When you see a package labeled “EN 13432 certified” in a supermarket, do you know what it means? What is the EN 13432 standard? Is it just another ordinary code? But this short combination of letters and numbers is incredibly significant in the field of compostable packaging.
This seemingly complex code is actually the “gold standard” set by Europe for the compostability and biodegradability of packaging materials in industrial composting environments. It provides a rigorous set of assessment and testing procedures to ensure that products claiming to be “compostable” can truly decompose effectively in industrial composting facilities, returning to nature, rather than becoming new sources of pollution.
In this article, we will delve into the knowledge of EN 13432, from its core requirements to the certification process, and its profound impact on the future of sustainable packaging. Ready? Let’s unveil the mystery of EN 13432 and move towards a greener future together!
What Is EN 13432?
EN 13432 is an official European standard for compostable packaging materials, applicable in Germany, France, and Italy. The full name of EN 13432 is “Packaging – Recyclable packaging by means of composting and biodegradation requirements, through an evaluation and testing scheme,” and it was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to define “compostable.”
If a bag, film, or container claims to be compostable in the EU, it must pass the EN 13432 test. Otherwise, it cannot legally use the label.
You can think of it as a passport to compostable packaging—without it, your product cannot be successfully sold in the environmentally conscious European market.
The core purpose of EN 13432 is to prevent this misleading information and ensure that packaging claiming to be “compostable” can truly and effectively decompose in industrial composting facilities and ultimately safely return to nature. It ensures that packaging materials, after fulfilling their purpose, do not become a permanent environmental burden but can be recycled in a sustainable manner.
Why is EN 13432 Certification Important?
EN 13432 is an official European standard for compostable packaging materials, applicable in Germany, France, and Italy. The full name of EN 13432 is “Packaging – Recyclable packaging by means of composting and biodegradation requirements, through an evaluation and testing scheme,” and it was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to define “compostable.”
If a bag, film, or container claims to be compostable in the EU, it must pass the EN 13432 test. Otherwise, it cannot legally use the label.
- It’s legally required to claim “compostable” in the EU.
- It helps your packaging meet EU Directive 94/62/EC on packaging waste.
- It builds credibility with buyers, distributors, and consumers.
- It protects your brand from greenwashing accusations.
EN 13432 Certified Products
You’ll find this certification on a wide range of eco products:
- Compostable bags: Film bags used in supermarkets to hold fruits and vegetables; shopping bags provided by retailers when purchasing clothing.
- Cuisine and takeout containers: Plates, cutlery, cups, and takeout containers made from corn starch (PLA), bagasse, or other bio-based materials, used in takeout, parties, or fast food restaurants.
- Coffee cups and lids: Compostable coffee cups, typically using a bio-based coating to ensure the entire cup (including the lid) decomposes in industrial compost.
- Agricultural film: Films and containers used for covering crops or making seedling cups
- Tea bags and coffee capsules
- Labels and tape: Packaging labels and tapes
To check if something is truly certified, look for:
- The “EN 13432” mark, or The OK Compost Industrial logo
You can verify certificates directly from TÜV Austria’s database or DIN CERTCO.
What Does EN 13432 Test For?
EN 13432 standard focuses not only on the decomposition of materials. It also examines whether materials can safely return to nature without leaving any harmful residues.
EN 13432 certification requirements:
Biodegradability :In an industrial composting environment, 90% of the material must be decomposed and transformed into simpler, harmless substances, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and biomass, within 6 months by microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi).
Decomposition :The product packaging must be physically broken down into tiny, imperceptible fragments (less than 2 mm) within 3 months (12 weeks).
Heavy metal content limits:The content of zinc, copper, nickel, lead, and mercury must be strictly controlled within certain limits (usually below 250 mg/kg).
Ecotoxicity: It must be able to be converted into high-quality compost with normal organic waste and must be beneficial to plant health. No toxic residues are allowed.
- Plant growth trials: Scientists compare compost containing degraded packaging materials with compost without them, planting the same plants (such as corn or watercress). If the compost containing degradation products supports healthy plant growth and shows no significant difference from the control group, it is considered passed.
