Compostable Certifications Decoded: BPI vs ASTM D6400 vs EN 13432 vs OK Compost
You see “compostable” on a food container and assume it breaks down naturally. But “compostable” without a certification is a meaningless claim — and in many jurisdictions, it’s now an illegal one. The word “compostable” on packaging must be backed by third-party certification to a recognized standard. The problem for buyers is that there are multiple certifications, each with different requirements, geographic recognition, and legal standing. This guide explains what each certification actually means, which one you need for your market, and how to verify your supplier’s claims.
The Four Main Certifications
ASTM D6400 (United States)
ASTM D6400 is the US standard for labeling plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities. It tests three things: disintegration (the material must break into pieces smaller than 2mm within 12 weeks), biodegradation (at least 60% of the organic carbon must convert to CO2 within 180 days), and ecotoxicity (the resulting compost must not harm plant growth). This standard applies to plastics and bioplastics — for paper-based products, the equivalent is ASTM D6868.
Where it’s recognized: United States and Canada.
BPI Certified Compostable (United States)
BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification is the most widely recognized compostable label in North America. BPI doesn’t create standards — it certifies products against ASTM D6400 (for plastics) or ASTM D6868 (for paper with plastic coatings). A BPI certification means the product has been independently tested and verified to meet the ASTM standard. Many US municipalities and composting facilities only accept packaging with BPI certification — a generic “compostable” claim without BPI is often rejected at the gate.
Where it’s recognized: United States and Canada. Required by many municipal composting programs including San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and New York City.
EN 13432 (European Union)
EN 13432 is the EU harmonized standard for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation. It’s more comprehensive than ASTM D6400, requiring: chemical composition analysis (heavy metals must be below specific limits), biodegradation (90% within 6 months — stricter than ASTM’s 60%), disintegration (90% through 2mm sieve within 12 weeks), compost quality testing (germination rates and plant biomass), and ecotoxicity. EN 13432 is the mandatory standard for any packaging making compostability claims in the EU.
Where it’s recognized: All 27 EU member states, plus UK, Norway, Switzerland, and widely accepted in Middle East and Asia.
OK Compost (TÜV Austria / Vinçotte)
OK Compost is a third-party certification issued by TÜV Austria (formerly Vinçotte) that tests products against EN 13432 (for industrial composting) or against separate criteria for home composting. OK Compost comes in two varieties: OK Compost INDUSTRIAL (equivalent to EN 13432) and OK Compost HOME (a more stringent standard requiring biodegradation at lower temperatures found in home compost heaps, typically 20–30°C vs 58°C for industrial).
Where it’s recognized: Europe, Middle East, Australia, and increasingly global. The OK Compost HOME certification is particularly valued in markets where industrial composting infrastructure is limited.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | ASTM D6400 | BPI | EN 13432 | OK Compost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodeg. threshold | 60% in 180 days | Same (ASTM) | 90% in 6 months | 90% (Industrial) |
| Home compost option? | No | No | No | Yes (OK HOME) |
| Heavy metal limits | Included | Included | Stricter limits | Matches EN 13432 |
| PFAS addressed? | No | Yes (since 2020) | Via PPWR Aug 2026 | No |
| Cost to certify | $3,000–$8,000 | $5,000–$15,000 | $3,000–$10,000 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Primary region | US/Canada | US/Canada | EU/UK | Global |
Which Certification Do You Need?
Selling in the US: BPI certification is the practical requirement. While ASTM D6400 is the underlying standard, composting facilities and municipalities look for the BPI logo. Without it, your “compostable” packaging may be rejected at composting facilities and treated as regular waste.
Selling in the EU: EN 13432 certification is mandatory for any packaging claiming to be compostable. Without it, the claim is legally unsubstantiated under EU consumer protection law and will not satisfy PPWR requirements.
Selling in the UAE/GCC: EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 are both accepted under UAE single-use plastic ban regulations, which require biodegradable alternatives to meet recognized international composting standards.
Selling globally: OK Compost INDUSTRIAL provides the broadest geographic recognition. For home composting markets (Australia, parts of Europe), OK Compost HOME adds value.
“Compostable” vs “Biodegradable” — Know the Difference
“Biodegradable” means the material will eventually break down biologically — but with no timeframe, temperature, or conditions specified. A conventional plastic bag is technically biodegradable — it just takes hundreds of years. “Compostable” means the material breaks down within a defined timeframe (typically 12–26 weeks) under specific conditions (industrial composting at 58°C, or home composting at 20–30°C) into CO2, water, and biomass with no toxic residue.
For food packaging, always use “compostable” with a certification — never “biodegradable” alone. In the EU, generic “biodegradable” claims on packaging are already being challenged as greenwashing.
Need certified compostable food packaging? GQ TH Pack supplies BPI-certified (US), EN 13432-certified (EU), and OK Compost-certified food containers, bags, and cups. Request certified compostable samples with documentation for your target market.