1999 ASTM D6400 Standard Development: Foundation Standard for Compostable Industry

In 1999, ASTM International published the original “Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics” — the document that became known as ASTM D6400 in subsequent revisions. This 1999 standard publication established the foundation industry standard that compostable certification continues to use today, including through Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification programs in North America. Understanding this 1999 standard development supports B2B perspective on compostable industry’s regulatory foundation.

This guide examines the 1999 ASTM D6400 standard development.

Pre-1999 Standards Context

Before 1999:

International standards for compostability were under development globally.

EN 13432 was being finalized in Europe (eventually published 2000).

Industry needed authoritative compostability standards.

Voluntary marketing claims without standards lacked verifiability.

Composting infrastructure development required clear specifications.

The standards-setting timing was critical.

ASTM Standards Development Process

ASTM International standards development:

ASTM is volunteer consensus standards organization.

Subcommittees of subject matter experts develop standards.

Public review and comment processes.

Voting procedures to ratify standards.

Periodic revisions to maintain standards currency.

The ASTM process is rigorous and consensus-driven.

1999 ASTM D6400 Original Publication

In 1999:

Original ASTM D6400 published as “Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics.”

Specifications established for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity testing.

Test methods referenced including aerobic biodegradation testing.

Pass/fail criteria for compostability claims.

Industrial composting facility focus (not home composting).

This original 1999 publication established the framework that subsequent revisions refined.

Subsequent Revisions

Following 1999:

ASTM D6400-04 (2004) — first revision.

ASTM D6400-12 (2012) — substantial revision.

ASTM D6400-19 (2019) — current version as of 2025.

Each revision incorporated:

Industry experience from real-world testing.

Improved test methods.

Refined criteria.

Best practice integration.

Key D6400 Requirements

Current ASTM D6400-19 specifications:

Biodegradation — at least 90% conversion to CO2 within 180 days under industrial composting conditions (58°C ± 2°C, controlled humidity). (source: EN 13432 baseline)

Disintegration — physical breakdown to <10% retention on 2mm sieve within 84 days.

Heavy metals — content limits per the standard.

Ecotoxicity — plant growth and earthworm survival testing showing no harmful effects from composted material.

These requirements ensure compostable products genuinely compost in industrial facilities.

BPI Certification Foundation

ASTM D6400 became foundation for BPI certification:

BPI uses ASTM D6400 as primary North American certification standard.

Independent laboratory testing to D6400 requirements.

BPI logo indicates D6400 compliance.

Per-SKU certification documentation.

Annual recertification for continued logo authorization.

BPI certification provides verified D6400 compliance for procurement decisions.

EN 13432 European Counterpart

The 2000 European publication of EN 13432:

Similar specifications to ASTM D6400.

90% biodegradation within 180 days.

Disintegration testing within 12 weeks.

Heavy metals limits.

Ecotoxicity testing.

TÜV Austria OK Compost certification implementing EN 13432.

Both ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 are recognized internationally; products may carry both certifications.

Industry Impact

The 1999 ASTM D6400 publication had massive industry impact:

Authoritative compostability standards established.

Verification for claims through certification.

Industrial composter specifications.

Procurement standards for B2B.

Regulatory adoption in multiple jurisdictions.

Industry development acceleration.

The 26 years since 1999 have seen continuous industry development built on this foundation.

What This Means for B2B Operations

For B2B foodservice operations:

Foundation standards awareness — ASTM D6400 since 1999.

26-year industry development built on standards.

BPI certification based on D6400.

Procurement verification capability.

Continuous standards evolution through revisions.

The supply chain across compostable food containers, compostable bowls, compostable cups and straws, compostable bags, and compostable cutlery and utensils operates on the foundation that the 1999 ASTM D6400 standard established. Per-SKU BPI certification verifies D6400 compliance for procurement decisions.

What “Done” Looks Like for Standards-Aware Operations

A B2B operation with standards perspective:

• Awareness of ASTM D6400 26-year foundation
• Understanding BPI certification as D6400 implementation
• Per-SKU certification verification practice
• Long-term industry standards perspective

The 1999 ASTM D6400 publication was foundation moment for compostable industry. The 26-year industry development built on this standard foundation. B2B operations evaluating compostable procurement benefit from understanding the standards architecture that ASTM D6400 established.

Compostability Standards Reference

If you are evaluating compostable packaging on a procurement spec, the three claims worth verifying on every SKU are: (1) a current third-party certificate (BPI or TÜV Austria); (2) the underlying standard reference (ASTM D6400 for North America, EN 13432 for the EU); and (3) a clear end-of-life qualifier in marketing copy that complies with the FTC Green Guides. Generic “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” without certification is the most common compliance gap for U.S. brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is industrial composting accepted in my municipality?

Industrial composter access varies by zip code. Use the U.S. Composting Council facility locator and the EPA composting guidance page; if no industrial facility accepts compostable foodware in the customer’s area, the FTC Green Guides require a “compost where facilities exist” qualifier.

What is the difference between BPI-certified and “made with PLA”?

BPI certification is SKU-specific and requires testing of the finished product — including any inks, coatings, and adhesives. “Made with PLA” only describes a single component and is not a substitute. For procurement contracts, lock the certification number, not the material name.

How long does industrial composting actually take?

ASTM D6400 sets the bar at 90% biodegradation in 180 days under controlled industrial conditions (58 °C, controlled moisture). Real-world municipal facilities typically run 60–90 day cycles, faster than the standard worst case. Items still visible after one cycle are typically removed and re-fed, not landfilled.

To browse our certified compostable catalog, see compostable supplies catalog or compostable bags.