- Ecotoxicity testing: This assesses the compost’s impact on soil microorganisms or other organisms (such as earthworms) to ensure that degradation products do not produce negative ecological effects.
In other words: Composting can only proceed if it has been proven safe for soil
Industrial Composting vs. Home Composting:
When discussing compostable packaging, a common question is, “Can I compost these at home?” This leads to an important distinction: industrial composting versus home composting. EN 13432 primarily addresses the former, and for a reason.
EN 13432 and Industrial Composting Environments: Why Specialized Facilities Are Needed
Industrial composting facilities are not your small compost bin in your backyard. They are large, specialized centers designed to process large quantities of organic waste quickly and efficiently. These facilities create ideal composting conditions:
- High Temperature: Industrial composting systems can maintain high temperatures (typically between 55-70°C) for extended periods. This high temperature is crucial for rapid material decomposition, accelerating microbial activity.
- High Humidity: Humidity is also precisely controlled, providing a favorable working environment for microorganisms.
- Microbial Control: Engineers ensure a suitable microbial community exists in the compost pile, the primary force in decomposing the material.
- Ventilation: Regular turning or forced ventilation ensures an adequate oxygen supply, as EN 13432 tests for aerobic biodegradation.
Because of these controlled and optimized conditions, EN 13432 can set requirements for decomposition within a short timeframe (e.g., 90% biodegradation within 180 days, 90% disintegration into small fragments within 3 months). My experience tells me that if these biodegradable plastics are placed in ordinary home compost, they may take much longer, or even fail to decompose completely. This is why EN 13432 specifically emphasizes industrial composting environments.
Home Composting Standards: Certifications such as “OK Compost HOME”
Of course, there are also standards and certifications designed for home composting environments. For example, TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK Compost HOME certification is specifically designed for materials that can decompose at lower, more unstable temperatures (such as in our own backyard compost bins). This standard is usually more stringent than EN 13432 because home composting environments have large temperature variations, inconsistent humidity, and lack professional management. Therefore, if a product has the “OK Compost HOME” label, it’s much more likely to decompose in a home compost bin.
Consumer Education:
This is an important tip for me: when you see a product labeled “compostable,” stop and think. It likely refers to industrial composting. This means you need to dispose of it in a dedicated industrial composting bin, not your own garden compost bin. If there’s no local industrial composting facility, these compostable packages may end up in a landfill or incinerator, losing their intended environmental value. Therefore, consumer education is crucial; we should all understand how to properly dispose of these eco-friendly packages to truly benefit from them.
EN 13432 vs Other Compostability Standards
EN 13432 vs ASTM D6400
If you sell to both Europe and the U.S., you’ve probably seen another standard: ASTM D6400.
They’re very similar—but not identical.
| Feature | EN 13432 (Europe) | ASTM D6400 (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Developed by | CEN (EU) | ASTM International (US) |
| Scope | Packaging materials | Plastics and films |
| Composting type | Industrial compost | Industrial compost |
| Eco-toxicity test | Required | Optional |
In short, ASTM D6400 is the American equivalent of EN 13432.
Both guarantee industrial compostability, but EN 13432 goes one step further by demanding eco-toxicity testing, ensuring the compost supports plant growth.
EN 13432 vs EN 14995 and OK Compost
Sometimes you’ll also see EN 14995 or OK Compost Industrial mentioned.
Here’s how they fit together:
- EN 13432 applies to packaging materials.
- EN 14995 applies to plastics in general.
- OK Compost Industrial is a label that confirms a product meets EN 13432 requirements.
In other words, if your product has an OK Compost Industrial logo, it’s already EN 13432 certified.
EN 13432 Certification Process and Marking
If your company produces compostable packaging or materials and you want them to stand out in the market and gain consumer trust, then EN 13432 certification is the way to go. It allows your products to legally use the environmental labels that consumers trust.
Who Needs Certification? From Suppliers to Brand Owners
- Packaging Manufacturers: If you produce paper cups, films, tableware, etc., and want them to be considered compostable, certification is essential.
