OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Certification: What It Means & When to Use It
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If a bag is labeled OK Compost INDUSTRIAL, it means the product is designed to break down in an industrial composting facility.
This is important for many bin liner buyers, because most public composting systems are industrial—not backyard compost.
This page explains what OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification means, when it is suitable for bin liners, and when it is not.
Learn the full OK Compost system here: OK Compost Certification: Home & Industrial Guide for Brands and Buyers
What Is OK Compost INDUSTRIAL?
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is a third-party compostability certification for products that can break down in controlled industrial composting conditions.
Industrial composting facilities manage key factors like:
Temperature
Moisture
Oxygen and airflow
Processing time
This certification helps buyers avoid vague claims and choose products designed for real composting systems.
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 an industrial composting facility:
- Temperatures can be higher and more consistent
- Moisture is managed
- Airflow is controlled
- Materials are often turned, processed, or monitored
Because the system is stronger and more controlled, some products that pass industrial composting standards may still break down slowly in a backyard compost pile.
Suitable Uses
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is usually suitable when:
- Liners are used in municipal organics collection (where liners are accepted)
- Liners are used in commercial food waste programs
- Bags are intended for industrial composting facilities
- Buyers need a clear, third-party certification to reduce compliance risk
Examples:
- Food waste bin liners for commercial kitchens
- Organics liners for collection and transport (if allowed by the local system)
- Compostable trash bags used in controlled composting programs
Compare standards here: Compostable Certifications Overview
Not Suitable Uses
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL is not suitable when buyers expect:
Backyard compost breakdown without effort
Industrial certified products are not always designed for low-temperature backyard compost.
For backyard composting, see: OK Compost HOME Certification: What It Means & When to Use It
Guaranteed acceptance in every municipal program
Even with certification, some composters or cities may reject liners to reduce contamination. Always follow local rules.Landfill breakdown
Industrial composting certification does not mean a product will break down well in landfill conditions.
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 |
Need the full picture? Go back 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 Buyers and Brands Should Communicate OK Compost INDUSTRIAL
To avoid confusion and compliance issues:
Use clear wording: “OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certified”
State the disposal pathway: industrial composting only
Do not imply home composting or landfill breakdown
Include simple guidance for end users and programs
This helps reduce complaints, greenwashing risk, and program contamination.
Conclusion
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification means a product is designed to break down in industrial composting facilities under controlled conditions.
For bin liners used in many municipal or commercial organics systems, INDUSTRIAL is often the more relevant certification type—when liners are accepted by the local program.
See all standards here: Compostable Certifications Overview
