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日本語 Introduction: Why Compostable Packaging Verification Matters More Than Ever
In the era of global sustainability and single-use plastic bans, compostable packaging has emerged as a top priority for responsible brands and procurement professionals. Yet, as eco-friendly buzzwords flood the market, verifying whether packaging is genuinely compostable—not just “greenwashed”—has become a critical business risk. For food brands, restaurants, and importers, a misstep can mean failed audits, regulatory penalties, or reputational harm. This article offers an actionable roadmap to help you distinguish real compostable packaging from misleading claims, drawing on international standards, certifications, and best practices.
Compostable vs. Biodegradable: Clearing Up the Definitions
What Is “Compostable” Packaging?
Compostable packaging refers to products that fully break down into natural, non-toxic elements (water, CO₂, biomass) in a composting environment within a specific timeframe, typically 90–180 days. Certified compostables leave no harmful residue and support a circular economy by returning nutrients to the soil.
What Is “Biodegradable” Packaging?
Biodegradable packaging only means the material will eventually decompose through the action of living organisms. However, there’s no guarantee of timeframe, completeness, or harmless byproducts. Some so-called “biodegradable” plastics can persist for years or break down into microplastics.
Why the Distinction Matters
For procurement teams, understanding this distinction is vital. Regulatory frameworks in the EU, North America, and Asia increasingly require clear evidence of compostability—not just biodegradability—to qualify for sustainable sourcing, green marketing, or exemption from plastic bans. Mistaking the terms can lead to compliance failures and erode consumer trust.
The Gold Standards: Global Certifications for Compostable Packaging
To protect buyers and ensure consistent quality, several international organizations have established stringent certification systems for compostable packaging.
BPI Certification (USA)
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) sets the U.S. benchmark for compostable products, relying on ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 standards. BPI certification guarantees that a product will biodegrade completely and safely in municipal and industrial composting facilities.
How to check: Each certified product displays a BPI logo with a certificate number. Buyers can verify certification status on BPI’s official website.
EN13432 Certification (European Union)
EN13432 is the gold standard for compostable packaging in Europe. It covers criteria such as biodegradability, disintegration, and the absence of toxic substances. Certification is conducted by recognized third parties (e.g., TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO).
How to check: Certified products bear the “Seedling” or “OK Compost” logos, with reference numbers traceable through certification bodies’ databases.
OK Compost/Seedling (Belgium/TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO)
OK Compost offers two labels:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL – for products compostable in industrial facilities
OK Compost HOME – for those proven compostable in home settings (stricter and rarer)
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Other Regional Standards
AS 4736 (Australia) – Recognized by the Australasian Bioplastics Association for industrial compostability
ISO 17088 – International guidance for compostable plastics
How to Read and Verify Certification Labels
Always look for valid logos, certificate numbers, and check them against the official registry. Ask suppliers to provide up-to-date certificates and laboratory test reports. Beware of packaging that displays ambiguous, non-verifiable symbols or out-of-date certifications.
Spotting Greenwashing: Common Traps and False Claims in the Market
Despite the existence of strict standards, greenwashing remains widespread. Here are typical tactics and how to avoid falling for them.
Typical Greenwashing Tactics
Vague claims: Packaging described as “eco-friendly,” “green,” or simply “biodegradable” with no reference to compostability or standards.
Fake or misleading logos: Imitation certification marks or generic leaf symbols that do not relate to recognized agencies.
Lack of traceability: No certificate numbers, manufacturer info, or public registry listing.
Case Examples
In 2023, several brands in Europe were fined for falsely marketing PLA-based products as home-compostable without EN13432 or OK Compost Home certification.
Retailers in the U.S. and Australia faced recalls when “biodegradable” products failed to break down in local composting facilities, causing operational disruptions and negative media coverage.
Checklist: How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Insist on certificates: BPI, EN13432, OK Compost—request full documentation.
Cross-verify: Always check official websites of certification bodies.
Scrutinize language: Look for explicit mention of compostability and compliance with specific standards.
Request test reports: Ask for independent laboratory reports verifying the claims.
Conduct periodic audits: Validate supplier compliance with surprise checks and regular re-certification.
How to Verify: Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers
1. Request and Cross-Check Certificates
Demand that suppliers provide certificates from recognized organizations. Always cross-check certificate numbers and product listings on official databases such as BPI, TÜV Austria, or DIN CERTCO.
