Understanding the Difference Between Testing Standards and Certification Bodies, What Each Requires, How to Verify Them, and Which Ones Your Business Actually Needs
The compostable packaging industry runs on certifications. Without them, the word “compostable” on a product label is just a marketing claim — one that can attract regulatory fines, composting facility rejections, retailer de-listings, and consumer distrust.
Yet the certification landscape is genuinely confusing. ASTM D6400, EN 13432, BPI, TUV Austria, DIN CERTCO, OK Compost, the Seedling logo, AS 4736, AS 5810, NF T 51-800, ISO 17088 — these are not interchangeable terms, but they are constantly mixed up. Some are testing standards. Some are certification programs. Some are logos. Some are all three. Understanding which is which — and which ones matter for your specific market — is essential for any business that manufactures, imports, distributes, or purchases compostable products.
This guide provides the most complete explanation available of how the global compostability certification system works, from the science behind the testing to the legal consequences of getting it wrong.
The Critical Distinction: Standards vs. Certifications vs. Logos
Before diving into specifics, it is essential to understand a structural distinction that most articles on this topic blur or ignore entirely.
A testing standard is a document that defines the technical requirements a material must meet to be considered compostable. It specifies the test methods, the pass/fail thresholds, and the conditions under which testing must occur. ASTM D6400, EN 13432, and AS 4736 are testing standards. They are written by standards organizations (ASTM International, CEN, Standards Australia). They do not certify products — they define what “compostable” means in measurable, scientific terms.
A certification body is an organization that reviews test results, conducts audits, and issues a formal certification that a specific product meets a specific standard. BPI, TUV Austria, and DIN CERTCO are certification bodies. They evaluate whether a product has passed the tests defined by the relevant standard — and they issue the legal right to display a certification mark on the product.
A logo (certification mark) is the visual symbol that appears on product packaging to indicate that certification has been granted. The BPI Compostable logo, the TUV OK Compost mark, and the Seedling logo are certification marks. They are what consumers, composting facilities, and regulators look for on the product itself.
The relationship works like this: the standard defines the rules, the certification body verifies compliance, and the logo communicates that compliance to the market. A product cannot legitimately carry a logo without having been certified by a recognized body against a recognized standard.
The Four Pillars of Compostability Testing
Despite their regional differences, every major compostability standard in the world tests for the same four fundamental properties. Understanding these pillars is the foundation for understanding every standard and certification discussed in this guide.
Pillar 1: Biodegradation
The material must be converted by microorganisms into carbon dioxide (CO₂), water, and biomass. Testing is conducted under controlled aerobic composting conditions at thermophilic temperatures (typically 58°C ± 2°C for industrial standards). The pass threshold is universally set at ≥90% conversion of organic carbon to CO₂ within 180 days (6 months). This is measured relative to a reference material (microcrystalline cellulose), using test methods such as ASTM D5338 or ISO 14855.
The 90% threshold is significant. It means that virtually all of the material’s carbon content must be consumed by microorganisms and released as gas — the material does not merely fragment, it is metabolically consumed.
Pillar 2: Disintegration
The material must physically break apart during composting so that no visible fragments remain in the finished compost. After 12 weeks (84 days) of composting, ≤10% of the original dry weight of the material may remain on a 2 mm sieve. This is tested using methods such as ISO 16929 or EN 14045. Disintegration is distinct from biodegradation — a material can fragment into small pieces (disintegrate) without those pieces being biologically consumed (biodegraded). Both must occur.
Pillar 3: Ecotoxicity
The finished compost produced from the composted material must be safe for the environment. Specifically, it must support plant growth at rates comparable to a control. Standardized germination and plant growth tests are conducted to verify that the compost does not inhibit seed germination or plant development. This pillar ensures that composting the material does not introduce substances that harm the soil ecosystem.
Pillar 4: Heavy Metal Safety
The material must not contain regulated heavy metals above defined concentration limits. The metals tested typically include zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, and arsenic. Threshold values are aligned with relevant regulatory frameworks — EU packaging waste limits for EN 13432, or EPA-aligned limits for ASTM D6400.
