300Module 5 of 7
Compostable Packaging Standards
EN 13432 and ASTM D6400/D6868 certification, testing, and when compostables make sense.
7 minutes
compostableLesson Video
Compostable Packaging Standards
Module Content
1) Executive Summary
Top insights
- Two main technical routes: EN 13432 (EU/UK) and ASTM D6400/D6868 (US) require biodegradation and disintegration under controlled industrial composting, plus metals limits and no adverse ecotoxicity. “Compostable” ≠ “biodegradable anywhere”.
- Core thresholds align broadly: ≳90% biodegradation to CO₂ in ~180 days at ~58 °C; ≳90% disintegration (<2 mm) in ~12 weeks; ecotoxicity and regulated elements checks. Methods differ by standard (ISO/ASTM references).
- Certification adds guardrails: BPI (NA) builds on ASTM, bans intentionally added PFAS and requires <100 ppm total organic fluorine; TÜV Austria OK compost INDUSTRIAL maps to EN 13432; OK compost HOME is a distinct, lower‑temperature scheme.
- Labeling and claims are regulated: US FTC requires facility qualifiers; several states tie claims to ASTM and impose colour/striping; UK OPRL requires “Do Not Recycle” on compostables.
- Policy shift (EU PPWR): Certain formats (e.g., tea/coffee units, sticky labels on fruit/veg) must be compostable by 2028, narrowing “where to use” in EU.
- Infrastructure is the bottleneck: Many composters restrict packaging even if certified; design for the local organics system first.
- Best fits: Items inseparable from food waste (liners, produce stickers, mandated formats) or that improve organics capture; avoid where clean recycling exists.
Recommended actions
- Map target end‑of‑life by region, then choose EN 13432 or ASTM D6400/D6868 route and certification (BPI / OK compost).
- Assemble full BoM (inks/adhesives/additives) and pre‑screen for PFAS and regulated metals before lab testing.
- Use precise labels: How2Compost/BPI in NA; OPRL rules in UK; avoid unqualified “compostable/biodegradable”.
Key risks (12–24 months)
- PPWR implementation (EU) drives mandates and enforcement.
- FTC Green Guides update timing; state‑level tightening continues.
- Facility acceptance variability; PFAS restrictions intensify.
2) Definitions & Concepts
Glossary
- Industrial compostable: Meets EN 13432 or ASTM D6400/D6868 under controlled, aerobic, thermophilic conditions; not a home/backyard claim.
- Home compostable: Lower‑temperature scheme (e.g., OK compost HOME); no harmonised EN/ASTM “home” standard.
- Biodegradation vs disintegration: CO₂ evolution vs physical breakdown; both required, plus ecotox and regulated elements.
- BPI certification: ASTM conformance + PFAS restrictions and eligibility tied to organics capture.
- Seedling / OK compost marks: EU marks via DIN CERTCO/TÜV Austria indicating scheme conformance.
- How2Compost: NA on‑pack label for BPI‑certified items (industrial only).
Concept map
- Standard met + Certification → Infrastructure access → Correct labelling → Facility acceptance → Compost quality preserved
3) Standards, Regulations, and Governance
EU / UK
- EN 13432 (BS EN 13432 in UK): biodegradability, disintegration, process impact, compost quality (metals/ecotox).
- Referenced tests include ISO 17088 (spec) and ISO 20200 (lab disintegration, 2023 revision).
- PPWR (EU) 2025/40: items mandated compostable by 12 Feb 2028 (e.g., fruit/veg labels; tea/coffee units; very lightweight carrier bags).
- UK: No separate national “compostables” stream; OPRL instructs “Do Not Recycle”.
United States
- ASTM D6400 (plastics) & D6868 (coated fibre/substrates) with methods like ASTM D5338 for biodegradation.
- FTC Green Guides (16 CFR §260.7): qualify claims by facility availability; 2012 edition still active.
- State laws: CA AB 1201 (ASTM + OK HOME for “home”); WA RCW 70A.455 (certification + colour/striping); MN §325E.046 (ASTM link).
- Certification: BPI adds PFAS ban (no intentionally added; <100 ppm TOF).
- How2Compost: only for BPI‑certified items; industrial composting context.
What differs by region (snapshot)
| Topic | EU (EN 13432 / PPWR) | US (ASTM + FTC + States) | UK (BS EN 13432 + OPRL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base technical spec | EN 13432 + ISO refs | ASTM D6400 / D6868 (+ D5338) | BS EN 13432 |
| Home compost | No harmonised EN; OK compost HOME scheme | No ASTM “home”; private schemes; some state references | No UK home standard; OK HOME used in market |
| Claims guardrails | PPWR mandates specific formats; consumer law applies | FTC qualifiers; state laws tie to ASTM + labelling | OPRL: “Do Not Recycle” for compostables |
| PFAS | Addressed via schemes/policy (evolving) | BPI: no intentionally added; <100 ppm TOF | Follows EU schemes; UK policy evolving |
| Infrastructure | Varies by Member State | Highly variable; acceptance often limited | Limited; no separate stream planned |
Upcoming changes & timelines
- EU PPWR obligations for specified formats by Feb 2028.
- US: FTC Green Guides updates TBD; states expanding labelling standards.
