AS 4736 Industrial Compostable Standard Explained
Table of Contents
AS 4736 is the Australian standard used to determine whether plastic packaging and products are suitable for industrial composting systems.
It is widely applied across Australia and New Zealand to evaluate compostable bags, films, and packaging designed for commercial composting facilities, including council-led FOGO programs.
This page explains what the AS 4736 standard is, how testing works, what certification involves, typical costs and timelines, and how AS 4736 fits into Australia’s compostable packaging regulations.
What Is the AS 4736 Industrial Compostable Standard?
AS 4736:2006 specifies the requirements for plastics and packaging that are intended to biodegrade safely in industrial composting environments.
Unlike general “biodegradable” claims, AS 4736 requires verified laboratory testing to confirm that materials fully break down under controlled, high-temperature composting conditions and do not harm compost quality or the environment.
Key characteristics of AS 4736 include:
- Designed for industrial / commercial composting facilities
- Typical composting temperatures of 50–60°C
- Testing applies to the final product, not just raw materials
- Focus on environmental safety and compost quality protection
AS 4736 is commonly referenced by councils, waste operators, and retailers when approving compostable packaging for organic waste collection.
Key Testing Requirements Under AS 4736
To comply with AS 4736, a product must pass a series of strict tests that evaluate both composting performance and environmental safety.
Biodegradation Performance
Materials must demonstrate approximately 90% biodegradation within 180 days under controlled industrial composting conditions.
The material must convert into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass without leaving persistent residues.
Disintegration During Composting
During composting, the product must physically break down.
After around 12 weeks, no visible plastic fragments larger than 2 mm should remain in the compost.
Ecotoxicity and Heavy Metal Limits
Compost produced from the material must support healthy plant growth and remain within strict limits for heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.
These requirements are designed to prevent soil contamination and reduce the risk of microplastic pollution.
AS 4736 Certification Process (Overview)
AS 4736 certification involves multiple testing stages carried out by accredited laboratories and reviewed by authorized certification bodies.
At a high level, the process includes:
Material and formulation review
Biodegradation testing under industrial composting conditions
Disintegration testing
Ecotoxicity and plant growth assessment
Heavy metal and hazardous substance analysis
Certification approval and Seedling Logo authorization
This page explains the standard and testing logic.
For certification status, verification details, and certificate access, see: AS 4736 certification
Typical AS 4736 Certification Costs and Timelines
Certification costs vary depending on product type, structure, and testing complexity.
Typical considerations include:
- Film thickness and product dimensions
- Use of printing inks, coatings, or adhesives
- Multi-layer or composite structures
As a general reference:
- Laboratory testing often ranges from AUD 7,000–15,000+
- Printed or complex products may increase costs
- Certification timelines usually range from 6 to 12 months
Understanding these factors early helps brands and importers plan compliant packaging programs more effectively.
AS 4736 vs AS 5810 (Industrial vs Home Compostable)
AS 4736 applies to industrial composting environments, while AS 5810 is designed for home composting systems that operate at lower temperatures.
In simple terms:
AS 4736 → commercial composting facilities
AS 5810 → backyard or home compost bins
Products certified to AS 4736 are not intended for home composting unless they also meet AS 5810 requirements.
For a detailed comparison, see: AS 4736 vs AS 5810 explained
How AS 4736 Fits into Australia’s FOGO and Packaging Regulations
Many Australian councils and waste operators rely on AS 4736 when approving compostable packaging for FOGO (Food Organics & Garden Organics) programs.
AS 4736 is closely linked to:
Council organics collection requirements
APCO Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
Retailer and distributor sustainability audits
Australian Consumer Law obligations related to environmental claims
Without valid certification, compostable claims may be rejected by councils or considered misleading in regulatory or audit contexts.
For businesses operating across multiple regions, certification planning must also consider how AS 4736 aligns with EU and U.S. compostable standards.
Related reading: Can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards?
Common Compliance Risks and Failure Scenarios
Products may fail AS 4736 testing for several common reasons, including:
Films that are too thick to disintegrate within required timeframes
Non-compliant inks, pigments, or additives
Multi-layer structures containing non-compostable barrier layers
Incomplete disclosure of material composition
These risks highlight why final-product testing is essential and why material-level claims alone are not sufficient for compliance.
Limitations of AS 4736 in Real Composting Systems
While AS 4736 confirms technical compostability under standardized test conditions, real-world composting environments can vary.
Factors such as processing time, temperature consistency, and facility-specific acceptance criteria may influence performance.
AS 4736 certification confirms that a product is suitable for industrial composting, but final acceptance always depends on local composting practices and council guidelines.
FAQ
No. “Biodegradable” is a vague term, while AS 4736 is a verified industrial compostable standard based on strict laboratory testing.
No. Home composting requires AS 5810 certification.
Most certified materials achieve around 90% biodegradation within 180 days under industrial composting conditions.
Certification helps prevent contamination in organics recycling streams and supports consistent compost quality.
Related Compliance Resources
- AS 4736 certification
- AS 4736 vs AS 5810 explained
- Compostable packaging compliance checklist
- Can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards?
