Views: 99 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-13 Origin: Site
As the global coffee industry embraces sustainability, biodegradable and compostable coffee bags are becoming a symbol of eco-conscious branding. However, not all "green" claims are created equal. Certifications are the only way to verify that your coffee packaging truly meets international compostability and biodegradability standards.
In this guide, we'll explore the top certifications every biodegradable coffee bag should have, what each one means, and how you can use them to build trust and brand credibility.
Why Certifications Matter for Biodegradable Coffee Bags
Certifications do more than add a logo to your packaging — they prove compliance, build consumer trust, and unlock access to international markets.
Here's why they matter:
Credibility: Certification logos (like BPI, OK Compost, or Seedling) validate that your coffee bags meet verified compostability standards.
Compliance: Many countries legally restrict terms such as "biodegradable" or "compostable" unless backed by official certification.
Market Access: Major importers, roasters, and retailers increasingly require certified sustainable packaging.
1. EN 13432 — The European Compostability Standard
Region: Europe
What It Means: EN 13432 verifies that packaging materials are industrially compostable — ensuring they break down into non-toxic, compostable components under controlled conditions.
Certification Mark: The Seedling logo, issued by European Bioplastics.
Why It's Important:
If you export to Europe or sell to EU-based roasters, EN 13432 is the gold standard certification for compostable packaging. It covers disintegration, biodegradation rate, and absence of heavy metals.
Tip: Display the Seedling logo clearly on your bag to help EU consumers recognize compliance.
2. ASTM D6400 / ASTM D6868 — U.S. Compostability Standards
Region: United States
What It Means: ASTM D6400 (for plastics) and ASTM D6868 (for coatings on paper or fiber) confirm that materials will fully biodegrade in industrial composting facilities within a set timeframe.
Linked Certification: Often paired with BPI Certification, since BPI relies on ASTM standards.
Why It's Important:
ASTM compliance is essential if your brand targets North America, where composting infrastructure is expanding rapidly.
3. BPI Certification — North America's Compostable Standard
Region: United States / Canada
Certifying Body:Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
Logo: The BPI Certified Compostable mark
What It Covers:
Verification of compostability to ASTM D6400 / D6868
Toxicity and disintegration testing
Registration in BPI's public certified product database
Why It's Important:
Without BPI certification, you can't legally claim "compostable" in many U.S. markets. It's one of the most recognized certifications among consumers and composting facilities alike.
4. OK Compost (Industrial & Home) — TÜV Austria
Region: International
Certifying Body: TÜV Austria
Types:
OK Compost INDUSTRIAL: For industrial composting facilities
OK Compost HOME: For home or garden composting environments
Why It's Important:
OK Compost certifications provide flexibility — brands can communicate whether their coffee bags are suitable for home compost bins or require industrial conditions.
Pro Tip: Pairing both certifications (Industrial + Home) can give your brand a major marketing advantage.
5. AS 4736 / AS 5810 — Australian Compostable Standards
Region: Australia / New Zealand
Issued By: Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA)
What It Covers:
AS 4736 — Industrial compostability
AS 5810 — Home compostability
Why It's Important:
If your brand exports to Oceania or attends events like MICE (Melbourne International Coffee Expo), these certifications are highly recognized.
6. DIN CERTCO — German / Global Certification
Region: Europe / Global
Certifying Body: DIN CERTCO (Germany)
What It Covers:
Why It's Important:
It's trusted globally and often used by international packaging suppliers, especially in Germany and Northern Europe.
How Certifications Benefit Your Coffee Brand
Market Expansion: Access to eco-sensitive regions (EU, US, AU).
Consumer Trust: Shoppers are more likely to purchase certified sustainable packaging.
Brand Differentiation: Certification logos serve as powerful visual proof of your sustainability commitment.
Getting certified isn't just about compliance — it's about credibility and growth.
Displaying these marks clearly on your packaging and website communicates environmental responsibility, and builds confidence among roasters and eco-conscious consumers.
At BioPack, we help brands around the world create certified compostable coffee packaging that meets the highest sustainability standards — from material selection to global compliance.
