As interest in sustainable packaging grows, compostable plastics are becoming more common in consumer products.
In Australia, one important certification used to verify home compostable materials is the AS5810 compostable standard.
This certification ensures that plastic products can safely break down in home compost systems, where temperatures and microbial activity are less controlled than in industrial composting facilities.
Understanding the AS5810 standard is essential for brands and suppliers that want their compostable packaging to be suitable for household compost environments.
For an overview of global certification systems, see our guide to compostable certifications.
What Is AS5810?
AS5810 is the Australian standard for plastics that are home compostable.
The full name of the standard is:
AS 5810 – Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting.
This standard defines how materials must break down in natural compost environments, such as backyard compost bins.
To comply with AS5810 requirements, materials must:
• biodegrade under home composting conditions
• disintegrate during composting
• leave compost safe for plant growth
• contain limited heavy metals
Unlike industrial composting standards, AS5810 testing reflects lower temperatures and more variable composting conditions.
Why AS5810 Certification Matters
Home compostable packaging is becoming increasingly important as consumers seek environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic products.
Certification under AS5810 provides several benefits.
Environmental reliability
Products certified under AS5810 are designed to break down safely in backyard compost systems.
Consumer confidence
Certification helps consumers identify packaging that can be composted at home without special facilities.
Regulatory clarity
Clear certification standards help prevent misleading environmental claims in packaging.
Key Requirements of AS5810
Products seeking AS5810 certification must pass several technical tests that simulate home composting conditions.
Biodegradation
The material must biodegrade under lower-temperature composting conditions typical of home compost systems.
Disintegration
The product must physically break down during composting so that no large plastic fragments remain.
Ecotoxicity
Compost containing the material must support plant growth and contain no harmful residues.
Heavy Metal Limits
Materials must contain minimal levels of heavy metals to ensure the safety of the compost.
These requirements ensure that home compostable plastics behave similarly to organic waste during decomposition.
AS5810 vs AS4736
Australia uses two different compostable certification standards depending on where composting occurs.
| Standard | Composting Type | Environment |
|---|---|---|
| AS5810 | Home composting | Backyard compost systems |
| AS4736 | Industrial composting | Commercial compost facilities |
The main difference between these standards is the composting environment.
Products certified under AS5810 must break down under lower and more variable temperatures found in home compost systems.
Learn more in our guide to AS4736 compostable certification.
AS5810 vs Other Compostable Standards
AS5810 is part of a broader group of international compostability standards.
| Standard | Region | Composting Type |
|---|---|---|
| AS5810 | Australia | Home compost |
| AS4736 | Australia | Industrial compost |
| ASTM D6400 | United States | Industrial compost |
| EN13432 | Europe | Industrial compost |
While many compostable plastics are designed for industrial composting, home compostable materials require stricter performance under lower temperatures.
You can learn more about ASTM D6400 compostable standards.
Products That Use AS5810 Certification
Several types of compostable packaging products may seek AS5810 certification.
Examples include:
• compostable food waste bags
• compostable shopping bags
• compostable packaging films
• compostable dog waste bags
These products are designed for consumers who want to compost packaging directly in their home compost systems.
How to Verify AS5810 Certification
When purchasing compostable packaging, buyers should verify certification carefully.
Check certification logos
Look for official certification marks indicating compliance with AS5810.
Request certification documentation
Suppliers should provide certification certificates and testing documentation.
Confirm certification scope
Ensure the certification applies to the specific product material and intended use.
Conclusion
AS5810 is the Australian certification standard for plastics designed to break down in home compost systems.
By verifying that materials biodegrade safely under natural composting conditions, AS5810 helps ensure that compostable plastics truly deliver environmental benefits.
For companies supplying sustainable packaging to the Australian market, understanding AS5810 certification is an important part of responsible product design and sourcing.
