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.
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The Basics of BPI Certification Process
BPI certification is the most widely-recognized compostability standard in North America. Here’s how the certification process works, what’s tested, what it costs, and what the certification actually proves.
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Why Did California Ban PFAS in Foodware?
California’s AB 1200 banned PFAS in plant-fiber foodware effective 2023. Here’s what PFAS are, why they were used, why California regulators decided to ban them, and what the industry response has looked like.
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How to Document Procurement Decisions for Audit
A practical guide to documenting compostable packaging procurement decisions for sustainability audits, ISO compliance reviews, or internal governance. What to record, what to keep, and how long to retain.
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The Basics of Marine Biodegradation Standards: ASTM D7081, OK Marine, and What They Mean
Marine biodegradation standards define what ‘ocean-degradable’ actually means. Here’s how ASTM D7081, OK Marine, and related certifications work, and what products legitimately qualify.
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The Convention Center That Composts a Ton of Banquet Waste a Day: How They Do It
A single major convention center can produce a literal ton of banquet food waste in 24 hours. Here’s how a few flagship venues route it all to compost — and what it takes operationally.
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Spreading Compost on Lawns: Application Rates That Don’t Burn Grass
Compost is the cleanest lawn amendment available, but spread it too thick and you’ll smother the grass and burn off the tender shoots. Here’s how to topdress a lawn with compost correctly — rates per 1,000 sq ft, screening, and the timing that lets grass actually use it.
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Are All Compostable Items PFAS-Free?
The honest answer is no — historically many compostable items contained PFAS for grease resistance, though that’s rapidly changing. Here’s the current state of PFAS in compostable foodware, what regulations cover, and how to verify products are actually PFAS-free.
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How to Cross-Train Procurement Teams on Compostable Specifications
A working playbook for cross-training procurement teams on compostable packaging specs — ASTM standards, certifications, supplier verification, RFP language.
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The Basics of ASTM Compostability Standards
A working explanation of ASTM D6400, D6868, D5338, and the related compostability standards — what each one tests, what it means on a label, and where it falls short.
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New York Packaging EPR: A 2026 Compliance Timeline for B2B Producers and Brand Owners
A working compliance reference for New York’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility framework — what it covers, who counts as a producer, the rollout timeline, fee structure, and B2B procurement implications for 2026 and beyond.
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The Three-Day Refrigerator Audit That Stops Waste Cycles
A three-day refrigerator audit shows you exactly which foods are getting wasted, why, and how to break the cycle. Here’s the practical method.
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A Compostable Birthday Banner: How They Made the Lettering Hold
Compostable banners exist, but the lettering challenge isn’t obvious. Here’s what a small Brooklyn studio worked out for a 50-banner birthday-party order.