In the world of sustainable materials, terminology can be a minefield. „Biodegradable,” „compostable,” „bio-based”—these terms are often used interchangeably in marketing, but they mean very different things scientifically and legally. To navigate this landscape without falling for greenwashing, it is crucial to understand the certifications that back these claims. Today, we decode the most important standards in the bioplastics industry.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: The Critical Distinction
First, a clarification: Everything is biodegradable eventually—even conventional plastic, if you wait 500 years. „Biodegradable” simply means a material can be broken down by microorganisms. However, without a specified timeframe and environment, the term is meaningless.
Compostable, on the other hand, is a specific subset of biodegradability. It means the material helps the soil by breaking down into non-toxic components (CO2, water, and biomass) within a specific timeframe under specific conditions.
The Gold Standards: EN 13432 and ASTM D6400
When you see a product claiming to be compostable, look for these two codes. They are the rigorous scientific benchmarks:
- EN 13432 (Europe): This is the harmonized European standard. It requires that at least 90% of the material must biodegrade within 6 months in an industrial composting environment. It also limits heavy metal content and ensures the resulting compost has no negative effect on plant growth (ecotoxicity test).
- ASTM D6400 (USA): Similar to the European standard, this specification covers plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities. It ensures the plastic leaves no toxic residue and degrades at a rate comparable to known compostable materials like paper.
If a product mentions „biodegradable” but cites neither of these standards, proceed with caution.
Industrial vs. Home Composting
This is where many consumers get stuck. certification to EN 13432 usually implies industrial composting. These facilities reach high temperatures (50-60°C) that speed up the breakdown process.
Basic bioplastics (like standard PLA) will not degrade in your backyard compost bin, which typically stays much cooler.
For backyard success, look for the „OK compost HOME” certification (by TUV Austria). This standard guarantees biodegradation at lower temperatures, suitable for garden compost piles.
Verification Marks: The Logos to Trust
Don’t just read the text; look for the logos.
* The Seedling Logo: Valid across Europe, indicating industrial compostability (EN 13432).
* OK compost (Industrial & Home): TUV Austria’s widely recognized marks specifying the environment.
* BPI Certified (USA): The Biodegradable Products Institute logo, ensuring ASTM D6400 compliance.
Commitment to Standards
At Ekopolimeras, we believe in transparency. We don’t just use „eco-friendly” buzzwords. Our material selection process is strictly governed by recognized international certifications. When we say a solution is compostable, we mean it meets the rigorous definitions of EN 13432 or OK compost HOME, ensuring that the end-of-life for our products is as green as their beginning.
Understanding these labels is the first step in building a truly circular economy—one where waste is not an endpoint, but a new beginning.
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