When I first started working with compostable packaging, I noticed one thing. Many people talk about “compostable bags,” but few understand what AS5810 bags requirements really mean.
AS5810 is Australia’s home compostable standard. “Home compostable” means a product can break down in a home compost bin at lower temperatures than industrial systems.
If you work with retail shopping bags, produce bags, or compostable mailer bags, AS5810 matters more than you might think. It protects consumers, it protects the environment, and it also protects your business from wrong claims.
AS5810 Bags Requirements for Shopping Bags, Produce Bags and Mailer Bags
AS5810 sets clear rules for any bag that claims to be home compostable in Australia. These rules cover how fast the bag breaks down, what it is made of, and what happens to the soil after it decomposes.how fast the bag breaks down
Here are the parts that matter most when we talk about AS5810 compliant bags.
Breakdown Time
The bag must fully break down in a home compost environment (around 20–30°C).
Most AS5810 tests look for breakdown within 180 days.
This helps prevent “greenwashing,” where a bag looks eco-friendly but stays in soil for years.where a bag looks eco-friend
No Harmful Chemicals
The material cannot leave behind heavy metals or toxins.
AS5810 checks things like:
- cadmium
- lead
- chromium
If the leftover compost harms soil or plants, it fails.
Residue Quality
After composting, the remaining material must fit soil standards set by the OECD.
Plants should grow normally in soil mixed with the composted material.
Strength and Function
Not all bags are used the same way. AS5810 does not dictate exact thickness, but retailers often expect certain performance levels.
Here is how AS5810 requirements for shopping bags, produce bags, and mailer bags commonly differ:
Shopping Bags
- Must hold daily groceries safely.
- Need decent tensile strength.
- Ink should not rub off easily.
Produce Bags
- Often used for food.
- Should be breathable.
- Must be safe for fresh produce contact.
Mailer Bags
- Must survive shipping.
- Need strong sealing strips.
- Cannot tear during handling.
Many people assume AS5810 only checks composting.
But in reality, buyers also want bags that work well in real daily use.
What Businesses Should Check Before Purchasing AS5810-Compliant Bags
I often meet buyers who think a bag is “compostable” just because the seller says so. But AS5810 has strict rules, and not every supplier follows them.
Here’s what I recommend checking.
Check for ABA Certification
In Australia, many home compostable certification bags use the ABA seedling logo.
This logo is controlled and cannot be used without approval.
A real certified product should show:
- the AS5810 logo
- the license number
- the company name
Ask the Supplier for Documents
You should always ask for:
- test report or certification letter
- certificate number
- expiry date
- material specifications
If a supplier refuses, it is a red flag.
Verify AS5810 Certification
Some buyers are surprised that logos can be misused.
To verify AS5810 certification, check the ABA license database or ask the certifying body directly.
A certificate number should match the manufacturer and product type.
Inspect the Physical Bag
I check these things myself:
- Does the ink smear?
- Does the bag tear too easily?
- Does the smell seem odd?
- Is the printing clear?
A poor-quality bag often signals a poor-quality supplier.
This section fills a big gap in the market.
Most websites explain the standard but don’t tell you what to check when buying.
How to Ensure Correct AS5810 Labelling
Mislabeling is common.
Some bags say “biodegradable,” but that term means almost nothing in Australia because it does not specify time or safety.
You and I need clear rules to avoid confusion.
These are the bag labelling guidelines Australia generally follows for AS5810.
What Must Be Printed
- “Home Compostable AS 5810”
- Certification logo (ABA logo or Seedling logo)
- License number
- Manufacturer or supplier name
What NOT to Print
- “Degradable” (misleading)
- “Biodegradable” without a standard
- Fake certification icons
- Claims like “breaks down anywhere”
Suggested Label Placement
- Shopping bags:bottom or handle area
- Produce bags : clear space near top
- Mailer bags : flap or backside
Correct labelling helps consumers trust what they are buying.
It also helps retailers stay compliant with Australian packaging rules.
Why AS5810 Matters in the Packaging Supply Chain
When I talk to brands or distributors, I often explain that AS5810 is more than a logo.
It affects the entire supply chain.
Here is why.
Helps Retailers Avoid Fines
Wrong labels can lead to penalties under state waste laws.
Retailers today are under more scrutiny than ever.
Builds Trust With Consumers
People want proof, not promises.
The AS5810 mark shows a bag meets real performance rules, not just marketing language.
Supports Sustainability Goals
A compostable bag that breaks down safely reduces landfill waste and plastic pollution.
Helps Businesses Choose Better Suppliers
If you rely on imported bags, AS5810 gives you a benchmark to evaluate suppliers.
It prevents low-quality materials from entering your product line.
In short, AS5810 links the whole packaging chain: manufacturers → importers → retailers → consumers → compost systems
Conclusion
AS5810 is not just a standard. It is a practical tool that helps you make better decisions when choosing compostable shopping bags, produce bags, and mailer bags. When you understand AS5810 bags requirements, you can avoid misleading claims, choose safer products, meet retailer expectations, protect the environment, and build a more responsible packaging supply chain.
This page focuses only on the product requirements for AS5810 bags and how they apply in real use. If you need information about the certification process itself, you can visit our AS5810 Certification Guide for details on testing, approval, and documentation.
