The criteria for industrial compostability are set out in the European standard EN 13432 which requires the compostable product to completely biodegrade after six months. Compostability claims must be supported by international standards and display the specific environment intended and whether this relates to a part of or the whole product. Not all “biodegradable” products are compostable. Broad biodegradability claims hinder industry progress. Here we look at certifications and industry terminology to improve the understanding of compostable products and their role in circular economies.

What is industrial composting?

A variety of techniques are used to compost large volumes of organic matter at high temperatures. Usually, in industrial composting facilities, temperatures in the composting heaps range between 50°C and 60°C. 

Industrial compostability is defined by the European standard EN 13432, which requires a product to achieve 90% biodegradation within six months under industrial composting conditions. There are three main techniques used in industrial composting: windrow, in-vessel, and aerated static pile composting.

READ MORE: Industrial vs home composting: what’s the difference?

Can compostable packaging be processed in industrial facilities?

Industrial composting facilities are designed to process:

• food waste
  

• garden organics (FOGO)

Materials break down faster in an industrial facility due to the controlled environment. This is largely a condition of heat. 

All certified compostable products break down at industrial facilities. But smaller volumes of organic matter, much lower temperatures and inconsistent factors such as moisture means that the composting process is much slower in your backyard. 

However, acceptance of packaging depends on local infrastructure and collection systems. Not all facilities accept compostable packaging, even if it is certified. 

Scion research found that, generally, compostable plastic disintegrates faster than fibre-based materials but that composter capabilities differ based on operating processes. Required six-month timeframes and heat have led some composters to believe that compostable products are not industrial compostable. Where composts are processed to meet standards, the likelihood of residual packaging materials is minimised or entirely avoided.

READ MORE: Scion: Compostable materials in the real world

Why certifications are important

The word ‘biodegradable’ is used often. Nearly every material biodegrades, given enough time, so claiming a material is biodegradable without any further context is misleading. Certification to international standards provides assurance to composters that the product material, including all other components of the product, e.g. colours, labels and glues is compostable.

The compostability of a product is certified through certification bodies to either industrial or home compostability standards. The main certification bodies are:

* TÜV Austria

* DIN CERTCO

* Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

* Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)

EN 13432 is the reference standard for all certification bodies. The European Norm about compostability of packaging (EN 13432) requires (besides a clear and detailed description of the product) 4 tests:

• biodegradation (chemical breakdown)

• disintegration (physical breakdown)

• ecotoxicity (assess negative effect on plants)

• heavy metal content

*AS 4736 includes an additional earthworm toxicity test.

READ MORE: Manurewa High School x Green Gorilla

Exploring compostable packaging for your business?

If you’re exploring compostable packaging for your business, understanding how materials are processed at end-of-life is essential. We’re always happy to talk, if you’re material-curious or exploring ways to reduce reliance on petrochemical plastics send us an email hello@ecoware.co.nz