Understanding EN13432 Certification: Can Bagasse and PLA Tableware Be Exported to Europe?

What Is EN13432 Certification—and Why Does It Matter?

What Is EN13432 and How Does It Differ from ASTM D6400?

EN13432 is the European Union’s definitive compostability standard for packaging materials, and a cornerstone of EU-wide plastic waste regulation. It defines whether a product can legally be labeled and marketed as “compostable” under European law.

By contrast, ASTM D6400 is a U.S.-based standard developed by ASTM International, primarily targeting North American markets. The two share similarities in performance thresholds (biodegradability, disintegration, eco-toxicity), but differ in:

Feature	EN13432	ASTM D6400
Composting time limit	6 months	6 months
CO₂ conversion requirement	≥90%	≥60%
Heavy metals limit	Strict (EU thresholds)	Moderate
Disintegration (2mm screen)	Required	Required
Plant growth toxicity test	Mandatory	Mandatory
Acceptance for labeling in EU	Yes	No

Conclusion: For any product claiming to be compostable and seeking to enter the European market—especially under Directive (EU) 2019/904—EN13432 is legally required, not optional.

What Tests Are Involved?

EN13432 involves 4 stringent tests, conducted in accredited laboratories:

1. Biodegradation: At least 90% of organic carbon must convert to CO₂ in under 180 days.

2. Disintegration: More than 90% of the product must physically break down into fragments <2mm within 12 weeks.

3. Heavy Metal Screening: Limits are enforced for Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mo, Se, As—based on EU soil quality standards.

4. Eco-Toxicity: Compost resulting from degraded material must not hinder plant growth (tested with barley or cress germination).

💡 For reference, plastic-lined paper food containers and foamed PLA products often fail disintegration or eco-toxicity tests unless formulated specifically for compostability.

Who Needs EN13432 Certification?

If you are manufacturing or exporting any of the following to the EU, EN13432 is critical:

• Disposable food containers labeled “compostable”

• PLA cups, straws, bagasse trays, cornstarch utensils

• Products targeting public sector catering, supermarkets, or eco-label B2B channels

Failure to certify under EN13432 can result in:

• Customs seizure

• Product de-listing from platforms like Metro, Greenweez, Avocado Store

• Fines under EU consumer protection law (greenwashing)

Do Bagasse, PLA, and Cornstarch Tableware Meet the Standard?

Bagasse — A Compostable Star with Some Exceptions

Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane processing and has natural compostability, with cellulose-rich fibers that biodegrade within 60–90 days under industrial composting.

However, exporters must be cautious of:

• Plastic or PE coating—disqualifies product from EN13432

• Inks or adhesives—must be water-based and non-toxic

• Print or embossing—must pass disintegration and residue tests

✅ Fact: Over 72% of bagasse products submitted to DIN CERTCO in 2023 passed EN13432 on first attempt—more than PLA or CPLA items.

PLA — Versatile but Industrial-Only

Polylactic acid (PLA) is popular due to its transparency and processability into film, cups, and cutlery. It is derived from corn starch or sugarcane, making it renewable.

However, it has high-temperature composting requirements:

• Needs ≥58°C in composters

• Takes 60–90 days to disintegrate

• Misuse of “home compostable” labels can result in EU greenwashing penalties

📉 In 2022, more than 60% of consumer complaints about “fake compostable” plastics in France involved non-certified PLA or oxo-degradable PLA blends.

Cornstarch Cutlery — Compliance Depends on Fillers

Cornstarch-based utensils are typically blends of starch and biodegradable polyesters like PBAT or PLA.

✅ If designed properly, they can:

• Pass EN13432 tests

• Degrade without harmful residues

• Replace plastic utensils in foodservice

⚠️ But if blended with talc, melamine, or thermoplastics (for rigidity), they will fail disintegration or toxicity screening.

📊 TÜV Austria data: Cornstarch utensils with 15% PBAT + 85% starch passed with 100% success rate in 2023.

EN13432 Certification Process – Step by Step

Leading Certification Bodies

To obtain an EN13432 certificate, only work with EU-accredited bodies:

• TÜV Austria – Offers OK Compost, Industrial/Home, OK Biobased

• DIN CERTCO (Germany) – Widely accepted across EU retail

• IIP (Italy) – Popular among packaging manufacturers

• Bureau Veritas – Handles large-scale audits for exports

🧾 Each provides certificates valid for 5 years, subject to annual audits and label conformity checks.

From Application to Approval: The Timeline

1. Material submission & formulation disclosure

2. Lab testing (up to 12 weeks)

3. Compost performance and toxicity tests

4. Packaging review and logo licensing

5. Issuance of certificate (with unique trace code)

⏱️ Average timeline: 10–14 weeks
💰 Cost range: €5,500–€10,000 per product SKU (depending on complexity)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Adding lamination or foil layers post-certification

• Using the OK Compost logo without license

• Not updating certification when changing production location

• Failing to register for EPR programs like LUCID or Triman

Smart Exporting Strategies for the EU Market

Don’t Greenwash—Label Right

According to the EU Green Claims Directive (2023):

• Only certified compostable products may use the terms “biodegradable”, “compostable”, or “eco packaging”

• All marketing claims must be verifiable by third-party documentation

• Incorrect labeling may trigger €10,000–€250,000 fines

✔️ Use:

