OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Certification – Scope & Appropriate Use
Table of Contents
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is a third-party certification issued by TÜV Austria that confirms a product is designed to biodegrade and disintegrate under defined industrial composting conditions.
This certification applies to controlled, high-temperature composting facilities and has a clear scope and defined limitations.
It does not imply compostability in home composting systems, landfill environments, or unmanaged disposal conditions.
This page explains what OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification means, when it is appropriate for bin liners and packaging, and when it is not.
For an overview of the complete OK Compost certification system, see: OK Compost Certification: Home & Industrial Guide for Brands and Buyers
What Is OK Compost INDUSTRIAL?
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is a compostability certification for finished products that are designed to break down in professionally managed industrial composting facilities.
These facilities operate under controlled conditions, typically managing:
- Sustained high temperatures
- Moisture levels
- Oxygen and airflow
- Processing time and material handling
The certification provides third-party verification that a product is suitable for these environments and helps buyers avoid vague or unsupported compostability claims.
What Does OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Test?
In simple terms, OK Compost INDUSTRIAL checks whether a product can:
Disintegrate during composting (break into small pieces)
Biodegrade under industrial composting conditions
Meet limits for safety, such as heavy metals and compost quality
The goal is to support stable composting outcomes and reduce contamination risk.
What “Industrial Composting” Really Means
Industrial composting is not the same as home composting.
In industrial composting facilities:
- Temperatures are higher and more consistent
- Moisture and airflow are actively managed
- Materials are processed, monitored, and turned as needed
Because these systems are more controlled, products that are suitable for industrial composting may still break down slowly or incompletely in backyard compost systems.
Suitable Uses (Procurement & System Context)
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification is suitable when the defined end-of-life pathway is industrial composting, and where products are intended for municipal, commercial, or centralized composting systems.
Typical suitable procurement scenarios include:
Bin liners used in municipal organics or FOGO programs (where liners are accepted)
Liners used in commercial food waste and hospitality waste systems
Packaging intended for processing in industrial composting facilities
Procurement programs requiring third-party certification to reduce compliance and audit risk
In these contexts, OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification provides verified assurance that products are designed for controlled composting systems, subject to local acceptance rules.
For an overview of related standards, see: Compostable Certifications Overview
Not Suitable Uses (Procurement & System Context)
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification is not suitable when buyers or users expect:
Backyard or home compost breakdown
Industrial-certified products are not designed for low-temperature home composting environments.Guaranteed acceptance in every municipal program
Even with certification, some composting facilities or councils may restrict or prohibit liners to reduce contamination. Local rules always apply.Breakdown in landfill or unmanaged disposal environments
Industrial compostability does not imply effective degradation in landfill conditions.
For home composting scenarios, see: OK Compost HOME Certification: What It Means & When to Use It
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL vs OK Compost HOME (Quick Comparison)
| Topic | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | OK Compost HOME |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Industrial composting facilities | Backyard / home compost |
| Temperature | Higher, controlled | Lower, less controlled |
| Typical users | Municipal & commercial programs | Home compost users |
| Best for bin liners | Often yes (if accepted locally) | Only for home compost disposal |
For a full comparison, return to:
OK Compost Certification: Home & Industrial Guide for Brands and Buyers
Common Misunderstandings
Misunderstanding 1: “Industrial compostable means home compostable.”
Not always. Home compost is cooler and slower.
Misunderstanding 2: “Certified means accepted everywhere.”
Certification shows compostability under defined conditions. Local acceptance rules can still differ.
Misunderstanding 3: “If it’s plant-based, it must compost.”
Plant-based is about material source, not compostability. Certification matters more than marketing terms.
How Brands and Buyers Should Communicate OK Compost INDUSTRIAL
For clear and compliant communication:
- Use explicit wording: “OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certified”
- Clearly state the intended disposal pathway: industrial composting only
- Avoid implying home composting or landfill degradation
- Align product claims with local composting acceptance rules
This reduces confusion, greenwashing risk, and waste stream contamination.
Conclusion
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification confirms that a product is designed to break down in industrial composting facilities under controlled conditions.
For bin liners and packaging used in many municipal or commercial organics systems, INDUSTRIAL certification is often the more relevant option—when liners are accepted by the local program.
For a broader view of compostable standards and system boundaries, see: Compostable Certifications Overview
