BPI vs EN 13432: A Packaging Buyer’s Guide

A compostability claim should identify the finished product, the conditions it was assessed for and the organisation behind the claim. BPI, EN 13432 and OK compost answer related questions, but they are not interchangeable names for one certificate.

A standard and a certification are different

EN 13432 sets requirements for packaging recoverable through industrial composting. BPI is a certification programme: its commercial assessment uses ASTM D6400 as the base standard, with D6868 or D8410 assessments available for eligible constructions. TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK compost INDUSTRIAL programme refers to EN 13432. A test-standard number by itself is not proof that an item holds a certification.

Check the product, not just the company name

Ask for the certificate or database entry, holder, product reference and scope. Compare the listed construction with the item you will order, including any coating, lid, print or accessory. A company certificate does not automatically cover every product in its catalogue. Retain the record alongside the approved product drawing and sample.

Industrial approval is not home-compost approval

An industrial composting claim should not be rewritten as a home-composting claim. Look for the scheme and environment actually covered. Compostability also does not establish food-contact suitability or performance during hot filling; those need their own supporting information.

Put the disposal route in the purchasing brief

Tell the supplier which market and collection system the pack will enter. Ask the receiving composting operator whether it accepts that specific finished item. Buying a certified pack and having access to a facility that accepts it are separate decisions. Keep disposal wording consistent with the product documentation.

BPI certification programme · TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost INDUSTRIAL · Product document checklist

← Packaging buying guides