- Raw Material Suppliers: If you supply bio-based plastics (such as PLA, PBAT, PHA) used to manufacture compostable packaging, your materials themselves need to be certified to help your downstream customers obtain certification.
- Brand Owners: Even if you are only sourcing packaging, if your brand wants to claim that its product packaging is compostable, you must ensure that the packaging materials supplied by your suppliers are EN 13432 certified. This is a commitment to product compliance.
Authoritative Certification Bodies:
To obtain EN 13432 certification, you need to find an authoritative third-party body. Two of the most well-known bodies in Europe and internationally are:
- Din Certco (Germany): Their Seedling logo is one of the most widely recognized compost certification marks. This green seedling icon is the global symbol for EN 13432 compliance.
- TÜV AUSTRIA (Belgium): They offer OK Compost Industrial certification, a highly recognized mark indicating that products meet the requirements of EN 13432.
These organizations have professional laboratories and expert teams capable of conducting rigorous biodegradation and disintegration tests on materials.
How to Get EN 13432 Certified
If you’re developing compostable packaging or film, here’s how certification works:
- Choose an accredited testing body – TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO, or another recognized lab.
- Submit samples and technical data – material composition, thickness, etc.
- Undergo testing – biodegradation, disintegration, and eco-toxicity tests.
- Get certified – once your product passes, you can legally print “EN 13432” or the OK Compost logo.
Most tests take 3–6 months, and the cost depends on the material type.
Once certified, your product gains instant credibility in eco packaging markets.
EN13432 Certification Costs and Time:
The cost and time of certification vary depending on the product type, complexity, and the chosen certification body. Generally:
- Time: The entire process can take 6 to 12 months, as the testing itself takes several months to complete (e.g., biodegradability testing takes 180 days). Therefore, advance planning is crucial.
- Cost: Fees typically include application fees, testing fees, and annual fees. These can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the scope of the testing and the number of repeat tests required. While this is an investment for businesses, it is usually worthwhile considering the competitive advantage and consumer trust it brings.
Common Misunderstandings About EN 13432
EN 13432 = Biodegradable
False. Biodegradable ≠ compostable. EN 13432 defines full compostability, not just degradation.
EN 13432 Products Decompose Anywhere
False. Only under industrial composting conditions (not in soil, landfill, or ocean).
EN 13432 Certification Is Optional
False. It’s required in the EU if you want to label your product “compostable.”
Identifying Compostable Products: EN 13432 Certification Marks
Showcasing Key Certification Marks:
When looking for compostable packaging that complies with EN 13432, remember these important marks:
- Din Certco’s “Seedling Logo”: This is one of the most widely recognized compost certification marks. It’s usually a small green leaf with “EN 13432 Compostable” or similar wording below.
- TÜV AUSTRIA’s “OK Compost Industrial” Mark: This mark also indicates that the product complies with EN 13432 requirements and can be processed in industrial composting facilities. It’s usually a circular mark with the words “OK Compost Industrial”.
These marks are like the product’s “identity card,” proving its true compostability in an industrial composting environment.
At Orizon Biomaterials, we manufacture EN 13432 certified compostable bags—from kitchen garbage liners to retail and pet waste bags.
Over the years, I’ve seen how certification helps small eco brands enter EU markets with confidence.
Our products are tested and certified by TÜV Austria and BPI, and we provide OEM customization for private labels and wholesalers.
If you’re developing your own eco packaging, getting certified early will save you time, money, and reputation later.
📩 You can learn more about certified compostable products here: Orizon Biomaterials Compostable Bags
Conclusion
EN 13432 isn’t just a code—it’s a commitment to real compostability.
It tells buyers and regulators that your product truly returns to nature without harm.
For anyone serious about sustainable packaging, understanding and following EN 13432 is not optional—it’s essential.
And if you’re looking for certified compostable bags that meet this standard, make sure you partner with a manufacturer who can prove it.
Source:
European Standard EN 13432 Summary – European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
