OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL: What’s the Difference?
Table of Contents
OK Compost HOME and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL are two widely used compostability certifications issued by TÜV Austria.
Although the logos look similar, they are designed for very different composting environments and are not interchangeable.
This page explains:
what each certification means
how HOME and INDUSTRIAL differ
when you should choose one over the other
how these certifications affect compliance, buyers, and waste programs
What Is OK Compost Certification?
OK Compost is a third-party compostability certification system operated by TÜV Austria.
It verifies that a finished product can break down safely in a specific composting environment without harming soil quality or leaving harmful residues.
There are two distinct certifications:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL – for commercial composting facilities
OK Compost HOME – for home or backyard composting systems
Both certifications require laboratory testing, but under very different conditions.
OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL: Core Differences
| Criteria | OK Compost HOME | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Composting environment | Home / backyard compost | Industrial composting facility |
| Typical temperature | ~20–30°C | ~55–60°C |
| Composting speed | Slower, less controlled | Faster, controlled |
| Testing difficulty | Very high | High |
| Related standards | AS 5810 (home compost) | EN 13432 / AS 4736 |
| Typical products | Thin liners, small films | Bags, packaging, food service items |
Important:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL does not mean home compostable.
What OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Means
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL confirms that a product can safely compost in commercial composting facilities that operate at high temperatures and controlled conditions.
This certification is commonly used for:
compostable bin liners
food waste bags
retail packaging
food service packaging
It is widely accepted by:
municipal composting facilities
FOGO and organics programs
retailers and distributors
👉 For certificate verification and audit use, see: OK Compost Certification (TÜV Austria)
What OK Compost HOME Means
OK Compost HOME certifies that a product can break down in home composting systems, which operate at much lower temperatures and are less consistent.
This certification is harder to achieve because:
microbial activity is weaker
temperatures are lower
composting time is longer
OK Compost HOME is usually limited to:
very thin films
small compostable bags
specialty eco products
It is often used by:
zero-waste brands
premium eco product lines
consumers who compost at home
When Should You Choose HOME vs INDUSTRIAL?
Choose OK Compost INDUSTRIAL if:
the product is disposed of via municipal composting
the product is used in retail, food service, or public waste systems
durability and strength are required
the waste stream is professionally managed
Choose OK Compost HOME if:
the product targets home composters
the product is thin and small
marketing focuses on backyard composting
local regulations allow home compostable claims
Many products only qualify for INDUSTRIAL, even if marketed as “eco-friendly.”
Common Misunderstandings
“Industrial compostable means home compostable.”
False. Industrial composting uses much higher temperatures.
“If the resin is certified, the bag is certified.”
False. Certification applies to the finished product.
“HOME is always better than INDUSTRIAL.”
Not true. HOME is not accepted in many municipal composting systems.
How HOME and INDUSTRIAL Affect Compliance
Choosing the wrong certification can lead to:
rejected products in composting facilities
failed retailer audits
misleading environmental claims
greenwashing risk
This is why many buyers verify certification scope before purchasing.
👉 For buyer guidance, see: Compostable Packaging Compliance Checklist
Product-Level Examples
Some products may qualify for both certifications, while others may not.
Examples:
Bin liners : usually INDUSTRIAL
Dog waste bags : mostly INDUSTRIAL, some HOME
Mailers : INDUSTRIAL only
Produce bags : sometimes HOME or INDUSTRIAL
For a product-specific example, see: OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL Bin Liners
Common Compostable Packaging Applications in Germany
Compostable packaging is used in Germany across multiple B2B applications, including:
- Compostable Garbage Bags for EU
- Compostable Shopping Bags for EU
- Compostable Mailer Bags for EU
- Compostable Produce Bags for EU
- Compostable Dog Waste Bags for EU
Each application has different compliance and usage considerations depending on its disposal pathway.
Final Takeaway
OK Compost HOME and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL serve different composting systems.
Neither is “better” — they are designed for different real-world conditions.
Understanding the difference helps brands, buyers, and regulators:
- choose the right certification
- avoid compliance risks
- ensure compostable claims are accurate
