Foreword: What is BPI Compostable Certification?

Principle of Certification and Compostability Guarantees

The BPI compostability certification is issued by the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute), a recognised North American organisation that validates that a product is compostable according to precise standards.

In concrete terms, to obtain this certification, which follows international standards, in particular ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868, the product :

• must completely biodegrade under industrial composting conditions
• must transform into CO₂, water and biomass without leaving toxic residue (such as heavy metals or microplastics)
• must not adversely affect the quality of the compost obtained

BPI Compostable: Fields of Application

BPI certification covers not only the conformity of the materials used, but also their exclusive compatibility with approved industrial composting plants in accordance with the technical standards in force.

This ensures that certified products can be optimally integrated into existing treatment processes, without compromising the quality of the final compost or disrupting industrial processes.

Certified products include :

• Compostable plastics,
• coatings for paper and cardboard,
• bags, packaging and film,
• disposable utensils and crockery,

In short, if packaging, plastic film, single-use cups, coffee capsules or other items carry the “BPI Certified Compostable” logo, this guarantees that they can be composted safely and efficiently in industrial composting facilities.

Additional Requirements

• Over 90% physical disintegration within 180 days
• Complete chemical degradation under controlled conditions
• No ecotoxicity in the final compost

Products must also comply with the maximum residue limits set for heavy metals and other critical substances (Source: European Compost Network). The final compost must be able to support plant growth without any harmful effects.

BPI Compostable Certification Process and Procedures

The manufacturer submits representative samples together with a full technical data sheet. These undergo tests in approved laboratories according to standardised protocols such as :

• Analysis of biodegradation in an industrial composting cycle
• Visual disintegration tests
• Phytotoxicity studies on plants

BPI Compostable Certification: Strategic Issues for Manufacturers

Securing Regulatory Compliance

BPI certification is a strategic guarantee against all legal environmental obligations, which are becoming increasingly stringent, particularly in the United States. It enables industries to prove (unambiguously) the compostability of their products, particularly PHA bioplastics, to internationally recognised standards. It also protects the company against possible legal action or exclusion from public contracts for non-compliance with current environmental standards.

Competitive Advantage and Enhanced Brand Image

By providing proof of the effective compostability of its products, the manufacturer confirms its technical and environmental credibility with its customers and partners. This external validation testifies to compliance with demanding standards based on internationally recognised scientific criteria.

It ensures confidence in the actual performance of the materials on offer, over and above mere marketing claims. By partnering with a supplier of BPI-certified PHA pellets, the company is demonstrating its mastery of sustainability issues, positioning itself as a key player in responsible supply chains.

Integration into CSR Policies

Certification lends credibility to the commitments made with regard to product life cycles. It means that certified compostability can be included as a measurable indicator in CSR reports. Being awarded the BPI label will also help to enhance your brand image, strengthen your reputation in the sector and set you apart. Thanks to the quality of its transparency and responsibility, the BPI label represents a strategic asset for promoting responsible growth.

BPI compostable: Much more than Certification…

Faced with the demands of regulations, the market and society, BPI compostable certification is becoming an expected standard for manufacturers committed to the environmental transition. It represents legitimate recognition of compostability performance, both to meet the strict requirements of certain markets and principals, and to become a competitive advantage in the face of technical challenges that go far beyond mere compliance with regulations.

Make your Project a Reality with PHA Sourcing at your Side

At PHA Sourcing, we are committed to supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With our technological expertise and large-scale production capabilities, we help industries innovate in their markets with environmentally-friendly solutions.

All our PHA applications comply with global standards and certifications: rely on our expertise to optimize your resources, reduce your lead times and increase your competitiveness in the sustainable materials market.

BPI certification is all about economic performance, CSR and commercial appeal. Working with an expert like PHA Sourcing to implement and obtain BPI certification is also the best way to accelerate your sustainable innovation projects, secure your investments and boost your responsible growth. Let’s talk about your project!