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Standards & Certifications

Certifying compostable products helps consumers, composting facilities, and regulatory bodies ensure that compostable products will break down safely and completely. Below are the certifications we look for when sourcing and manufacturing our products.

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BPI CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE

Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
BPI Certified Compostable products must meet strict standards for compostability. See what this certification ensures and how it promotes eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Guide to BPI Certified Compostable

BPI swirl logo mark on wood background with burrito bowl

OK compost HOME & INDUSTRIAL

Certified by TÜV AUSTRIA
TÜV Austria, a leading international certification body, performs compostability certifications. It is given only to products that meet strict compostability requirements set by the European standard EN 13432.

Guide to TÜV Austria Certifications

Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) Certified

Compost Manufacturing Alliance is a third-party organization that is a partnership of commercial compost facilities, as well as compostable product manufacturers. Working together, they combine lab and field tests, as well as various strategies to vet and ensure that the appropriate ASTM lab standards (ASTM D6400 or D6868) are met on certified products. CMA maintains a database of CMA certified products to help consumers and composters determine is a product is CMA certified.

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Cedar Grove Certified

Cedar Grove is a multi-facility composting operation in Washington state. Their product certification is now deprecated and has been replaced by CMA Certified.  Any CMA Certified products are considered Cedar Grove approved for their facilities.

DEBIO Certified

A Norwegian company that certifies that products can be used in organic agriculture after they are composted. As this is a Norwegian certification, it is uncommon, but select BioBag Products items are DEBIO certified.

ASTM-D6400 Standard

Standard D6400 indicates that breakdown occurs within 180 days and that the final product yields organic compounds and is not toxic to the environment. Products must meet standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to be labeled “industrially compostable” or “commercially compostable”.

ASTM-D6868 Standard

Similar to D6400, this specific standard is for the compostability of plastic films or linings/coatings attached to compostable products like food packaging.

CAN/BNQ 0017-088 Standards

BNQ (Burea de Normalisation du Quebec) is a Canadian organization that creates the Quebec adopted standards for compostable packaging products and bags, specifically compostable plastics like PLA. CAN/BNQ 0017-088 Standard requirements ensure that products are truly compostable and do not negatively affect compost quality.

European Standard EN 13432

This European version of the US ASTM Standard sets their packaging criteria for industrial compostability. EN 13432 requires the compostable product to disintegrate within 12 weeks and completely biodegrade within six months.

Seedling

The Seedling logo is a European Certification that proves a product is certified industrially compostable according to the European Standard EN 13432. This is a 3rd party certification by TÜV AUSTRIA authorized by European Bioplastics. Usually certified in addition to OK compost Industrial to ensure compostable certification throughout the European market.

NON-GMO Verified

The NON-GMO Project verifies that foods and other products are free from GMOs. This third-party certification comprehensively evaluates each product to the highest standard. Select BioBag items are NON-GMO verified in order to also be DEBIO certified.

FSC Certified Paper

FSC, or the Forest Stewardship Council, is an organization which sets the standards for responsible and ethical forest management. Their certification acknowledges that wood, bamboo and paper products are made in a responsible way that reduces environmental impact.

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Bag Ban Compliant

This compliance references various bag bans. Compliance details vary and are determined by local municipalities usually in regards to what is permitted to replace banned plastic bags. The details can include accepted bag materials, stated minimum percentage of recycled/post-consumer recycled content, no old growth fibers, and specific labeling, as well as any required certifications like FSC Certified. Check with your local municipality for details if applicable.

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IMS Certified

The Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) certification is in regards to milk and dairy use. This program between Federal and State governments provides certification for hygienic bottle manufacturers to provide milk/dairy processors with approved packaging materials. This certification applies to Juice Bottles only.

Food and Drug Admininstration (FDA)

Manufacturers must obtain FDA approval on all proprietary materials used for food packaging. The FDA regulates and provides a list of all safe ingredients that may come into contact with food and beverages. Good Start Packaging only carries FDA approved food and drink packaging products.

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