Any product that passes all four pillars under the conditions specified by the relevant standard can be certified as compostable.
Standard-by-Standard Breakdown
ASTM D6400 — The North American Industrial Standard
Issuing body: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials)
Scope: Plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities. This is the primary standard for compostable plastic products in the United States and Canada.
Requirements:
- Biodegradation: ≥90% conversion to CO₂ within 180 days at 58°C ± 2°C (per ASTM D5338)
- Disintegration: ≤10% remaining on 2 mm sieve after 84 days (per ISO 16929)
- Ecotoxicity: Plant germination and growth rates ≥90% of control
- Heavy metals: Below specified thresholds
- Chemical characterization: Volatile solids content, heavy metal concentrations documented
What it does not cover: ASTM D6400 applies to plastic materials and products. For products that include a compostable plastic layer applied to a substrate (e.g., a PLA-coated paper cup), the applicable standard is ASTM D6868.
Important nuance: ASTM D6400 is a testing standard, not a certification program. It defines what must be tested and what results qualify as a pass. To obtain certification based on ASTM D6400 testing, a manufacturer submits results to a certification body — most commonly BPI.
ASTM D6868 — Coated and Laminated Products
Scope: Plastics that are applied as coatings or layers to compostable substrates (paper, board, etc.). If your product is a paper cup with a PLA lining, a kraft paper bowl with a compostable coating, or any multi-material product where a compostable plastic is bonded to another compostable material, ASTM D6868 is the applicable standard.
Requirements: Same four-pillar testing framework as D6400, but applied to the composite product as a whole, not just the plastic component.
EN 13432 — The European Industrial Standard
Issuing body: CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
Scope: Packaging and packaging materials recoverable through composting and biodegradation. This is the legally mandated standard for any product marketed as “compostable” in the European Union.
Requirements:
- Biodegradation: ≥90% conversion to CO₂ within 6 months under controlled composting conditions
- Disintegration: ≤10% remaining on 2 mm sieve after 12 weeks
- Ecotoxicity: No adverse effect on compost quality; seed germination tests required
- Heavy metals: Must not exceed EU packaging waste directive thresholds
- Chemical characterization: Volatile solids, heavy metals, fluorine, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium within limits
Legal significance: EN 13432 is not optional in the EU. Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC), products cannot be legally marketed as “compostable” in any EU member state without EN 13432 certification. Violations can result in products being blocked at customs, de-listed by retailers, or subject to regulatory fines.
Relationship to ASTM D6400: EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 are functionally equivalent standards with nearly identical pass/fail thresholds. A product that passes one will almost certainly pass the other. However, certification under one is not automatically accepted as certification under the other — each market requires its own regional certification.
EN 14995 — Non-Packaging Compostable Plastics (Europe)
Scope: Compostable plastics that are not packaging — for example, compostable agricultural mulch films or compostable bin liners sold as standalone products (not attached to packaging). The technical requirements mirror EN 13432, but the scope covers products outside the packaging classification.
AS 4736 — Australian Industrial Composting
Issuing body: Standards Australia
Scope: Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment in industrial facilities.
Requirements:
- Biodegradation: ≥90% (absolute or relative) within 180 days
- Disintegration: ≤10% remaining on 2 mm sieve after 12 weeks
- Ecotoxicity: Seed germination and plant growth tests, plus earthworm toxicity testing (a requirement unique to Australian standards)
- Heavy metals: Similar thresholds to EN 13432
Certification body: Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)
Unique feature: The earthworm (vermiculture) toxicity test is specific to Australian standards. It evaluates whether the composted material is safe for earthworms — an indicator of broader soil health. This additional requirement is not found in ASTM D6400 or EN 13432.
AS 5810 — Australian Home Composting
Scope: Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting — lower temperatures, less controlled conditions, longer timeframes.
Requirements:
- Biodegradation: ≥90% within 12 months at ambient temperature (no active temperature management)
- Disintegration: ≤10% remaining on 2 mm sieve after 6 months
- Ecotoxicity: Includes earthworm toxicity testing
- Temperature conditions: Testing at 20–30°C (ambient), not thermophilic
Key difference: This standard simulates backyard composting conditions. Products certified to AS 5810 can be reliably composted in home systems, while products certified only to AS 4736 may not break down in a home environment.
