Compostable Bag Resources: Standards, Regulations & Buyer Guides
This compostable bag resource center is designed for professional buyers, packaging distributors, sustainability teams, and compliance managers who need clear, reliable guidance on compostable bags in regulated markets.
Here, you’ll find practical explanations of compostable bag standards, certifications, and regulations, along with buyer-focused guidance on sourcing, documentation, and real-world application requirements.
Rather than repeating marketing claims, this resource hub explains how compostable bags are evaluated, accepted, and regulated within actual waste management systems.
All content is written for B2B decision-makers and focuses on long-term compliance, market-specific requirements, and procurement clarity for compostable trash bags, bin liners, mailers, garment bags, and other compostable packaging applications.
Claims & Terminology
Environmental terms like “biodegradable,” “compostable,” and “plant-based” are often used inconsistently in packaging claims.
This section explains what common sustainability terms actually mean in regulated packaging contexts, how buyers and regulators interpret these claims, and why unclear or unsupported wording can create compliance and greenwashing risks.
Rather than focusing on materials, these resources clarify how claims should be used, limited, or avoided—especially in markets where disposal systems and regulations vary.
Standards & Compliance
Understanding compostable bags starts with compliance — not material names.
This section explains what makes compostable bags compliant, why third-party certification matters more than “biodegradable” claims, and how compostable standards are applied in real composting and organics systems.
You’ll find guidance on widely recognized certifications such as EN 13432, ASTM D6400, AS 4736, and OK Compost HOME / INDUSTRIAL, as well as common compliance risks that lead to rejected products, contamination, or misleading environmental claims.
Guides in this section include:
Market Regulations by Region
Compostable bag requirements vary significantly by market.
This section explains how regulations, waste systems, and certification expectations differ by region, helping buyers avoid non-compliant imports and unexpected rejection by councils, composting facilities, or retail programs.
Rather than treating compostable packaging as a universal solution, these resources focus on market-specific acceptance, enforcement practices, and labeling requirements in Australia, the United States, and Europe.
Regional regulation guides include:
Buyer & Procurement Guides
Sourcing compostable bags involves more than selecting a certified material.
This section supports procurement teams with buyer and sourcing guides that address supplier evaluation, OEM vs wholesale sourcing models, and the documentation required for compliant international supply.
These guides are designed to reduce risk for importers, distributors, and brand owners by clarifying what to ask suppliers, how to review certification documents, and how to assess manufacturing capability beyond certificates alone.
Buyer-focused resources include:
Technical Performance & Handling
Compostable bags must meet real performance requirements during use, storage, and transport.
This section addresses common technical concerns raised by buyers, distributors, and waste operators — including strength, leakage resistance, shelf life, thickness selection, and storage conditions, especially for food waste and high-volume applications.
Rather than lab-only claims, these resources focus on performance in real-world handling environments, from kitchens and retail backrooms to logistics operations and council collection systems.
Technical guidance includes:
Looking for Certified Compostable Bags?
If you are sourcing compostable bags for regulated markets, understanding the applicable standards and market requirements should come before requesting samples.
Explore our certified compostable bag product categories, review the relevant certifications, or contact our technical team for compliance-focused support tailored to your market and application.
