Organisations

Certification Organisations

Testing, inspection and certification organisations for biodegradaility and compostability. Independent verification provides credibility and confidence in the environmental claims made by product manufacturers regarding compostability. This allows manufacturers to demonstrate their products will safely biodegrade.

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DIN CERTCO

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  • Country: Germany
  • Focus: Compostability and Biodegradability
  • Standard Test: Various, including DIN EN 13432 (Compostability) and DIN EN 14045 (Biodegradability)
DIN CERTCO

The “Products made of compostable materials (DIN-Geprüft)” certification scheme was created in collaboration with the DIN CERTCO “Biodegradable Materials” certification committee (ZA-BAW in its German abbreviation) and will be continuously refined. It makes a distinction between the certification of materials and intermediates and the certification of (end) products

TUV Austria

TUV-Austria-logo
  • Country: Germany
  • Focus: Compostability and Biodegradability
  • Standard Test: Various, including DIN EN 13432 (Compostability) and DIN EN 14045 (Biodegradability)
TUV Austria

TUV Austria is an independent certification body that tests and validates the biodegradability of products like compostable bags and packaging to internationally recognised standards. ndependent testing, inspection and certification organization based in Austria and their certifications are valued worldwide. For biodegradable and compostable products, TUV Austria provides two key certifications:

  • OK Compost – certifies products are industrially compostable per European EN 13432 standard
  • OK Compost HOME – certifies products are home compostable by ‘home composting’ criteria

The OK Compost HOME label in particular assures consumers that the certified product, like a biodegradable bag, will break down in a home compost environment.

Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

BPI_logo
  • Country: United States
  • Focus: Compostability
  • Standard Test: ASTM D6400 (Industrial Composting) and ASTM D6868 (Home Composting)
BPI

The BPI Certification program is a third-party verification of ASTM standards for compostable products in North America,

Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)

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  • Country: Australia and New Zealand
  • Focus: Compostability and Biodegradability
  • Standard Test: AS 4736 (Biodegradability in Soil), AS 5810 (Home Compostability), and AS 4736-2006 (Marine Biodegradability).
Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)

The Australasian Bioplastics Association is the main industry body developing standards, certifications, education, and advocacy to expand bioplastics use in Australia and New Zealand. The ABA offers a voluntary certification scheme called AS 4736 for biodegradable plastics. This tests and certifies products as compostable packaging. The ABA AS 4736 standard sets criteria for biodegradability, disintegration, and quality/safety of composted material.

Certified products can display the ABA compostable logo once audited and approved. This helps consumers easily identify compliant compostable plastic products.

Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA)

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  • Country: Japan
  • Focus: Compostability and Biodegradability
  • Standard Test: JBPA standards for assessing both compostability and biodegradability in various environments.

The Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA) is a prominent organization that focuses on promoting biodegradable plastics and sustainable practices in Japan. JBPA sets industry standards and conducts research to ensure that biodegradable products meet stringent criteria for environmental compatibility. Its importance lies in fostering innovation and responsible consumption in Japan, a country known for its commitment to environmental conservation. JBPA’s influence has grown as it aligns with Japan’s environmental goals, making it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking to produce eco-friendly products in compliance with Japanese regulations and consumer expectations.

SustainabILITY

What’s on the lable

Find some of the most widely recognized certifications globally and their role in environmental standards and sustainable methodologies.