NF T 51-800 — French Home Composting Standard
Issuing body: AFNOR (Association française de normalisation)
Scope: Plastics suitable for home composting in France. This standard, along with prEN 17427 (the emerging European home composting standard), forms part of the basis for TUV Austria’s OK Compost HOME certification.
ISO 17088 — International Industrial Composting
Scope: An international standard for products compostable in industrial facilities. ISO 17088 is technically harmonized with EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 and serves as a reference standard in markets that do not have their own national composting standard.
Certification Body Profiles
BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) — North America
Headquarters: New York, USA
Standards used: ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868
Scope: Industrial (commercial) composting only. BPI does not certify for home composting.
How it works: A manufacturer submits third-party laboratory test results demonstrating compliance with ASTM D6400 or D6868. BPI reviews the results, conducts additional due diligence, and — if satisfied — grants certification and issues a license to use the BPI Compostable logo on the product.
Verification: BPI maintains a publicly searchable online database of all certified products. Buyers can verify any claim by searching for the product, manufacturer, or certification number at the BPI website.
Cost and timeline: Certification costs typically start around $4,500–$7,000, depending on the number of products and complexity. The process generally takes 3–6 months including laboratory testing and review.
Market recognition: BPI certification is the de facto requirement for any compostable product sold in the United States and Canada. Many municipal composting programs and state regulations (California, Washington, Colorado, Maryland) explicitly require BPI certification for products entering the organic waste stream.
TUV Austria — Global (Europe-based)
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Standards used: EN 13432 (for OK Compost INDUSTRIAL), NF T 51-800 / AS 5810 / prEN 17427 (for OK Compost HOME), plus standards for OK biodegradable SOIL, WATER, and MARINE.
Certification programs:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL: Verifies that a product meets EN 13432 requirements for industrial composting. Functionally equivalent to BPI certification but recognized in European and global markets rather than North America.
OK Compost HOME: Verifies that a product composts in home composting conditions (20–30°C, 12 months). This is the most widely recognized home composting certification in the world. There is currently no BPI equivalent for home composting — TUV Austria’s OK Compost HOME is the global benchmark.
OK biodegradable SOIL: Certifies products that biodegrade in soil (e.g., agricultural mulch films).
OK biodegradable WATER: Certifies products that biodegrade in freshwater environments.
OK biodegradable MARINE: Certifies products that biodegrade in marine environments. Restricted to products intended for marine use (e.g., fishing gear) to prevent consumers from using the certification as justification for ocean littering.
Verification: TUV Austria maintains a certificate database searchable by product, manufacturer, or certificate number.
Cost and timeline: Dual certification (OK Compost INDUSTRIAL + HOME) typically costs €8,000–€12,000. Industrial-only certification is less expensive. Home composting certification takes longer (9–12 months) because testing is conducted at lower temperatures over extended periods.
DIN CERTCO — Europe (Germany-based)
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany (a subsidiary of TUV Rheinland)
Standards used: EN 13432
Certification programs: DIN CERTCO issues the “Seedling” logo — a widely recognized compostability mark in Europe, authorized by European Bioplastics. The Seedling logo indicates EN 13432 compliance for industrial composting.
Market role: DIN CERTCO and TUV Austria are the two primary certification bodies for EN 13432 in Europe. Both are recognized by regulators, retailers, and composting facilities. Many manufacturers obtain certification from both bodies to maximize market coverage.
ABA (Australasian Bioplastics Association) — Australia & New Zealand
Standards used: AS 4736 (industrial) and AS 5810 (home composting)
Market role: ABA certification is required for compostable products entering Australian municipal organic waste streams. Council-provided FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) programs typically mandate ABA-certified products.
Industrial vs. Home Composting Certification: A Critical Distinction
This is the single most misunderstood area of compostability certification, and it causes real problems for both businesses and consumers.
