Documents Buyers Should Request from Compostable Bag Suppliers
Table of Contents
Buying compostable bags is not only about price or material.
For buyers, importers, and distributors, documents matter more than promises.
Many compliance issues happen because buyers accept incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
This page explains which documents buyers should request from compostable bag suppliers, why each document matters, and how these documents help reduce regulatory and greenwashing risks.
Why Documents Matter More Than Verbal Claims
Suppliers often describe their products as “compostable” or “eco-friendly.”
However, claims without documents cannot be verified.
Clear documentation helps buyers:
Confirm real compostable certification
Verify the correct standard and scope
Pass internal audits and customer reviews
Reduce regulatory and reputational risk
This is why certification logos matter more than material claims when buyers evaluate compostable bag suppliers.
The Four Categories of Documents Buyers Should Request
To simplify supplier review, documents can be grouped into four categories:
Certification and compliance proof
Technical and performance documents
Safety and chemical documentation
Supply, quality, and traceability records
Each category serves a different purpose in buyer due diligence.
1. Certification and Compliance Documents
These documents confirm that the finished compostable bags meet a recognized standard.
Core Documents to Request
Compostable certificate
(EN 13432, ASTM D6400, AS 4736, or AS 5810, depending on market)Certificate scope or annex
Shows which products, thicknesses, colors, and constructions are coveredCertification number and issuing body
Used for verification in official databases
Important:
A resin or raw material certificate is not enough.
Buyers should always request certification for the finished bag, not only the material.
Buyers sourcing globally should understand the differences between EN 13432 vs ASTM D6400 vs AS 4736 compostable standards.
2. Technical and Performance Documents
These documents explain how the bag was tested and how it performs.
Common Technical Documents
Test reports
Show laboratory results that support compostability claimsProduct specification sheet
Includes size, thickness, sealing type, and intended useCertificate of Conformity (CoC)
Confirms the supplied product matches the certified specification
Test reports help buyers confirm that certification is supported by real testing, not marketing claims.
3. Safety and Chemical Documentation
In some markets, buyers must confirm chemical safety and material transparency.
Safety Documents Buyers Often Request
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Commonly requested for US market compliance and internal safety reviewInk and additive declarations
Confirm that printing inks and additives do not affect compostability claimsRestricted substance statements
Support internal compliance and retailer requirements
These documents are especially important when compostable bags are used in food, retail, or regulated environments.
4. Supply, Quality, and Traceability Documents
Certification alone does not guarantee consistent supply.
Buyers often request additional documents to evaluate supplier reliability.
Supply and Quality Documents
- Quality management certificates (e.g. ISO-related systems)
- Batch or lot traceability records
- Inspection or quality control reports
- Production capacity and lead-time statements
These documents help buyers assess long-term cooperation, not just compliance.
Certification Logos and Logo Use Permission
Many compostable certifications allow the use of logos or marks.
However, logo use is not automatic.
Buyers should request:
Logo license or usage permission
Guidelines for correct logo placement and wording
Using certification logos without permission may create legal and compliance risks.
How Buyers Can Verify Supplier Documents
Requesting documents is only the first step. Buyers should also verify them.
A simple verification process includes:
- Check the certificate number and validity period
- Confirm the issuing body and official database
- Review the scope to ensure the product is covered
Buyers can standardize document review using the Minimum Compliance Checklist for Compostable Bag Imports.
Common Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid
- Accepting resin certificates instead of finished product certification
- Ignoring certificate scope and product coverage
- Relying on expired or unverifiable documents
- Assuming all compostable standards are interchangeable
Clear documentation helps prevent these issues before they become costly problems.
How This Page Fits into a Global Compliance Process
Different markets require different documentation packages.
Buyers supplying multiple regions should align documents with:
- Local regulations
- Accepted compostable standards
- Labeling and claim requirements
This approach reduces rework and repeated audits.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- Documents are essential to verify compostable claims
- Certification must apply to the finished bag, not just raw materials
- Test reports, SDS, and logo permissions matter
- Verification reduces compliance and greenwashing risk
FAQ – Buyer Questions About Compostable Bag Documents
A valid compostable certificate for the finished product, supported by test reports and a clear certification scope, proves certification.
No. Resin certificates only apply to raw materials.
Buyers should always request certification for the finished compostable bag.
Test reports help confirm how certification was achieved and support internal audits, even when a certificate exists.
SDS documents support safety review, chemical transparency, and compliance requirements, especially in the US market.
No. Certification logos usually require formal permission or a license.
Buyers should request logo usage approval documents.
Buyers can verify certificates by checking the issuing body, certificate number, validity period, and official certification databases.
