Not All “Compostable” Claims Are Equal
The word “compostable” on packaging can mean many things — or very little. Without third-party certification, compostable claims are unverifiable marketing. For B2B buyers, understanding the difference between tested certifications and self-declared claims is essential for compliance and credibility.
Key distinction: “Biodegradable” and “compostable” are not the same. Biodegradable has no time or condition requirements. Compostable certifications specify exact conditions, timeframes, and ecotoxicity limits.
Major Composting Standards
SIRIM ECO 001:2018
MalaysiaTests: Biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, heavy metals
Conditions: Industrial composting at 58±2°C
Relevance: Required for MyHijau green product recognition in Malaysia
TUV OK Compost
EuropeTests: EN 13432 standard: biodegradation ≥90% in 6 months
Conditions: Industrial composting at 58±2°C
Relevance: Widely recognised across the EU for compostable claims
BPI Certification
North AmericaTests: ASTM D6400: biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity
Conditions: Industrial composting facilities
Relevance: Required for compostable labelling in many US states
ISO 20200
InternationalTests: Degree of disintegration under simulated composting
Conditions: Laboratory-scale composting at 58±2°C
Relevance: Baseline test method referenced by SIRIM, TUV, and BPI
What Certification Tests Actually Check
Regardless of which standard is applied, composting certifications typically verify four things:
Biodegradation
≥90% conversion to CO₂ within 6 months under controlled composting
Disintegration
≥90% of material passes through a 2mm sieve after 12 weeks
Ecotoxicity
Resulting compost must not harm plant growth (germination test)
Heavy Metals
Concentrations must be below defined thresholds (mg/kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is industrial composting?
Industrial composting uses controlled conditions — sustained temperatures of 58±2°C, specific moisture levels, and managed aeration — to break down organic materials. Unlike home composting, industrial facilities can process certified compostable bioplastics.
Can compostable straws be composted at home?
Most certified compostable straws, including REKAFFEE products, are designed for industrial composting. Home compost piles typically do not reach the sustained temperatures needed. Always check the certification — 'industrially compostable' and 'home compostable' are different standards.
How long does industrial composting take?
Under standard conditions (58±2°C), certified compostable products must achieve ≥90% biodegradation within 6 months and ≥90% disintegration within 12 weeks, per EN 13432 and equivalent standards.
What happens if compostable products end up in landfill?
In landfill, compostable products break down very slowly (similar to other organic waste) because landfills lack the oxygen and temperature conditions of composting facilities. This is why access to industrial composting infrastructure matters.
See our certifications in detail
View test reports, download certificates, and explore the science behind REKAFFEE.
Science & Testing