Switching a bag, mailer, or cup to a compostable version is easy to announce and harder to get right. For a business buyer, the difference usually comes down to five questions asked before the order, not after delivery.
First, which standard does the product meet? Look for a named standard such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or GB/T 19277, rather than a vague "biodegradable" label. Each sets test conditions for disintegration and biodegradation under industrial composting, so the standard name matters more than the marketing word.
Second, does the claim match your disposal route? Compostability claims for these standards refer to industrial composting conditions, and commercial composting facilities may not be available in every community. A product that performs in an industrial facility is not automatically accepted by every local program, so confirm acceptance where the packaging will actually be discarded.
Third, does the certificate cover this exact product? Certifications apply only to the specific products listed in the relevant certificates. Ask the supplier for documentation covering the exact item, size, and formulation you are buying, not a certificate for a different product in the same range.
Fourth, does it fit the job? Size, thickness, seal strength, and print all affect whether a compostable item survives filling, transport, and storage. Request samples and test them in your own operation before committing to volume.
Fifth, what happens after use? Agree the sorting and collection plan with your customer or facility partner in advance, so compostable items are directed to the right stream instead of contaminating recycling.
Asked in that order, these questions turn a sustainability claim into a specification a supplier can actually meet.
Disclaimer: Product descriptions, specifications, and certification references in this article are provided for general information. Compostability claims (including ASTM D6400, EN 13432, and GB/T 19277) refer to industrial composting conditions; commercial composting facilities may not be available in all communities. Certifications apply only to the specific products listed in the relevant certificates. For current certification documentation, contact Greenstar@greenstarmaterial.com.