BPI Certification Meaning: ASTM D6400 & ASTM D6868 Explained
Table of Contents
This page is for certification reference and compliance education.
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This page explains what BPI certification means and how ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 apply to finished compostable products. It is for compliance education, not a certification listing.
BPI certification is a third-party compostability certification used in the U.S. and Canada to verify that finished products meet ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868 for industrial composting.
This page explains what BPI certification means, the standards behind it, how to verify certified products, and where BPI certified compostable packaging is accepted.
Quick Answer
This page is written for procurement teams, packaging brands, distributors, and composting program operators who need verified industrial compostability claims in North America.
BPI Certification is a third-party compostability certification used in the United States and Canada to verify that finished products meet ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868 standards for industrial composting.
What does “BPI compostable” mean?
It means the finished product is certified and listed in the official BPI database.Is BPI home compostable?
No. BPI applies only to industrial composting systems.How do I verify a BPI certified product?
Search the product or company in the BPI certified products database.
When you see “BPI Certified Compostable,” it means the finished product is certified to meet ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868 and is intended for industrial composting programs in the U.S. and Canada. This page explains what the certification means, how to verify it, and how to use it correctly.
What Is BPI Certification?
BPI certification is a third-party program run by the Biodegradable Products Institute. It verifies that a finished compostable product has passed scientific testing under recognized ASTM standards and is designed to be accepted by industrial composting systems in North America.
BPI certified products are listed in the official BPI database and are widely accepted by commercial composting facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
BPI also checks the product’s ingredients and reviews its labeling. When a product passes all steps, it earns the BPI Certified Compostable Mark. Composting facilities in the U.S. use this mark as a trusted signal. https://bpiworld.org/Certification
What Does “BPI Compostable” Mean?
“BPI compostable” means the finished product is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute and listed in the official BPI database for industrial composting.
Official references:
- BPI certification overview: https://bpiworld.org/Certification
- BPI products database: https://bpiworld.org/products
- BPI logo guidelines: https://bpiworld.org/Logo-Guidelines
BPI certification does not mean:
home compostable
biodegradable in landfill or ocean
accepted in every city’s organics program
resin-only certification equals finished product certification
What BPI does NOT mean
BPI certification does not mean:
home compostable
biodegradable in landfill or ocean
accepted in every city’s organics program
resin-only certification equals finished product certification
“BPI compostable” means the finished product (not only the resin) has passed ASTM compostability tests and is approved by BPI for industrial composting programs in North America.
It does NOT mean the item will break down in landfills, oceans, or every backyard compost bin.
If you are buying compostable bags for a municipal or food waste program, this label is often the fastest way to reduce contamination risk.
Many programs also follow strict sorting rules, so it helps to understand BPI certified compostable products within real composting streams.
If you are unfamiliar with the term, this guide explains what does BPI compostable mean and how certification applies to finished products.
Standards Behind BPI Certification (ASTM D6400 & ASTM D6868)
BPI certification is based on two ASTM standards that define industrial compostability requirements in North America:
ASTM D6400 — applies to compostable plastics intended for industrial composting.
ASTM D6868 — applies to products made of paper or fiber with a compostable coating or film.
Both standards set scientific thresholds for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, and environmental safety.
Key Requirements for BPI Certification
To qualify for BPI certification, a product must meet scientific performance metrics including:
Biodegradation: Converts into CO₂, water, and biomass.
Disintegration: Breaks into small pieces (<2 mm) in a controlled industrial composting system.
Ecotoxicity: Finished compost supports healthy plant growth.
Heavy Metal & Hazard Limits: Meets strict environmental thresholds.
Ingredient Review & Labeling: All components and labeling comply with BPI requirements.
Why BPI Certification Matters for Businesses
BPI certification matters because many industrial composting facilities, municipal organics programs, and certain retailer compliance systems require or prefer certified packaging to reduce contamination risk and support waste diversion goals.
Certified products help:
- Avoid ambiguous “biodegradable” claims
- Gain acceptance in commercial composting streams
- Meet local and state organics recycling specifications
For companies selling compostable bags, liners, and packaging, BPI certification is not a bonus. It is essential.
Composting facilities rely on BPI certification because it helps them keep contamination low and maintain high-quality compost. Clear labeling reduces sorting problems and prevents non-compostable plastics from entering the system.
When you see a product marked with BPI Certified Compostable, it means something very specific.
The product has been tested under strict rules to confirm it can break down in an industrial composting facility.
For procurement and compliance teams, the key risk is not only performance—it is acceptance and regulatory alignment. BPI certification helps reduce labeling disputes and contamination issues in organics streams.
For procurement teams, the biggest risk is not performance—it’s compliance and acceptance. Choosing certified products helps reduce labeling disputes and contamination issues in organics streams. If you source packaging for distribution programs, you can also review our guide to certified compostable bags for North America.
