Compostable Packaging Regulations: AU vs US vs EU
Table of Contents
Compostable packaging is regulated very differently across Australia, the United States, and the European Union.
A package that is allowed to claim “compostable” in one market may be restricted, risky, or even misleading in another.
For brands, importers, and distributors selling across regions, understanding these differences is essential to avoid compliance issues and greenwashing risks.
This page explains how compostable packaging regulations work in AU vs US vs EU, how standards and certifications fit into each system, and what buyers should check before making compostable claims.
How Compostable Packaging Is Regulated: A Simple Overview
Before comparing regions, it is important to understand how compostable packaging rules are structured.
Most markets follow a similar three-layer system:
Regulations – Laws and official rules that control environmental claims
Standards – Technical test methods (such as compostability performance)
Certifications / Logos – Third-party proof that a product meets a standard
Confusion often happens when these layers are mixed together.
This is why certification logos matter more than material claims when evaluating compostable packaging compliance.
Compostable Packaging Regulations in Australia (AU)
In Australia, compostable packaging claims are closely linked to greenwashing enforcement and system suitability.
Australian regulators and industry bodies focus on two key questions:
Is the packaging technically compostable?
Can it realistically be collected and composted in practice?
Key Regulatory Focus in Australia
Environmental claims must not be misleading
“Biodegradable” wording is often discouraged
Compostable claims should be supported by recognized standards
For plastic packaging, industrial compostability is commonly linked to AS 4736, while home compostable claims are linked to AS 5810.
Most industrial compostable packaging in Australia is assessed under AS 4736 compostable certification for Australia.
Common Compliance Risks in AU
Using “compostable” without stating the composting environment
Claiming home compostability without AS 5810 support
Selling compostable packaging into areas without composting systems
Compostable Packaging Regulations in the United States (US)
The United States uses a combined federal and state-level approach to compostable packaging regulation.
Instead of one national packaging law, the US relies on:
Federal rules for environmental marketing claims
State-level laws that control labeling and acceptance
Key Regulatory Focus in the US
Compostable claims must not mislead consumers
Technical performance is defined by ASTM standards
Labeling requirements may vary by state
For compostable plastics, ASTM D6400 is the most widely referenced industrial compostability standard.
Many programs also rely on BPI certification as a trusted identifier.
In the US, industrial compostable plastics are commonly evaluated under ASTM D6400 compostable certification.
Common Compliance Risks in the US
Assuming ASTM compliance alone is enough for all states
Using compostable claims where no composting access exists
Confusing consumers with “biodegradable” language
Compostable Packaging Regulations in the European Union (EU)
The European Union regulates packaging through region-wide legislation, with increasing emphasis on harmonization and enforcement.
Compostable packaging claims in the EU are typically linked to:
Packaging and waste regulations
Clear labeling and disposal guidance
Industrial composting compatibility
Key Regulatory Focus in the EU
Compostable claims must align with waste management systems
Packaging must avoid misleading environmental messaging
Technical compostability is often demonstrated through EN 13432
Most compostable packaging in the EU refers to EN 13432, which defines industrial compostability requirements.
Common Compliance Risks in the EU
- Treating EN 13432 as a “marketing badge” rather than a system standard
- Failing to explain industrial vs home composting
- Using compostable packaging where collection is not available
AU vs US vs EU: Key Differences at a Glance
| Area | Australia | United States | European Union |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory style | Anti-greenwashing focus | Federal + state rules | Unified EU regulation |
| Main standards | AS 4736 / AS 5810 | ASTM D6400 / D6868 | EN 13432 |
| Composting scope | Industrial or home (separate) | Mostly industrial | Mostly industrial |
| Claim sensitivity | High | High (state-dependent) | High |
| Common risk | System mismatch | Label confusion | Over-general claims |
What You Can (and Cannot) Claim on Compostable Packaging
Across all three markets, regulators focus less on what materials are used and more on what consumers are led to believe.
Generally Safer Approaches
- Reference a specific standard (EN 13432, ASTM D6400, AS 4736)
- Use certification logos correctly
- State the intended composting environment clearly
Higher-Risk Approaches
- Using “biodegradable” without context
- Claiming compostable without disposal guidance
- Suggesting composting will happen everywhere
Industrial vs Home Compostable: Why the Difference Matters
Many compliance issues happen because industrial compostable and home compostable packaging are mixed together.
Industrial compostable packaging requires controlled facilities
Home compostable packaging must break down at lower temperatures
Different markets allow different wording and expectations.
For a clear comparison of industrial compostable standards across markets, see EN 13432 vs ASTM D6400 vs AS 4736 compostable standards.
A Practical Compliance Checklist for Global Brands
Before using compostable packaging claims across AU, US, and EU, brands should check:
- Which market the packaging is sold in
- Which standard supports the compostable claim
- Whether a certification or logo is required
- Whether composting access exists in that market
- Whether labeling could mislead consumers
To reduce risk across markets, use our Minimum Compliance Checklist for Compostable Bag Imports.
Key Takeaways
- Compostable packaging regulations differ widely between AU, US, and EU
- Standards and certifications support claims but do not replace regulations
- Compostable claims must match real disposal systems
- Clear labeling reduces compliance and greenwashing risks
Who This Page Is For
This page is designed for:
Global brands
Importers and distributors
Packaging procurement teams
Sustainability and compliance managers
It is not intended as consumer disposal guidance.
Final Note on Compliance
Compostable packaging can support waste reduction goals, but only when claims are accurate and system-appropriate.
Understanding compostable packaging regulations in AU vs US vs EU helps brands avoid costly mistakes and maintain trust across markets.
FAQ
No. Compostable packaging regulations are different in Australia, the United States, and the European Union.
Each market has its own laws, standards, and rules for environmental claims.
A compostable claim that is allowed in one region may be restricted or risky in another.
In most cases, no.
Across AU, US, and EU, compostable claims are expected to be supported by recognized standards or certifications.
Unverified compostable claims may be considered misleading and increase greenwashing risk.
Industrial compostable packaging is designed to break down in commercial composting facilities under controlled conditions.
Home compostable packaging must break down at lower temperatures, similar to backyard composting.
These two claims are not interchangeable and are regulated differently across markets.
No.
“Biodegradable” does not define timeframe, conditions, or outcomes, and is often considered a high-risk claim.
Most regulators prefer standard-based compostable claims instead of vague biodegradable wording.
Australia: AS 4736 (industrial), AS 5810 (home)
United States: ASTM D6400 / D6868 (industrial)
European Union: EN 13432 (industrial)
The applicable standard depends on the market and disposal system.
Sometimes, but not always.
A package may meet multiple standards, but regulatory acceptance still depends on local labeling rules, disposal systems, and claim wording.
Compliance should always be evaluated market by market.