4) Evidence Base & Benchmarks
Core pass/fail criteria (industrial)
| Parameter | EN 13432 (EU/UK) | ASTM D6400/D6868 (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodegradation | ≥90% CO₂ in ~180 d at thermophilic conditions | Similar ≥90% via ASTM D5338 in ~180 d | Methods differ; thresholds aligned in practice |
| Disintegration | ≥90% mass <2 mm in ~12 wks (e.g., ISO 20200) | Comparable sieve‑based requirement | Aligned to industrial composting |
| Ecotoxicity | Plant germination/biomass ≥90% of control | Similar compost quality & growth checks | |
| Regulated elements | Heavy metals below maxima | Similar lists/limits; scheme overlays may apply |
Certification overlays
- BPI: no intentionally added PFAS + <100 ppm total organic fluorine; eligibility tied to organics capture.
- TÜV Austria OK compost INDUSTRIAL: conforms to EN 13432; HOME is separate scheme.
Facility acceptance
- US/UK composters often restrict packaging; labelling colours and marks aim to reduce contamination.
Evidence gap
Open datasets of pass/fail times by formulation across AD→compost systems are scarce; run site‑specific pilots.
5) Design & Production Implications
Rules of thumb
- Design for industrial composting unless holding OK compost HOME; don’t imply backyard suitability.
- Include all components (films, fibres, inks, coatings, adhesives, labels, closures) in certification scope.
- Pre‑screen PFAS and regulated elements before lab submission to avoid retests.
- Labelling: How2Compost/BPI and state rules (US); OPRL Do Not Recycle (UK).
Material/format trade‑offs
| Format | Pros | Cons / Risks | Typical Use‑cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellulose films / coated paper | Good printability; fibre base; can meet D6868 | Wet strength vs disintegration balance; coatings must be in scope | Tea/coffee sachets; wraps |
| PLA/PBAT blends | Tunable disintegration; film clarity | Heat resistance; AD pretreatment variability | Liners, bags |
| PHA | Faster biodegradation in some tests | Cost; supply; processability | Labels, films |
| Compostable produce stickers | Solves organics contaminant | Adhesive/ink inclusion critical | Retail produce labels |
Manufacturability flags
- Ink loads and coverage can slow disintegration—spec certified inks.
- Adhesive laydown must be controlled; use certified PSAs.
- Define seal windows for PLA‑rich films to avoid creep during composting.
Supplier perspective
Provide full formulation disclosure, SDS, PFAS/TOF test results, and prior OK compost/BPI certificates; run ISO 20200 pilot tests ahead of certification.
6) Sustainability & Compliance
- UK OPRL: compostables labelled Do Not Recycle; aim to protect recycling streams.
- EU PPWR narrows compostables to mandated items; expect EPR fees to reflect limited role.
- US claims: qualify per FTC; align to state overlays (CA/WA/MN) and third‑party marks.
- PFAS restrictions spreading—treat BPI’s <100 ppm TOF + no intentionally added PFAS as baseline.
7) Workflow & Tooling
Checklists
- Pre‑press: certified inks/adhesives; coating weights; total ink coverage; label stock & adhesive in scope; dieline states “All components in certification”.
- Compliance pack: standard path (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400/D6868); certification (BPI/OK compost); test reports (biodegradation, disintegration, ecotox, metals); PFAS/TOF; labelling proofs.
- Disposal comms: NA How2Compost icon + facility qualifier; UK OPRL Do Not Recycle.
Decision trees
- Choose labelstock/adhesive: destined for organics with food? → Use certified compostable label/adhesive; otherwise design for recycling.
- Select print process by substrate: PLA‑rich films → lower‑energy curing; validate adhesion vs disintegration (ISO 20200).
Calculator blueprints
- Compostability evidence tracker: inputs (layer masses, thickness, ink %, adhesive wt) → targets (CO₂ evolution baseline; ≤10% >2 mm residue).
- Cost/carbon trade‑off: certified compostable vs recyclable with diversion assumptions (evidence gap: locale‑specific rates).
Templates (spec excerpts)
RFQ: Standard (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400); Scheme (BPI/OK compost); PFAS declaration; metals screening; prior certificate IDs; max certified caliper/grammage; ink/adhesive IDs.
8) Category‑Specific Guidance
Food & Beverage
EU‑mandated candidates: tea/coffee units, sticky labels on fruit/veg, very lightweight carrier bags—design to EN 13432 and certify (OK compost/BPI) for export SKUs. NA coated fibre: ASTM D6868; include coating & inks in scope. Produce labels: use certified labelstock/adhesive.
Beauty/Personal Care
Limited role; most primaries better for recycling/reuse. Avoid compostable claims unless inseparable from organics; vet barriers for PFAS.
9) Case Studies
EU sticky label on produce
Approach: Switch to OK compost (HOME/INDUSTRIAL as applicable) label with compostable adhesive/ink; include in whole‑pack certification.
Result: Compliance with PPWR direction; reduced contamination in organics.
NA coated fibre food‑service ware
Approach: PFAS‑free redesign; certify under ASTM D6868 + BPI; adopt How2Compost labelling.
Result: Improved facility acceptance; reduced enforcement risk under state laws.
Coffee capsules for EU export
Approach: Capsule and lid films to EN 13432; validate disintegration at target thickness; certify OK compost INDUSTRIAL; align claims with retailer guidance.
Result: Future‑proofing against PPWR compostability requirement for single‑serve systems by 2028.
10) Common Pitfalls & Red Flags
- Unqualified “compostable/biodegradable” claims without facility qualifier or substantiation.
- Partial certification (film only; adhesive/ink not included).
- PFAS‑containing barriers (BPI‑disqualifying; increasing legal risk).
- “Home compostable” claims without OK compost HOME (or accepted equivalent).
- Misuse of green/brown striping where restricted (e.g., Washington).
- Assuming acceptance: certification ≠ guaranteed local processing.