BPI Certification vs Other Compostability Standards
BPI certification is mainly used for industrial composting programs in the U.S. and Canada. If you sell into other regions, you may also need additional compostability standards—such as EN 13432 for the EU, AS4736 for Australia industrial composting, or OK Compost HOME/INDUSTRIAL for specific labeling and acceptance requirements.
Here is a simple comparison to help you understand where BPI fits among global certifications:
| Standard | Region | Compost Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPI Certification | USA & Canada | Industrial composting | North America market |
| EN 13432 | Europe | Industrial composting | EU export |
| OK Home Compost | Global | Home composting | Light packaging |
| AS4736 / AS5810 | Australia | Industrial / Home | AU / NZ organics programs |
Each certification is designed for a specific region and compost system.
If you sell globally, you may need more than one certification.
Our BPI Certified Products
We offer a range of BPI certified compostable bags for professional organics collection and food waste programs. All products listed below are finished-product certified and can be verified in the official BPI database.
Below you can see the BPI certified compostable products we currently offer. Each listing includes the material type and certificate number. I believe transparency is important, so you can check these certificates directly.
If you need the full test report or logo authorization files, I can provide those upon request.
How to Apply for BPI Certification (Step-by-Step Guide)
This section summarizes the general BPI certification workflow for educational purposes. Certification is administered by BPI and testing is conducted by approved third-party labs.
BPI certification relies on recognized ASTM test methods, including the ASTM D6400 compostable standard, to evaluate industrially compostable plastic products.
Getting a product certified by BPI involves several scientific evaluations and documentation checks.
Here is the complete application process:
Step 1 — Prepare Product Documentation
You must provide:
- Full material composition (PLA/PBAT/Starch ratios)
- Additive, colorant, and ink disclosures
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Product drawings / film structure
- Intended end-use (bags, liners, packaging, mailers, etc.)
BPI requires 100% ingredient transparency before testing begins.
Step 2 — Pre-Screening Review by BPI
BPI reviews material safety and ingredient compliance.
If any chemical exceeds limits (such as PFAS, heavy metals), the product cannot enter certification testing.
Step 3 — Laboratory Testing (ASTM D6400 or D6868)
Testing must be conducted by a BPI-approved independent laboratory, which evaluates:
- Biodegradation curve
- Disintegration (84-day breakdown test)
- Ecotoxicity (plant growth test)
- Heavy metal limits
- Chemical safety
Testing typically takes 90–180 days depending on the product.
Step 4 — BPI Technical Review
After the lab submits test data, BPI performs:
- A technical audit
- Ingredient review
- Labeling review
- Packaging inspection
Step 5 — Approval & Certificate Issuance
When all requirements are met, BPI issues:
- Certificate Number
- Approved Products List
- Logo Usage Authorization
- Validity Period Information
Products must be renewed every 3 years, or earlier if the formula changes.
Step 6 — Listing on the BPI Public Database
Once approved, the product becomes publicly searchable on the BPI official website — a key requirement for waste facilities and retailers.
How to Verify a BPI Certified Product
To verify a BPI certified product:
Search the official BPI certified product database
Confirm the certificate number matches your product
Check that the certification covers the finished product
Ensure the correct BPI logo appears on the packaging
Where Is BPI Certification Required or Recommended?
In many U.S. states and municipalities, BPI certified compostable packaging is recognized or strongly recommended for organics diversion programs, including:
California (Statewide food waste recycling rules)
Washington State (compostable labeling compliance)
Oregon (food scrap collection programs)
New York City (commercial composting requirements)
In Canada, several major cities such as Vancouver and Toronto include BPI certification as a recognized industrial compostability benchmark.
Download BPI Certificates
Certificates shown below apply only to the listed products and specifications.
Certification does not automatically extend to other product sizes, thicknesses, or constructions.
You can download our certification files below:
- BPI Certificate (PDF)
- Test Result Summary
- Ingredient Disclosure
- BPI Logo Use Guide
If you need documentation for compliance checks or supplier verification, feel free to contact me.
FAQ About BPI Certification
No — ASTM is a test standard; BPI is a third-party certification verifying compliance with that standard.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Is BPI the same as ASTM D6400?
Not exactly. ASTM is a testing standard. BPI is a third-party certification that verifies products meet those standards.
Does BPI mean industrial compostable?
Yes. BPI certification applies only to industrial composting, not home compost systems.
How do I check if something is BPI certified?
Search the product name on the BPI website or review its certificate number.
Does BPI cover the final product or just the material?
BPI certifies the finished product. Resin alone is not enough.
Do composting facilities require BPI certification?
Many U.S. programs do. It helps them avoid contamination and maintain compost quality.
Learn More About “BPI Compostable” Meaning
If you want a simple explanation of what “BPI compostable” means in everyday use, you can read our full article that explains the term, real examples, and how compostable materials behave in different systems.
If you need BPI certified packaging or want to verify a specific product, you can contact me and I will provide all certificate files and material details.
This page is not about composting theory or marketing claims.
It focuses on real certification, backed by testing standards such as ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868, which the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) uses to approve compostable products in the United States and Canada.