Industrial composting occurs in large-scale facilities where temperature (55–70°C), moisture (50–60%), and aeration are actively managed. These conditions are hot enough to trigger the hydrolysis of PLA and other materials that require heat to initiate decomposition. Most compostable packaging on the market is designed and certified for industrial composting only.
Home composting occurs in backyard bins or piles at ambient temperatures (typically 20–45°C, varying with seasons). Conditions are cooler, more variable, and less controlled. Not all materials that compost industrially will break down in a home environment within a reasonable timeframe.
The implication: A product certified to ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or AS 4736 (all industrial standards) should NOT be marketed or expected to compost in a home system. Only products additionally certified to OK Compost HOME (TUV Austria), AS 5810 (Australia), or an equivalent home composting standard can be relied upon for home composting.
This distinction matters legally. In several jurisdictions, marketing a product as “home compostable” without the appropriate certification constitutes misleading advertising and can result in regulatory action.
Which Certifications Do You Need? A Market-Based Decision Matrix
| Your Target Market | Required Standard | Required Certification Body | Required Logo |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ASTM D6400 / D6868 | BPI | BPI Compostable logo |
| Canada | ASTM D6400 / CAN/BNQ 0017-088 | BPI (or BNQ) | BPI Compostable logo |
| European Union (all member states) | EN 13432 | TUV Austria or DIN CERTCO | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL or Seedling logo |
| United Kingdom (post-Brexit) | EN 13432 (still recognized) | TUV Austria or DIN CERTCO | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL or Seedling logo |
| Australia | AS 4736 (industrial) / AS 5810 (home) | ABA | ABA Compostable logo |
| New Zealand | AS 4736 / AS 5810 | ABA | ABA Compostable logo |
| Japan | ISO 17088 / GreenPla | JBPA (Japan BioPlastics Association) | GreenPla logo |
| Global / Multi-market | EN 13432 + ASTM D6400 | TUV Austria + BPI | Dual logos |
For businesses selling globally: Dual certification (BPI + TUV Austria OK Compost INDUSTRIAL) covers the two largest markets (North America and Europe). Adding ABA certification covers Australia and New Zealand. Most manufacturers targeting global distribution invest in all three.
How to Verify a Compostability Certification
Fake or expired certifications are a real problem in the compostable products market. Here is how to verify that a product’s certification is legitimate and current.
Step 1: Identify the logo. Look at the product packaging. A legitimate certified product will display a recognized certification mark (BPI, OK Compost, Seedling, ABA) with a certificate number.
Step 2: Check the certification body’s database.
- BPI: Search at bpiworld.org
- TUV Austria: Search at ok-compost.com or tuv-at.be
- DIN CERTCO: Search at dincertco.tuv.com
- ABA: Search at bioplastics.org.au
Step 3: Verify the scope. Certification is product-specific, not company-wide. A manufacturer may have certification for their 13-gallon trash bag but not for their 33-gallon bag. Verify that the specific product (including size and SKU) is listed in the database.
Step 4: Check expiration. Certifications are time-limited and require periodic renewal. An expired certificate is not a valid certificate. Confirm that the certification is current.
Step 5: Confirm finished product certification. Some manufacturers hold certification for their raw resin or base film but not for the finished product. The finished product — including any coatings, inks, adhesives, dyes, and closures — must be certified as a whole. Raw material certification alone is not sufficient for a finished product compostability claim.
The Certification Process: What It Takes
For businesses considering obtaining certification for their products, here is what the process typically involves.
Phase 1: Material preparation. Collect representative samples of the finished product (not raw material) in the final form that will be sold to customers, including all coatings, inks, and attachments.
Phase 2: Laboratory testing. Submit samples to an accredited testing laboratory. Testing covers all four pillars (biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, heavy metals). For industrial standards (ASTM D6400, EN 13432), testing typically takes 6–9 months due to the 180-day biodegradation trial. For home composting standards (OK Compost HOME, AS 5810), testing takes 12–15 months due to the 365-day biodegradation trial at ambient temperatures.
Phase 3: Documentation submission. Submit test reports, material safety data sheets, product specifications, and manufacturing documentation to the chosen certification body.