• EN13432 Certificate Code

• OK Compost logos with license number

• Disposal instructions (e.g., “For Industrial Composting Only”)

  

Special National Requirements

Get Listed on B2B Platforms

Platforms like Metro, Naturitas, and EcoVerpackung now require:

• EN13432 certificates + labeling

• SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

• LCA or carbon footprint report (optional but preferred)

Bioleader® Case Studies: Real-World EU Success

German Takeaway Chain Uses Certified Bagasse

• Challenge: Replace black plastic trays to meet VerpackG

• Solution: 9-inch bagasse trays (OK Compost) + LUCID registration

• Impact: Now used in over 150 locations and listed on Lieferando

French Organic Retailer Chooses Bioleader® PLA Cups

• Requirement: Must meet Decree 2021-835, use Triman + Info-Tri

• Solution: PLA cups with TÜV Austria OK Compost Industrial label

• Impact: Replaced PET cups chain-wide; customers informed via signage

Belgian Events Use Cornstarch Utensils for 30,000 Guests

• Need: Sustainable tableware for festivals with zero-plastic policy

• Solution: Cornstarch cutlery sets (knife, fork, spoon, napkin) with EN13432 proof

• Impact: Approved by organizers and renewed for 2024–2026 events

🧠 Expert Insight: Why EN13432 Is More Than Just a Certification

“EN13432 is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’ label. In the EU market, it is the regulatory baseline for any compostable product claim. Without it, your brand risks rejection—by customs, by retailers, and most importantly, by informed consumers.”
— Dr. Claudia Meijer, Lead Auditor at TÜV Austria, Compostable Certification Division

“Many suppliers misunderstand this standard. It’s not just about passing a lab test. It’s about proving that your product breaks down safely, completely, and within a regulated timeframe—without harming soil or ecosystems.”
— Luca Marinelli, Director of Sustainable Materials Lab, University of Milan

“From a procurement perspective, we now require EN13432 documentation before any supplier qualifies for our shortlist. Especially since the EU Green Claims Directive, no certified proof = no deal.”
— Julie Roux, Sustainability Manager, European Retail Buyers Council (ERBC)

✅ Final Thoughts: EN13432 Is the Legal Gateway to Europe

The European compostable packaging market is expected to surpass €11.4 billion by 2026. EN13432 is not just a technical standard—it’s a legal passport into that future.

✅ Certified = Compliant
✅ Labeled = Trustworthy
✅ Documented = Exportable

Bioleader® is ready to support global buyers with certified bagasse containers, custom PLA cups, and export-ready cornstarch utensils, all backed by full documentation and a proven EU track record.

FAQ

1. What is EN13432 certification and why is it important for eco-friendly tableware?

EN13432 is the European standard for industrial compostability of packaging and disposable products. It ensures that certified items biodegrade under controlled composting conditions without leaving toxic residues. For businesses exporting to Europe, EN13432 is often a legal and commercial requirement for labeling products as “compostable.”

2. Can bagasse packaging be exported to the EU without EN13432?

Technically, yes—but practically, no. While bagasse is a natural fiber, it must pass all EN13432 tests (biodegradability, disintegration, eco-toxicity, and heavy metals) if labeled compostable. Without certification, customs or retailers may reject the shipment or prohibit its marketing as “eco-friendly.”

3. Is PLA tableware considered compostable under EU regulations?

Only under specific conditions. PLA (polylactic acid) must be certified under EN13432 and labeled for industrial composting only. The EU does not accept home composting claims for PLA unless separately certified (e.g., OK Compost HOME by TÜV). Products must also carry the correct label to avoid greenwashing penalties.

4. What is the difference between EN13432 and ASTM D6400?

EN13432 is the compostability standard used in Europe, while ASTM D6400 is primarily used in the U.S. Both require biodegradability, disintegration, and eco-toxicity tests—but EN13432 includes stricter thresholds for heavy metals and requires full packaging-level compliance. Exporters targeting both markets may need dual certification.

5. How can I verify if a supplier’s compostable claim is legitimate?

Request the official EN13432 certificate issued by a notified body such as TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO. Look for legitimate logos like OK Compost INDUSTRIAL or BPI (for North America). Also ensure that the product labeling aligns with Directive (EU) 2019/904 and avoids generic or misleading environmental claims.

References

1. European Commission – Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment
   URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0904

2. TÜV Austria – OK Compost: Certification for industrial and home compostability
   URL: https://www.tuv-at.be/green-marks/ok-compost/

3. DIN CERTCO (Germany) – Certification of biodegradable products according to EN 13432
   URL: https://www.dincertco.de/din-certco/en/main-navigation/products-and-services/certification-of-products/biodegradable-products/

4. ASTM International – ASTM D6400-23 Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
   URL: https://www.astm.org/d6400-23.html

5. Ministry of the Environment Japan – Plastic Resource Circulation Act (2022)
   URL: https://www.env.go.jp/en/laws/recycle/plastic.html

6. French Government (Legifrance) – Decree No. 2021-835 of June 29, 2021 on environmental labeling of waste sorting (Triman)
   URL: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000043743365

7. Bioleader® Official Website – Certified Compostable Tableware for Export
   URL: https://www.bioleaderpack.com/product-category/biodegradable-compostable-cutlery/

8. Wikipedia – EN 13432 – Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation
   URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13432

How EN13432 Certification Enables Export of Compostable Tableware to Europe