If you buy or specify materials, you will meet “compostable” claims regularly. Some are backed by solid evidence. Others are optimistic marketing. These five questions help you tell the difference without needing to be a scientist.
1. Home or industrial?
Industrial composting runs hot and is managed professionally. Home composting is cooler, slower and less predictable. A material certified for industrial composting may not break down in a garden bin, and a claim should say which it means. If it does not, ask.
2. Which standard?
A real claim refers to a specific standard or certification scheme, such as EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 for industrial compostability of packaging and plastics. Vague wording such as “eco-friendly” or “breaks down naturally” is not a standard.
3. What was tested?
Be careful about scope. Was it the finished product or only one component? A compostable fabric stitched with non-compostable thread, or fitted with a plastic zip, does not make a compostable garment. Dyes, finishes, adhesives and coatings need to be included.
4. Where is the evidence?
A genuine claim can be backed by a test report from a named laboratory, with the method, conditions and results. If a supplier cannot share one, or the report covers a different material, that is a warning sign.
5. Can it actually be composted where it will end up?
This is the one people forget. A product that is certified for industrial composting only helps if an industrial composting facility will accept it and your customer can reach one. Otherwise it goes to landfill or incineration like anything else. Honest claims acknowledge this, and tell customers what to do with the product.
A quick traffic light
- **Green:** named standard, home or industrial stated, full product tested, report available.
- **Amber:** standard named but scope unclear, or evidence not yet shared.
- **Red:** general words only, no standard, no evidence.
For makers
The same questions apply in reverse. If you want to make a compostable claim, working through them first will tell you what testing you need. Often the best starting point is a low-cost Quick Screen to see whether a material is a plausible candidate before investing in a full programme.
Not sure what your material could honestly claim? Ask us.
By Authenticae. Back to the blog