Top 5 Trusted Certifications for Compostable Packaging
With more brands claiming to be "eco-friendly" than ever, understanding what's truly certified compostable is key to avoiding greenwashing. At Biopackable, we believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we only use materials backed by leading global certification bodies. But what do those logos actually guarantee?
In this guide, we break down the top five trusted compostability certifications so you can shop confidently and understand what makes Biopackable packaging genuinely sustainable.
OK Compost HOME (TÜV Austria) Best for: Home composting conditions.
Certifies that products break down in mild, home composting environments, not just industrial facilities.
Standard: NF T51-800 (France/EU)
Timeframe: Complete biodegradation within 180 days or less.
Why it matters: Most people compost at home. This certification means our BioCane clamshells, bowls and trays (with no added PFAS) are suitable for home use.
See our home-compostable certified products.
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL (TÜV Austria) Best for: Facilities with high-heat industrial compost systems.
Certifies that packaging will biodegrade under controlled, commercial composting conditions.
Standard: EN 13432 (EU)
Breakdown: Leaves no toxic residue, fragments, or heavy metals.
Why it matters: Ensures safe, large-scale compostability for foodservice operations. Look for this certification on our takeaway containers, produce trays, and custom-printed items.
Each certified product is issued a unique licence number to show that a specific company and product range has passed compostability testing. You can verify licence numbers directly on TÜV Austria’s database.
AS 5810 / AS 4736 (Australasian Bioplastics Association) Best for: Home and industrial composting in Australia & NZ.
AS 5810 = Home compostable
AS 4736 = Industrial compostable
Why it matters: Biopackable is committed to region-specific compliance. These standards validate that our products perform in real composting environments in Australia and New Zealand.
Similar to the home compost standard, certified products have a licence number that can be searched
BPI Compostable (Biodegradable Products Institute) Best for: U.S. markets and municipal composting.
Products must meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards.
Accepted by many North American commercial composting programs.
Ensures disintegration within 84 days and full biodegradation within 180.
Why it matters: Ideal for foodservice providers in the U.S. wanting to meet growing composting mandates. Our BioCane range is suitable for these standards.
Always check for a valid licence number issued by the ABA to ensure the product is truly certified.
ASTM D6400 / D6868 (U.S. Testing Standards) Best for: Defining material breakdown in industrial compost.
D6400: Applies to films and bags
D6868: Applies to items coated with compostable films (like PLA-laminated fibre)
Why it matters: These are the foundation of most U.S. certifications (including BPI). They ensure the product breaks down completely and safely in composting environments.
Products certified by BPI also carry a unique licence number for verification on BPI's directory.
Why Certification Matters. Without certification, claims like "biodegradable" or "compostable" can be misleading. Certification:
Builds trust with buyers
Meets regulatory standards
Reduces landfill waste by validating compostable performance
Supports the circular economy
All of Biopackable’s certifications are visible on product pages and can be downloaded from our Certifications Hub.
Want to Test It Yourself?
Request free samples here to run your fit-for-purpose tests with certified compostable packaging.
Conclusion: Not all packaging is created equal. Understanding compostability certifications helps you make confident, future-proof purchasing decisions. At Biopackable, we’re proud to be part of the solution, not just in word, but in verified action.
