Compostable Packaging Resources & Guides
Welcome to the Pure Compostables resource library — a working set of in-depth guides written for the people who actually procure, evaluate, and switch to compostable packaging. You’ll find detailed certification breakdowns (BPI, TUV, EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and beyond), step-by-step playbooks for transitioning a business away from conventional plastics, and product selection guides covering bag sizes, materials, and use cases. Every article is written from the perspective of a manufacturer with thirteen years of operating experience — not a marketing team. Use the categories below to navigate by topic, or browse the most recent guides directly. If your question isn’t answered here, our team is happy to help — start with our wholesale page or send us a note via the contact page.
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1999 ASTM D6400 Standard Development: Foundation Standard for Compostable Industry
The 1999 publication of ASTM D6400 ‘Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities’ established foundation industry standard that compostable certification continues to use today. Understanding this 1999 standard development supports B2B perspective on compostable industry’s standards foundation.
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Off-Grid Composting: A Toolkit for Cabins and Tiny Homes
Off-grid composting for cabins, tiny homes, and rural retreats — what’s different from suburban composting, what tools you actually need, and how to handle the unique challenges of low-volume seasonal use.
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Tomato Plants After Harvest: Composting Without Spreading Disease
Tomato plant disease is the biggest risk in composting end-of-season tomato debris. A practical guide to identifying disease, deciding what’s safe to compost, and using hot composting methods that kill pathogens.
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Which States Have EPR Laws for Packaging?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging are reshaping how compostable and conventional packaging is funded and regulated in the US. A state-by-state guide to which states have EPR, what each law covers, and timelines for compliance.
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How to Compost After a Holiday Dinner
A practical post-holiday composting guide — what to keep separate, what mistakes to avoid, and how to move 30-50 pounds of food waste through a home or commercial composting system without smelling up the kitchen for a week.
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The Basics of CDP Reporting for Foodservice: A B2B Operator’s Foundational Guide
CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) provides framework for environmental disclosure with strong investor focus and supply chain integration. Understanding CDP fundamentals supports informed B2B foodservice climate program development and supplier engagement.
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Compostable French Fry Container Deep Dive: A B2B Detailed Reference
French fry container engineering — supporting fries with appropriate grease tolerance and convenient eating geometry — represents specialty fast-food category. Understanding fry container engineering supports informed B2B procurement.
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Storing Finished Compost: Sheds, Buckets, and Tarp Tricks
Finished compost loses nutrients and structure if stored wrong. A practical guide to storing compost long-term — sheds, sealed buckets, tarp methods, and the moisture and temperature considerations that matter.
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Are Compostables Better Than Recyclables?
The compostables-vs-recyclables question is more nuanced than either-or. A practical comparison across packaging categories — when compostables win, when recyclables win, and when neither is the right answer.
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6 Compostable Container Closures Compared
Compostable container closures — lids, seals, hinges, and snap-tops — vary more than people expect. A practical comparison of six closure types across performance, cost, food safety, and end-of-life behavior.
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10 Compostable Items for Convention Centers
Convention centers generate enormous waste volumes during shows. Ten compostable items that can meaningfully reduce convention waste — from attendee badges to lunch packaging to booth display materials.
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The Basics of Compostable Certification Standards
A comprehensive guide to compostable certification standards — ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, EN 13432, ISO 17088 — and the certification bodies that implement them (BPI, TÜV, CMA). What each covers, when to use them, and how they relate.