it is explicitly certified for home composting under standards such as OK Compost HOME or AS 5810.
Most compostable packaging is designed for industrial composting, unless it is explicitly certified for home composting.
This boundary defines which certifications apply.
Global Compostable Certification Standards (Overview)
| Certification / Standard | Region | Composting System | Applies To | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 13432 | EU | Industrial composting | Packaging & bags | Retail packaging, food waste liners |
| OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | EU / Global | Industrial composting | Finished products | Bin liners, food service packaging |
| OK Compost HOME | EU / Global | Home composting | Finished products | Home caddy liners, backyard compost |
| ASTM D6400 | USA | Industrial composting | Plastics | Compostable bags & packaging |
| ASTM D6868 | USA | Industrial composting | Coated packaging | Paper with compostable coatings |
| BPI Certification | USA | Industrial composting | Finished products | Retail & municipal acceptance |
| AS 4736 | Australia | Industrial composting | Plastics & packaging | FOGO programs, councils |
| AS 5810 | Australia | Home composting | Plastics | Home compostable bags |
In the EU, industrial compostable packaging is typically evaluated under the EN 13432 industrial compostable standard, while in the United States, certification is commonly based on ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868, depending on the material structure.
Each certification standard is tied to:
A specific composting system
A regional regulatory framework
Defined testing and verification rules
Certifications are not interchangeable, even if materials appear similar.
How to Choose the Right Certification (Buyer Logic)
Certification selection should be based on the actual end-of-life system, not material type.
General guidance:
Municipal or commercial organics programs
Industrial compostable certifications (EN 13432, ASTM D6400, AS 4736, OK Compost INDUSTRIAL)Household-managed composting
Home compostable certifications (OK Compost HOME, AS 5810)Multi-market distribution
Certification planning must consider each region separately
Correct certification alignment reduces:
- Rejection by composting facilities
- Retailer audit failures
- Greenwashing risk
- Customer complaints
For brands operating across multiple regions, certification planning must consider whether a single product can realistically meet AU, EU, and US standards, or whether market-specific SKUs are required.
Common Certification Misunderstandings
“Biodegradable means compostable.”
No. Biodegradable has no defined time frame or system boundary.
“Certified resin means certified product.”
No. Certification applies to the finished product, including thickness, inks, coatings, and structure.
“Industrial compostable means home compostable.”
No. Home composting requires separate certification.
A frequent compliance risk is assuming that a certified raw material automatically results in a compliant finished product. In reality, material-level certification is not enough.
How This Page Should Be Used
This overview page is designed to:
- Help buyers understand certification systems
- Support internal compliance decisions
- Guide procurement conversations
- Direct users to specific certification explanations or verification pages
It is not a substitute for certificate verification.
Key Takeaway
Before launching or importing compostable packaging, buyers should always review a compostable packaging compliance checklist to confirm certification scope, labeling, and acceptance rules.
There is no single “global compostable certification.”
Each standard exists to match a specific composting system, regulatory environment, and waste infrastructure.
Understanding these differences is essential for compliance, procurement accuracy, and real environmental outcomes.