2. Ask for Laboratory Test Reports
Require recent (within 12 months) laboratory test reports detailing biodegradability, disintegration, and ecotoxicity. Reports should be from accredited labs and match the product batch.
3. Audit the Supply Chain
Visit or virtually audit supplier facilities when feasible. Review material sourcing, production processes, and quality control procedures to confirm end-to-end compliance.
4. Conduct Small-Scale Composting Trials
Where possible, run controlled composting tests (even on a small scale) to observe the product’s breakdown in real-world conditions. This provides added assurance, especially for sensitive applications.
5. Monitor Industry Updates
Stay informed about regulatory changes, new certifications, and emerging materials. Regularly update your procurement policies to reflect best practices and evolving compliance standards.
Bioleader® Case Study: Setting the Standard for Verified Compostable Packaging
Our Approach to Authentic Certification
Bioleader® is committed to genuine sustainability, not just marketing claims. Our core product lines—including bagasse containers, PLA cups, CPLA cutlery, and kraft paper bowls—hold internationally recognized certifications:
Bagasse and kraft products: EN13432, OK Compost Industrial/Home, Seedling Mark (DIN CERTCO)
PLA/CPLA products: BPI, TÜV Austria, ASTM D6400
All certificates are available for client review and are regularly renewed and third-party audited.
Production Transparency
We maintain a transparent, traceable production system—from raw material procurement to final delivery. Every batch is quality-checked for compostability performance and food safety, with full documentation available upon request.
Client Feedback & Market Recognition
Leading international brands have selected Bioleader® for their food packaging needs, citing our reliability and verifiable compliance as key decision factors. Our products have successfully passed retailer audits in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Why Choosing Verified Suppliers Matters
By partnering with certified, transparent suppliers, brands not only ensure regulatory compliance but also build consumer trust and enhance brand reputation. With the tightening of global sustainability standards, unverified products pose rising legal and reputational risks.
Conclusion: Future Outlook and Action Steps for Responsible Procurement
With plastic reduction policies accelerating worldwide, rigorous compostability verification is now non-negotiable for responsible procurement and brand building. Greenwashing can no longer be ignored; businesses must adopt a systematic approach to evaluating and auditing their suppliers and packaging choices.
Recommended action steps:
Educate your team about the difference between “biodegradable” and “compostable”
Insist on third-party certified, up-to-date documentation for all compostable products
Periodically audit suppliers and stay current with evolving global standards
Partner with suppliers, like Bioleader®, who are transparent and proactive about compliance
By taking these steps, you will not only protect your business from regulatory risk and reputational damage but also make a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable global food service industry.
FAQ: Compostable Packaging Verification
Q1. Is all biodegradable packaging also compostable?
No. Compostable packaging must fully break down in composting conditions within a specific timeframe and leave no toxins. Biodegradable packaging may not meet these requirements.
Q2. How can I check if a supplier’s certificate is real?
Go to the issuing agency’s official website (e.g., BPI, TÜV Austria) and search for the product or company by certificate number or name.
Q3. Are Bioleader®’s products certified for global markets?
Yes. Bioleader® holds certifications recognized in the US, EU, Australia, and other major markets. Certificates are available for customer review.
Q4. What should I do if I discover a supplier is making false claims?
Request official proof, escalate the issue internally, and report to relevant certification agencies. Immediately review your procurement to avoid compliance risks.
Q5. Will new regulations make current standards stricter?
Yes. Many countries are tightening compostable product standards, requiring more transparent certification and robust documentation.
References & Further Reading
BPI – Biodegradable Products Institute: https://bpiworld.org
TÜV Austria OK Compost: https://www.tuv-at.be/okcompost/
European Bioplastics – EN13432 Explained: https://www.european-bioplastics.org/standards/
Australasian Bioplastics Association: https://bioplastics.org.au/
ASTM International – Compostability Standards: https://www.astm.org/
DIN CERTCO – Certification Directory: https://www.dincertco.de/
US FTC Green Guides: https://www.ftc.gov/green-guides
Bioleader® Official: https://www.bioleaderpack.com
PlasticsEurope – Compostable vs Biodegradable: https://plasticseurope.org/
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – New Plastics Economy: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
