For B2B buyers sourcing compostable packaging, the word "compostable" is a question, not a claim. The right follow-up is always: certified to which standard, by whom?
ASTM D6400 is the U.S. benchmark for compostable plastics. It requires products to disintegrate, biodegrade into CO², water, and biomass on a timeline comparable to natural materials, and leave no toxic residue or excess heavy metals behind. In North America, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is the leading third-party certifier against this standard — the BPI mark is what U.S. retailers, municipalities, and commercial composters look for.
EN 13432 is the European counterpart for packaging: at least 90% disintegration within 12 weeks, full biodegradation within six months, and no harm to compost quality. Products formally certified to it may carry the Seedling logo, a registered mark of European Bioplastics awarded through approved certification bodies.
GB/T 19277 is China's national standard for degradable plastics, defining the test methods and pass criteria behind compostability claims in the domestic market.
The practical takeaway: a supplier serving multiple markets should hold the certification each market recognizes — a test report alone is not the same as third-party certification. Greenstar's compostable packaging lines are certified to ASTM D6400, EN 13432, and GB/T 19277, so one product family can ship to North America, Europe, and China with the documentation each market requires.
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.