Phase 4: Review and audit. The certification body reviews all documentation. For some programs (particularly TUV Austria), a production facility audit may be required to verify that manufacturing processes are consistent with the tested samples.
Phase 5: Certification issuance. Upon approval, the certification body issues a certificate and grants a license to use the certification logo on the product and packaging.
Phase 6: Ongoing compliance. Certified products are subject to periodic review and renewal. Some certification bodies conduct market surveillance and may pull products from the market for re-testing if concerns arise.
Estimated total cost: $4,500–$15,000+ depending on the number of products, the certification bodies involved, and whether dual (industrial + home) certification is sought.
Estimated total timeline: 6–12 months for industrial certification; 12–18 months for home composting certification.
Regulatory Consequences of Getting Certification Wrong
The consequences of making unsubstantiated compostability claims are increasingly severe and should not be underestimated.
United States: The FTC Green Guides treat unsubstantiated “compostable” claims as deceptive marketing. California AB 1201 and Washington State law explicitly prohibit the use of “compostable” on any product without third-party certification. Violations can result in fines and mandatory product recalls. The terms “biodegradable,” “degradable,” and “decomposable” are banned on plastic products in several states.
European Union: Marketing packaging as “compostable” without EN 13432 certification violates the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. Products may be blocked at customs, seized, or de-listed by retailers. The EU Green Claims Directive (in implementation) will further tighten requirements, mandating third-party verification for all environmental marketing claims and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
Australia: The ACCC has taken enforcement action against companies making misleading compostability and biodegradability claims. Products must carry ABA certification to be accepted in council FOGO programs.
Retailer requirements: Major retailers worldwide (including Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Aldi, Tesco, and Woolworths) increasingly require third-party compostability certification as a condition of listing. Products without recognized certification are simply not stocked.
Common Certification Misconceptions
“BPI and TUV are the same thing.” They are not. BPI certifies for North American markets against ASTM D6400/D6868. TUV Austria certifies for European and global markets against EN 13432. Both verify compostability, but they serve different markets, use different (though equivalent) standards, and issue different logos. A product needs both if it is sold in both markets.
“If the raw material is certified, the finished product is automatically certified.” This is false and is one of the most common compliance errors. Certification applies to the finished product as manufactured, including all components. A PLA resin may be certified, but a cup made from that resin with an uncertified ink or adhesive is not a certified product.
“Certified compostable means it will compost anywhere.” Industrial certification (BPI, OK Compost INDUSTRIAL, EN 13432) means the product will compost in a managed industrial facility. It does not guarantee decomposition in a home compost bin, a landfill, or the natural environment. Only home composting certifications (OK Compost HOME, AS 5810) verify performance under home conditions.
“EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 are completely different.” They are functionally equivalent. Both require ≥90% biodegradation in 180 days, disintegration to ≤10% on a 2 mm sieve in 12 weeks, ecotoxicity testing, and heavy metal limits. The differences are administrative and regional, not scientific.
“Certification is a one-time event.” Certifications have expiration dates and require renewal. Manufacturing changes, formulation updates, or supplier switches can invalidate an existing certification. Ongoing compliance monitoring is required.
How Pure Compostables Approaches Certification
At Pure Compostables, we believe that certification is not a marketing decoration — it is the foundation of trust between our products and the composting systems they are designed for.
Every product we manufacture carries certification appropriate to its target market. Our current certification portfolio includes ASTM D6400 (BPI certified) for North America, EN 13432 (TUV Austria OK Compost INDUSTRIAL, DIN CERTCO) for Europe, TUV Austria OK Compost HOME for home composting markets, AS 4736 and AS 5810 (ABA) for Australia and New Zealand, FDA and LFGB for food contact safety, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for quality and environmental management, BRCGS for food packaging manufacturing standards, FSC for paper-based products, ISCC for sustainable supply chain traceability, and Sedex and BSCI for ethical labor and social compliance.
All certificates are available for client review upon request. We welcome and encourage buyers to verify our certifications through the official databases of each certification body.
Have questions about which certifications you need for your target market, or want to verify the certification status of our products? Contact our team — we are here to help.
For more industry insights, visit our Blog or explore our full range of certified compostable products.
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