In the world of eco-tableware, the word “compostable” carries real meaning — it’s not just a marketing term. Compostable materials are designed to safely return to nature, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter without leaving harmful residues.
For buyers and suppliers, this matters because it ensures true environmental responsibility, not just surface-level “green” claims. While many products are labeled biodegradable, not all are compostable. The difference? Biodegradable simply means something can decay over time, while compostable means it’s been tested to fully decompose under specific, verified conditions.
What Is EN 13432?
EN 13432 is the European Union’s official standard for industrial compostability. It sets clear rules for how packaging and disposable products must break down under controlled composting conditions.
Definition & Scope
EN 13432 applies to materials that will be treated in industrial composting facilities, where temperatures, humidity, and oxygen levels are carefully managed. It ensures that certified products fully decompose into natural elements — not microplastics.
Key Criteria
To earn EN 13432 certification, a product must meet four key tests:
Disintegration: It must physically break down within 12 weeks.
Biodegradation: At least 90 % of the organic carbon must convert into CO₂ within six months.
Eco-toxicity: The composted residue must not harm plants or soil organisms.
Heavy-metal content: Strict limits on elements like lead, copper, and mercury.
Certification Bodies and Applications
Organizations such as TÜV Austria and DIN CERTCO verify EN 13432 compliance. This certification is vital for eco-tableware exporters targeting the EU market, as it covers everything from packaging films to plant-fiber plates and cups.
What Is OK Compost (Industrial & Home)?
OK Compost is another well-recognized certification managed by TÜV Austria, available in two main types — Industrial and Home.
Definition & Scope
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL aligns directly with EN 13432 and applies to products designed for large-scale composting facilities that operate at high temperatures (around 58 °C).
OK Compost HOME is more demanding, requiring materials to break down naturally in lower-temperature environments like backyard compost bins.
Relation to EN 13432
While EN 13432 only covers industrial composting, OK Compost bridges the gap by validating home-compostable products as well. Both use the same scientific criteria — disintegration, biodegradation, and eco-toxicity — but under different composting conditions.
What Each Label Means for Eco-Tableware
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL: Ideal for commercial foodservice packaging and large catering operations.
OK Compost HOME: Perfect for household tableware or retail packaging aimed at consumers.
Displaying the right logo helps buyers instantly understand where the product can safely decompose.
Other Key Standards & Regional Variants
While EN 13432 and OK Compost dominate in Europe, other regions have their own compostability standards — all built around the same principles of biodegradation, safety, and transparency.
ASTM D6400 / D6868 (USA)
In North America, the ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 standards define compostability for plastics and coatings used on paper or fiber. Products meeting these standards can carry the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification mark, which is widely recognized by composting facilities and retailers.
AS 4736 & AS 5810 (Australia)
Australia uses AS 4736 for industrial composting and AS 5810 for home composting. The Seedling label, promoted by Sumkoka and other packaging brands, indicates compliance with these standards. They also highlight traceability — ensuring every material source can be verified.
How to Verify Compostable Claims for Eco-Tableware
In today’s green marketplace, many products are labeled as “eco,” “green,” or “biodegradable.” But not all of them live up to those claims. To make informed choices, buyers and suppliers need to verify compostable certifications carefully — not just rely on marketing words.
1. Check the Certificate Number and Issuing Body
Every legitimate compostable product should have a certificate number and the name of the certification body, such as TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO, or BPI. This makes it easy to confirm the certificate’s validity on the organization’s database. Always request these details from your supplier before placing an order.
2. Review Material Breakdown and Test Reports
Look beyond the label and ask for lab test results. These should show the material composition and compliance with EN 13432, ASTM D6400, or other recognized standards.
In recent years, PFAS and fluorine testing has become increasingly important. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” can prevent true composting. Modern certifications now include fluorine-free testing to ensure products are genuinely safe for soil and the environment.
3. Match Certification Type to Disposal Infrastructure
A common mistake is assuming “compostable” means the same everywhere. Some products require industrial composting facilities with high temperatures, while others can break down at home in cooler conditions.
Industrial composting → requires standards like EN 13432 or OK Compost Industrial.
Home composting → needs OK Compost Home or AS 5810 certification.
If your region lacks industrial composting facilities, choosing home-compostable options is more practical and sustainable.
4. Beware of Misleading or Unverified Claims
Not every “biodegradable” product is compostable. Avoid labels that say:
“Biodegradable” without specifying standards or test results.
“Compostable” but only under unrealistic lab conditions, not actual waste systems.
If there’s no third-party verification, the claim is likely a marketing tactic — not a scientific truth.
Business Value for Eco-Tableware Buyers and Suppliers
Certifications do more than satisfy compliance—they build trust. Buyers gain confidence knowing the products they source are verified and safe for the environment, while suppliers strengthen their reputation and open doors to international markets.
1. Builds Buyer Confidence
Certified compostable products show that you take sustainability seriously. They assure retailers, foodservice operators, and consumers that your materials meet global safety and environmental standards.
2. Supports the Circular Economy
Using properly certified tableware ensures waste can safely return to nature. Instead of ending up in landfills, products break down into useful compost — supporting a closed-loop system that benefits both the planet and your brand image.
3. Adds Professional Credibility
Suppliers should always include a certification pack in RFPs and quotations. Attach up-to-date reports, logos, and testing details — it shows transparency and readiness for due diligence, helping you stand out from uncertified competitors.
Challenges & Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Even with certifications, compostable sourcing can be tricky. Here are some common challenges and how to handle them:
- Infrastructure Mismatch: A product certified for industrial composting may still end up in landfill if no such facilities exist locally. Always align your product’s certification type with your region’s composting capabilities.
- Greenwashing and Misuse of Labels: Expired, irrelevant, or self-declared certificates can mislead buyers. Check the validity date, product scope, and certifying body before promoting or purchasing any compostable product.
- Supply Chain Gaps: Sometimes, only the main material is certified — not the coatings, inks, or adhesives used in production. Ensure your supplier’s entire supply chain is certified under the same compostable standard to avoid hidden risks.
Get Certified Compostable Tableware You Can Trust
Looking for eco-tableware that meets real compostable standards like EN 13432, OK Compost, and ASTM D6400?
At AnzhuCraft, we specialize in certified compostable plates, cutlery, and packaging made from natural, renewable materials — all tested and verified by global certification bodies.
Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or brand sourcing sustainable packaging, we can help you meet regional regulations and build buyer confidence with authentic certification support.
Contact us today to request our certification pack or get a free custom quote — and start sourcing with a supplier you can truly trust.
FAQs
1. What is the EN 13432 compostable standard?
EN 13432 is the European standard for industrial compostability. It ensures packaging and tableware fully break down into natural elements within six months under controlled composting conditions.
2. What is the difference between ASTM D6400 and EN 13432?
Both define compostability, but EN 13432 applies to Europe and focuses on packaging and disintegration tests, while ASTM D6400 is the U.S. standard for compostable plastics.
3. What is OK Compost certification?
OK Compost, issued by TÜV Austria, confirms products meet compostability standards. It comes in two types — Industrial (for high-temperature facilities) and Home (for backyard composting).
4. What is the compostable standard?
A compostable standard defines scientific criteria for how a material must biodegrade, disintegrate, and leave no toxic residue — ensuring it safely returns to nature.
