Compostable vs Degradable

Degradable

“Biodegradable” is not an appropriate marketing term or claim for describing end of life behavior because it lacks specificity on timeframe and environment. More importantly, the term is often used to describe non-compostable products intentionally made to look similar to certified compostable products. These products are commonly referred to as “lookalikes” and are a leading cause of contamination at compost facilities. For these reasons, four US states have made it illegal to use the term “biodegradable” in sales and marketing language for single-use products.

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Compostable

For BPI-Certified products and packaging that meet ASTM and other compostability standards, the term “compostable” should always be used when describing end of life attributes.

Prominent and consistent use of the term “compostable” instead of “biodegradable” on all products, packaging and marketing materials will help consumers and others begin to understand the difference between legitimate compostable products and their non-compostable counterparts – a critical first step in the effort to send contamination free organics streams to composters accepting compostable products.

Source: BPI - Biodegradable vs Compostable (bpiworld.org)

DIN CERTCO Home and Garden Composting
- NF T51-800

DIN CERTCO Home and Garden Composting- NF T51-800

The basis of our tests is the NF T51-800 standard "Plastics - Specifications for home compostable plastics". If your product successfully passes the relevant tests, you may use the "DIN Tested - Garden Compostable" mark on the relevant products and in your corporate communications.

When certifying for the markets in Australia and New Zealand (Australasia) according to the AS 5810 standard, DIN CERTCO cooperates with the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) and the certification system there.

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Tests According to International Standards

The testing requirements ensure that the product is safe for home compost. The tests according to NF T51-800 include:

• Chemical characterization

• Complete biodegradability

• Disintegration

• Plant compatibility (ecotoxicity test)

• Earthworm toxicity test (for AS 5810)

Source: Products from Biodegradable Materials for Home and Garden Co | TÜV Rheinland (dincertco.de)

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DIN CERTCO INDUSTRIAL COMPOSTABLE

We certify your industrially compostable materials, packaging and products made of bioplastics according to the standard DIN EN 13432. Depending on your individual requirements, certifications according to DIN EN 14995, ISO 17088, ISO 18606 or AS 4736 are also possible in parallel. A certification is valid for 3 years.

Source: Industrial compostable products | TÜV Rheinland (dincertco.de)

Summer 2023 research snapshot: PFAS in food packaging, food, and potential health impacts

Summer 2023 research snapshot: PFAS in food packaging, food, and potential health impacts

A summary of eight studies; scientists quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in French fast food packaging; detect eleven PFAS in baking trays from China but not Spain; find PFAS in straws made of paper, bamboo, glass, and plastic; “compostable” service ware can contaminate compost with PFAS; find PFAS in edible oil worldwide; further articles focus on PFAS in drinking water, in Asia, and effects on child respiratory health

source: Summer 2023 research snapshot: PFAS in food packaging, food, and potential health impacts | Food Packaging Forum

Study highlights concerning toxins found in paper straws

A recent study out of Belgium has discovered paper straws containing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals.

The research found(opens in a new tab) paper straws were more likely to be contaminated with PFAS than any other type of straw. 

"We know that these are toxic, harmful, persistent and bio-accumulative compounds," said Dr. Juan Jose Alava, a UBC professor who is also the principal investigator with the Ocean Pollution Research Unit.

"If they accumulate, we know they are immunotoxic."

source: Study highlights concerning toxins found in paper straws | CTV News