Understanding Compostable Packaging Certifications: What They Mean & Why They Matter

As eco-friendly packaging gains traction, so do misleading claims and greenwashing. At Biopackable, we back our compostable, plastic-free packaging with genuine third-party certifications, not just marketing. This guide explains what the certifications mean, why they matter, and how they support your sustainability efforts.

You can find more information in our Certifications Hub.

Why Certifications Matter

Labels like "compostable" or "biodegradable" can be ambiguous without context. Independent certifications confirm that a product will break down under defined composting conditions—either in home gardens or industrial facilities—and won’t leave behind toxic residues. They also validate that packaging is safe for food contact and regulatory compliant, vital elements for both environmental integrity and business reputation.

Global Certifications That We Hold

Here's a breakdown of the major certifications we have for all our product lines:

United States – Industrial Composting

• BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
  Verifies compliance with ASTM D6400 & D6868. Confirms products fully biodegrade in commercial composting facilities.

• ASTM D6400
  A standard for compostable plastics, requiring ≥ 90% biodegradation within 180 days, without toxic residuals

• ASTM D6868
  Covers coated paper and fibre products, ensuring coatings fully degrade in industrial composting

European Union – Composting Standards

• EN 13432 / DIN EN 13432 (TÜV Austria OK Compost INDUSTRIAL)
  Guarantees ≥ 90% biodegradation within six months in industrial composting, with no heavy metals or ecotoxicity

• NF T51-800 (TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME)
  Certifies products for home composting, ensuring they break down in backyard conditions, in accordance with French and European standards.

Australia & New Zealand – Composting Standards

• AS 4736 (ABA Industrial Compostability)
  Requires complete biodegradation in industrial composting conditions and ecotoxicity testing for heavy metals

• AS 5810 (ABA Home Compostability)
  Validates breakdown in home compost systems within 12 months, including assessments for earthworm toxicity.

What About Licence Numbers?

Certifications aren’t just about logos—they must be verifiable. That’s where licence numbers come in. Every certified product or product range must carry a unique licence number, issued by the certifying body (like TÜV Austria, BPI, or ABA). These numbers prove that a specific company's product has passed rigorous testing and is officially certified, not just "claimed" compostable.

At Biopackable, we openly publish these license numbers on our product pages. You can verify them directly using certification body databases:

• TÜV Austria → okcompost.tuv-at.be

• BPI → bpiworld.org

• ABA → bioplastics.org.au

What These Certifications Mean for You

When choosing certified packaging from Biopackable, you're not just selecting materials—you’re gaining:

1. Verified Sustainability
   Independent testing confirms the safe biodegradation and environmental safety of our product.

2. Regulatory & Market Advantage
   Certified packaging aligns with evolving waste policies and eco-conscious consumer demand.

3. Trust & Transparency
   Certificates and licence numbers, visible on our product pages, demonstrate credibility, not greenwashing.

4. Circular Economy Fit
   Certified compostable packaging integrates seamlessly into industrial, municipal, and home organic waste systems.

Make It Real: Sample & Commit

Are you looking to test performance in your specific composting environment? Request a free sample to evaluate fit-for-purpose applications before committing.

Certification in Action

Whether it's our clamshell containers, cutlery, or custom plant-fibre packaging, certification is non-negotiable. That’s how we deliver:

• Compostable products that meet objective standards

• Certifications from reputable bodies like BPI, TÜV Austria, ABA

• Full supply chain transparency—materials, labelling, licence numbers

In Summary

Compostable certification isn’t the end—it’s the foundation. It ensures that packaging decomposes safely, delivers environmental benefits, and earns consumer trust. With Biopackable, you get verified, high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions—without the greenwashing.

Dive deeper into standards → Understand Compostable Certifications.

Explore our certified packaging collection → Browse Products.