Can One Compostable Bag Meet AU, EU, and US Standards?
Table of Contents
Companies sourcing compostable bags for multiple markets often ask one key question:
Can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards at the same time?
The short answer is: sometimes—but not always.
Australia, Europe, and the United States all have compostable standards, but they are not identical.
Each market has its own testing rules, certification systems, labeling expectations, and waste collection practices.
This page explains how AS 4736, EN 13432, and ASTM D6400 differ, when one compostable bag can meet all three, and when separate versions are required.
What Are the Compostable Standards in AU, EU, and the US?
Before answering whether one compostable bag can meet all markets, it is important to understand what each standard covers.
Australia – AS 4736 (Industrial Composting)
AS 4736 applies to plastics designed for industrial composting in Australia.
It is commonly required for food waste liners and bags used in FOGO programs.
AS 4736 evaluates:
- Biodegradation in industrial composting conditions
- Disintegration during composting
- Heavy metal limits
- Toxicity to plants
In Australia, food waste liners and compostable bags are usually required to meet AS 4736 compostable bags standards for industrial composting systems.
Europe – EN 13432
EN 13432 is the main compostable packaging standard used across the EU.
It applies to packaging materials, including compostable trash bags and liners.
EN 13432 focuses on:
Compostability in industrial composting facilities
Material breakdown and compost quality
Controlled labeling and certification systems (such as TÜV OK Compost)
In the European market, most industrial composting facilities recognize EN 13432 certified compostable bags as the baseline requirement for compostable packaging.
United States – ASTM D6400
ASTM D6400 is the primary compostable plastics standard in the US.
It is often required for compostable trash bags and food waste liners.
ASTM D6400 evaluates:
Biodegradation and disintegration in industrial composting
Compost safety and residue limits
Compatibility with US composting systems
In the United States, compostable trash bags and liners are commonly expected to comply with ASTM D6400 compostable bags requirements for industrial composting.
Can One Compostable Bag Meet AU, EU, and US Standards?
Yes, it is possible—but only under specific conditions.
A single compostable bag may meet AS 4736, EN 13432, and ASTM D6400 if:
- The material formulation is compatible with all three standards
- The finished product passes testing under each standard
- The certification scope clearly covers the same bag type, thickness, and use case
However, passing one standard does not automatically mean the bag complies with the others.
Each certification must be separately tested and approved.
Why One Certification Is Not Enough
Many sourcing problems happen because buyers assume that one compostable certificate applies everywhere.
In reality, compostable bag compliance depends on more than material performance.
Different Certification Systems
Each market uses its own certification bodies, logos, and licensing rules.
A compostable bag certified for Europe cannot simply reuse the same certificate in Australia or the US.
Different Labeling and Claims
Markets vary in how compostable claims must be shown on packaging.
For example:
- Some regions require clear “industrial composting only” wording
- Others restrict the use of generic “biodegradable” claims
Incorrect labeling can lead to product rejection—even if the bag itself is compostable.
Different Waste Collection Acceptance
Certification does not always guarantee acceptance in local systems.
In Australia, many FOGO programs require AS 4736 certification and approval from councils or waste contractors.
Even with valid certification, acceptance can vary by region, so buyers should also review Australia compostable bags requirements at the state and council level.
When One Compostable Bag Can Work Across All Three Markets
One compostable bag may work for AU, EU, and US markets when:
- The same resin system is used
- All additives, inks, and adhesives are compostable
- The bag is tested and certified under all three standards
- Packaging and labeling are adapted per market, even if the bag itself stays the same
In this case, manufacturers often use:
- One production specification
- Multiple certificates
- Market-specific packaging artwork
When Separate Compostable Bags Are Required
Separate bag versions are usually needed when:
- One market requires home compostable certification and others do not
- Local labeling rules differ significantly
- Waste programs accept only specific standards
- Certification scope does not fully overlap
This is common for:
- Council food waste liners
- Retail-branded compostable trash bags
- Market-specific private label programs
How Buyers Should Assess Multi-Market Compostable Compliance
If you are sourcing compostable bags for multiple regions, ask suppliers for:
- Valid certificates for AS 4736, EN 13432, and ASTM D6400
- Confirmation that certificates cover the exact bag type and thickness
- Approved compostable inks and adhesives
- Guidance on market-specific labeling and claims
- Clear documentation showing which markets each product version supports
For multi-market sourcing, understanding certification alone is not enough, which is why buyers often review how to assess a compostable bag manufacturer before making a final decision.
Conclusion
So, can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards?
Sometimes—but only with the right materials, certifications, and compliance strategy.
There is no universal compostable label that works everywhere.
Successful multi-market sourcing depends on understanding certification limits, labeling rules, and local waste systems.
For buyers supplying more than one region, compliance planning matters as much as the bag itself.
FAQ
Can one compostable bag meet AU, EU, and US standards?
Yes, it is possible in some cases.
A single compostable bag can meet AU, EU, and US standards only if it is tested and certified separately under AS 4736, EN 13432, and ASTM D6400.
One certificate alone is not enough.
Is EN 13432 accepted in Australia or the United States?
No.
EN 13432 is a European standard and is not a substitute for AS 4736 in Australia or ASTM D6400 in the US.
Each market requires its own recognized standard.
Can a compostable bag have multiple certifications?
Yes.
Some compostable bags are certified under more than one standard, but each certification must clearly cover the same product type, thickness, and use case.
Buyers should always check the certificate scope.
Are compostable bags accepted everywhere once they are certified?
Not always.
Certification shows compostability under test conditions, but local waste systems may have additional rules.
For example, Australian FOGO programs often require AS 4736 certification and council approval.
Does “compostable” mean home compostable?
No.
Most compostable bag standards, including AS 4736, EN 13432, and ASTM D6400, apply to industrial composting, not home composting.
Home compostable products usually require separate certification.
What should buyers check when sourcing for multiple markets?
Buyers should confirm:
Valid certificates for each target market
That certificates match the exact bag specification
Correct labeling and claims for each region
Whether the bag is accepted by local composting systems
