OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL: What’s the Difference?
OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL are separate compostability certification schemes operated by TÜV AUSTRIA for different composting environments.
Although the conformity marks may appear similar, the certifications are designed for different conditions and are not interchangeable.
This page explains:
- what each certification means;
- how HOME and INDUSTRIAL differ;
- when each certification environment may be relevant;
- how finished-product specifications affect certification applicability; and
- what buyers should verify before relying on certification claims.
What Are OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL?
OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL are separate compostability certification schemes operated by TÜV AUSTRIA.
They are designed for different composting environments and should not be treated as interchangeable.
- OK compost INDUSTRIAL applies to certification for controlled industrial composting conditions.
- OK compost HOME applies to certification for home composting conditions.
Certification applies within the scope, conditions and specifications stated in the applicable certificate.
OK Compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL: Core Differences
| Criteria | OK compost HOME | OK compost INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Composting environment | Home composting conditions | Controlled industrial composting conditions |
| Temperature conditions | Lower and less controlled | Higher and controlled |
| Composting conditions | More variable | Professionally managed |
| Certification scheme | TÜV AUSTRIA | TÜV AUSTRIA |
| Interchangeable? | No | No |
Important:
OK compost INDUSTRIAL does not mean that a product is certified for home composting.
What OK Compost INDUSTRIAL Means
OK compost INDUSTRIAL is a TÜV AUSTRIA certification scheme for products assessed for composting under controlled industrial composting conditions.
Products seeking certification must be assessed against the applicable certification requirements for the relevant finished product and specification.
A product should not be assumed to be covered simply because another product with a similar material or application has been certified.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME Certificate Information
What OK Compost HOME Means
OK compost HOME is a separate TÜV AUSTRIA certification scheme for products assessed under home composting conditions, where temperatures are generally lower and conditions are less controlled than in industrial composting facilities.
Eligibility should be determined from the applicable certificate scope, certification conditions and finished-product specification rather than from product type or material alone.
When Is HOME or INDUSTRIAL Relevant?
The relevant certification depends primarily on the intended composting environment and the applicable certification requirements.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL is relevant where a product is intended to be assessed for controlled industrial composting conditions.
OK compost HOME is relevant where a product is intended to be assessed for home composting conditions.
Product size, thickness, formulation, colour, printing, additives and construction may all affect certification applicability.
A marketing claim or intended disposal route alone does not establish certification.
Common Misunderstandings
“Industrial compostable means home compostable.”
False. Industrial and home composting involve different conditions and certification requirements.
“If the raw material is certified, the finished bag is automatically certified.”
False. Raw-material certification does not automatically establish certification of a finished bag. The finished product must be assessed against the applicable certification scope and conditions.
“OK compost HOME is always better than OK compost INDUSTRIAL.”
False. The two certifications are designed for different composting environments rather than representing different quality levels.
Product-Level Certification Must Be Confirmed Separately
Certification should not be assigned to a product category based only on its name, material or intended use.
ORIZON’s current OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL certificates cover:
- Bags for collection of biodegradable refuse
- Shopping bags (check-out bags)
Flexible packaging and other product types are not covered by these certificates.
Whether a specific finished product is covered must be confirmed against the applicable certificate scope, conditions and final finished-product specification.
How HOME and INDUSTRIAL Affect Compliance
Using an incorrect certification claim or conformity mark can create compliance, procurement and environmental-claim risks.
Buyers should confirm:
- the applicable certification scheme;
- the certified Product Type;
- the relevant certificate scope;
- the final finished-product specification;
- current certificate validity; and
- applicable conformity-mark requirements.
👉 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 are designed for different composting environments and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Neither certification is inherently “better.” The relevant scheme depends on the intended composting environment and whether the finished product meets the applicable certification requirements.
For ORIZON products, certification applicability should be confirmed against the applicable current certificate and final finished-product specification before certification claims or conformity marks are used.
