Certifications & Compliance
Compostability claims live or die on certification. The guides in this category are written for compliance teams, packaging engineers and procurement specialists who need to verify, not assume — covering the full landscape of certification bodies (BPI, TUV Austria, DIN CERTCO, ABA), the underlying testing standards (ASTM D6400, EN 13432, ISO 17088, AS 4736, AS 5810), and the regulatory frameworks that increasingly mandate certified products in the US, EU, UK and Australia. We treat certifications as a technical subject, not a marketing badge — so expect specifics on testing protocols, verification processes, and the consequences of getting it wrong.
-
Plastic Resin Identification Codes 1-7: What B2B Buyers Need to Know
The familiar resin identification codes 1 through 7 (the chasing arrows triangle) are widely misunderstood as recycling indicators. They are not. This B2B buyer’s guide explains what each code actually means, why bioplastics complicate the system, how state regulations are evolving the codes, and what procurement should specify in supplier contracts.
-
2024 PFAS Restrictions Trajectory: Multi-Jurisdiction Movement Reshaping Foodware
Through 2024, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) restrictions reached significant momentum across US states and federal levels — fundamentally reshaping foodware compliance. Understanding this 2024 trajectory supports B2B perspective on PFAS-free compostable industry positioning.
-
What’s the Difference Between BPI and TÜV Certification?
BPI and TÜV are the two best-known certifications for compostable foodware — but they test different things, target different climates, and matter in different markets. Here’s how to choose.
-
2022 California SB 54: Comprehensive EPR Watershed for Plastic Packaging
The 2022 California adoption of SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act) established the most comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for plastic packaging in the United States. Understanding this 2022 watershed supports B2B perspective on US compostable industry context.
-
The Basics of EPR Programs for Packaging
An accessible introduction to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging — what they are, how they work, where they’re being implemented, and what they mean for compostable packaging brands and buyers.
-
2019 EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: European Regulatory Watershed
The 2019 European Union adoption of Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP Directive 2019/904) established comprehensive European regulation on single-use plastic items. Understanding this 2019 European regulatory watershed supports B2B perspective on European compostable industry context.
-
Office Recycling Bin Audit: What’s Actually Composting at Work
How to run a simple office bin audit to find out what’s really happening with your recycling and compost streams — what to look for, who to involve, and the surprising findings most offices uncover when they look honestly at their waste.
-
ISO 14025 Environmental Product Declarations for Foodservice Packaging
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are quietly becoming the most rigorous credential for packaging environmental claims, sitting above ASTM compostability and certifications in evidentiary weight. This B2B guide explains ISO 14025 EPDs, how they work for foodservice packaging, what data they verify, and when buyers should request them.
-
2014 California Foam Restrictions Trajectory: Multi-Jurisdiction Foam Ban Movement Origin
The 2014 emergence of California local foam restrictions launched what became multi-jurisdictional foam ban movement that ultimately drove compostable foodware industry expansion. Understanding this 2014 trajectory origin supports B2B perspective on regulatory drivers.
-
Oregon Compostable Foodware Regulations: A B2B Operator’s Compliance Reference
Oregon has enacted progressive sustainability legislation including the 2021 Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act establishing comprehensive packaging EPR. Understanding Oregon-specific regulatory landscape supports informed B2B compliance for Oregon-located operations.
-
What’s TÜV OK Compost INDUSTRIAL vs HOME?
A clear breakdown of the two main TÜV OK Compost certifications — INDUSTRIAL and HOME — what each one tests, how they differ in temperature and timeline, what products typically qualify for which, and what buyers should look for on packaging.
-
The Basics of FDA Food Contact Regulations
An accessible overview of how the FDA regulates materials that come into contact with food — what categories exist, how compostable foodware fits in, what manufacturers must demonstrate, and what buyers should know about compliance.