Compostability certification

In June 2005, Mater-Bi polymers were issued with the OK home compost certificate from Belgium s AIB Vincotte international certification institute meaning that it can be used in bags for the recycling of biodegradable organic waste in home compost bins. 

Institute (BPI) International Compostability Certification Network, which includes similar trade groups in Europe, Japan, China and Taiwan... 

In addition to ensuring compostability, certification enables biologically degradable products to be identified by way of clear labelling. The compostability mark (Eig. 1.3) serves to inform both waste consumers and disposers and the product must bear the inscription compostable as well as the registration number assigned to it during the certification process. 

This European certification establishes the performance requirements for biodegradation of plastic materials and products (including packaging, films, and other products) while under cool home composting conditions. The certification specifies modifications to EN 13432. The home compost environment is one that maintains a temperature below 30° C and results in mesophilic conditions. The certification requires the use of EN 14855 (ISO 17088) test method to measure the amount of CO2 that is emitted from the degrading plastic sample. Vingotte home compost certification requires the product must demonstrate each of the four characteristics as follows ... 

The second well-known (industrial) compostability certification system in Europe is OK Compost, managed by Vin otte based in Brussels, Belgium. Historically, the system was launched in 1994, at the request of local governments who wanted to use compostable biowaste collection bags. 

Originally, the OK Compost system was based on the draft proposals for the European norm on compostability completed with some further technical specifications by AVI. Since the definite publication of EN 13432 [5], this norm is the principal guideline for the OK Compost system. Producers of basic materials or definite products must submit a dossier to AVI, which is making an evaluation and eventually granting the OK Compost certificate. The products can carry the OK Compost logo (see Figure 5.10). More information can be found on their website [80]. In October 2004 about 40 materials, products or additives are certified according to OK Compost. 

Figure I. Participants in the International Compostability Certification Network.

Certification of compostable polymer products based on EN 13432 [1] is performed by DIN CERTECO and other EU certification bodies according to quality management systems such as EN 45011/EN 45012 [7, 8]. DIN CERTECO, the certification organization of DIN, established the scheme in 1997 and has gained internationally renowned expertise ever since, as witnessed by, for example, their participation in the International Network for Compostability Certification together with institutions from the USA, Japan, and Taiwan, or with other certification bodies in Europe in order to implement harmonized supranational certification schemes. As from June 2004, participants are The Composting Association from the UK, Keurmerk from the Netherlands, and COBRO from Poland. 

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