As the green consumption trend continues to expand, biodegradable packaging is gradually replacing traditional plastics. Consumers today care not only about product quality but also about environmental impact. In this context, the EN 13432 standard has become the “green passport” for compostable products in Europe. It defines how packaging materials must biodegrade safely and completely to be recognized as compostable.
WHAT IS THE EN 13432 STANDARD?
EN 13432 is a European standard issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It specifies the requirements for packaging that can biodegrade under industrial composting conditions. The standard applies to various products such as bags, containers, films, and coated paper cups. Once a material meets all testing criteria, it can carry the “OK Compost” or “Seedling” certification label — proof of its sustainability and ability to reintegrate into the natural environment.
KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR EN 13432 CERTIFICATION
Biodegradability
Materials must be fully biodegradable, meaning at least 90% of the organic carbon is converted into CO₂ within 180 days under controlled composting conditions. Testing is performed according to EN 14046 or ISO 14855 standards. This ensures the material leaves no residual polymers or microplastics in the compost environment.
Disintegration
This criterion assesses how quickly and completely a material physically breaks down. After 12 weeks of composting at 58 ± 2°C, the remaining fragments must account for less than 10% of the original sample’s area. The material must not disrupt the compost screening process, ensuring the packaging disappears completely without solid residues.
Ecotoxicity
The compost resulting from degradation must be non-toxic to plants and soil organisms. Tests are carried out using crops such as wheat, oilseed rape, or tomatoes. If germination or biomass growth is negatively affected, the material fails certification. Additionally, the content of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) must remain below the limits set by EN 13432.
Chemical Composition
All components — base polymers, fillers, and additives — must be declared and analyzed. The material cannot contain toxic substances or compounds that inhibit microbial activity during composting. Heavy metal concentrations must remain within safe limits to ensure environmental compatibility and non-toxicity.
BENEFITS OF ACHIEVING EN 13432 CERTIFICATION
Obtaining EN 13432 certification provides significant advantages for businesses. It not only fulfills regulatory requirements in the EU but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Certified packaging bearing the “OK Compost” or “Seedling” label is easily recognized and trusted by eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, compostable products help reduce plastic waste, align with ESG sustainability goals, and enhance brand image.
COMMON BIO-BASED MATERIALS COMPLYING WITH EN 13432
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a bio-based polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or cassava starch. It is fully compostable under industrial conditions and offers transparency, easy processability, and food safety. Luminy PLA by TotalEnergies Corbion is a leading example, certified under EN 13432 and USDA Biobased, known for its purity and excellent biodegradability.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate)
PHA is produced through microbial fermentation of biological carbon sources. Unlike PLA, PHA can biodegrade in both soil and marine environments, even at lower temperatures. With tunable flexibility and strength, it is ideal for compostable garbage bags and single-use packaging applications.
PLA/PBAT Blends and Modified Starch Materials
To enhance flexibility and processability, manufacturers often blend PLA with PBAT or modified starch. When these blends meet all four EN 13432 criteria, they are recognized as compostable materials. These materials are widely used for biodegradable garbage bags, agricultural mulch films, and short-life food packaging, combining mechanical performance with environmental safety.
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