Navigating Compostability Certifications

Among the realities of the climate crisis, the term “compostable” has become increasingly prevalent, offering a solution to the mounting problem of plastic pollution, waste reduction and carbon mitigation. However, as consumers and manufacturers alike navigate the complex landscape of certifications for compostable products, questions arise: How can we trust that a product labeled as compostable truly lives up to its claim? What role do third- party certification bodies play in validating these claims? And how can we ensure that compostable products contribute to, rather than detract from, the health of humans and our environment?

We chose to avoid using the BPI logo to head off a monopoly and to call for one standard for compostability certification.

Let's delve deeper into the topic by providing a comparison of third-party compostability certifiers and their processes and requirements. This exploration aims to unravel the intricacies of compostability in the industry and offers insights int how we can navigate the complexities of certification and identify products with confidence and clarity.

Understanding Certification Bodies

At the forefront of compostability certification are several players, each with its own processes. We will highlight the practices of these players in the industry and offer insights into how to navigate the complexities of certification and product identification with confidence, collaboration and clarity.

Delve into the specifics:

ASTM International
- Known for developing technical standards across various industries, ASTM sets the groundwork for compostability certification with standards like ASTM D6400, D6868, and D8410. While ASTM’s standards are not certifications themselves, they provide foundational protocols for testing compostable materials.
EN STANDARDS
- EN Standards, or European Norms, are the European equivalent of ASTM Standards. EN Standards are issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The goal of such an organization is to create uniformity across producers, consumers, government agencies, and other relevant parties regarding terminology, product specifications, protocols, and more. EN 13432 is established for compostability.
TÜV Austria (OK Compost)
- TÜV Austria is internationally recognized and offers both industrial and home compost certifications. Industrial requirements are based largely on the European standard EN 13432. Their certifications require rigorous testing for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, total fluorine testing, and chemical composition. TUV OK Compost HOME is also widely regarded as the foremost certifier for home compostability ensuring that products are safe and suitable for breaking down in backyard compost systems.
Din certco
- Jointly operated by DIN and TÜV Rheinland Group, DIN CERTCO certifies products to ASTM standards as well as the European standard EN 13432. Their certification process includes rigorous testing for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, total fluorine testing, and chemical composition.
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
- A non-profit certifier in North America, BPI uses Din Certco and previously used NSF, as third-party technical reviewers, to verify food contact compostables to ASTM standards. BPI’s certification requires biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, total fluorine testing and chemical composition. As of January 2024, the BPI license agreement required that all certified items and packaging display the BPI logo.
Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA)
- Established more recently in the US and now Canada, CMA focuses on certifying bioplastics and paper products to ASTM standards. Their process includes the same ASTM laboratory testing and certification requirements as BPI, plus field disintegration testing at industrial composting facilities.
NSF INTERNATIONAL – THIRD-PARTY VERIFIED - ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS FOR COMPOSTABILITY
- Since 1944, NSF has been a leader in safeguarding public and environmental health through independent standards and processes. As a third-party verifier of environmental claims, NSF conducts thorough desk audits to verify test report reviews, ensuring that products meet stringent compostability criteria. The NSF Verified Environmental Claim mark is more than just a brand logo; it serves as a powerful endorsement of a product’s compostability, promoting trust among consumers and stakeholders. With a foundation built on trust and transparency, NSF ensures that compostability claims are validated with confidence.