In today’s eco-conscious world, the term “BPI compostable” is becoming more visible on product packaging, trash bags, food containers, and even shipping mailers. But what does it really mean when a product is labeled as “BPI compostable”? Is it truly better for the environment? And how can businesses and consumers make sure they are choosing the right products?
In this article, we’ll break down “what is bpi compostable mean”, why the certification matters, and how it benefits businesses, the environment, and responsible consumers alike.
What Does BPI Compostable Meaning
“BPI” stands for the Biodegradable Products Institute, a non-profit organization based in North America that certifies products as compostable according to specific scientific standards.
BPI compostable meaning the product has been tested and certified to break down in an industrial composting facility without leaving behind harmful residues, toxins, or plastic fragments.
The key components of the definition include:
- The product will biodegrade in a controlled composting environment.
- It leaves no toxic or harmful residues behind.
- The certification is based on standards such as ASTM D6400 (for plastics) or ASTM D6868 (for coatings on paper).
This is important because not all “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” products meet strict composting requirements.
What are BPI-Certified Products？
For Consumers:
- Compostable trash bags
- Food scrap liners
- Disposable plates and cutlery
- Coffee cups and lids
- Produce bags
For Businesses:
- Foodservice packaging (bowls, trays, utensils)
- Compostable poly mailers for e-commerce
- Dog waste bags
- Kitchen garbage liners for office or restaurant waste separation
Industries such as hospitality, restaurants, retail, and e-commerce are increasingly switching to BPI-certified alternatives to meet sustainability goals and municipal composting rules.
Benefits of Using BPI-Certified Compostable Products
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces plastic pollution in landfills and oceans
- Supports the circular economy
- Breaks down into nutrient-rich compost instead of microplastics
Regulatory Compliance
- Helps businesses meet municipal composting mandates
- Ensures products are accepted by commercial composters
Brand Image & Customer Trust
- Appeals to eco-conscious customers
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability
- Helps B2B clients meet ESG and CSR goals
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bpi-Certified Compostable Products
Industrial Composting Required
- These products need high heat and controlled conditions—not all cities have composting infrastructure
- If sent to a landfill or incinerator, they won’t break down properly
Consumer Education
- Many people mistakenly throw compostable items into recycling or landfill
- Proper labeling and signage are crucial to ensure correct disposal
Cost
- BPI-certified products can be more expensive than plastic alternatives
- However, prices are falling as demand and production scale increase
BPI vs. Other Compostability Certifications
While BPI is a major certification in North America, there are other important compostability certifications worldwide. Here’s how they compare:
| Certification | Region | Based On | Type of Composting |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPI | USA | ASTM D6400 | Industrial |
| EN13432 | Europe | EN13432 | Industrial |
| TÜV Austria | Global/EU | EN13432/OK Compost | Home & Industrial |
| AS 5810 | Australia | AS 5810 | Home |
Key Differences:
- BPI focuses on industrial composting only
- TÜV and some others also offer home compostability certification
- Some companies get multiple certifications to cover more markets
If your business ships globally, it’s best to choose a packaging supplier (like us) that meets both BPI and EN13432.
Why BPI Certification Matters for Businesses
The market is flooded with products claiming to be green, sustainable, or biodegradable. However, without third-party verification, these claims can be misleading—a practice known as greenwashing.
BPI certification matters because it is:
- Third-party verified: Products are tested by independent laboratories.
- Standardized: Certification follows scientifically recognized compostability standards.
- Trusted: Many municipalities, waste facilities, and eco-conscious businesses only accept or work with BPI-certified products.
Using BPI-certified products ensures:
It complies with local composting program rules, which often only accept BPI-certified materials.
The product will break down safely in a commercial composting facility.
It will not harm compost quality or the environment.
How Products Get BPI Certified
Getting a product BPI-certified is not as simple as slapping a logo on packaging. It involves a strict and transparent process:
Step 1: Submit Product for Review
The product manufacturer must provide detailed information about the product’s material composition, usage, and manufacturing process.
Step 2: Lab Testing
Products are tested by independent labs to assess how well they meet the following:
- Disintegration: The product physically breaks down during composting.
- Biodegradation: It is consumed by microorganisms.
- Eco-toxicity: The finished compost does not harm plants or the soil.
Step 3: Certification Review
If the product passes all tests according to ASTM standards, BPI grants certification.
Step 4: Logo & Labeling Approval
BPI provides clear labeling rules. The product must display:
- The BPI logo
- The certifying standard (e.g., ASTM D6400)
- Any relevant usage instructions (e.g., “For industrial composting only”)
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance
BPI certifications are not forever. Companies must renew certifications annually and retest if the formula or material changes.
BPI Compostable vs. Biodegradable vs. Home Compostable
Let’s clear up a common confusion: Not all compostable items are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable items are compostable. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have key differences:
| Term | Meaning | Breakdown Time | Facility Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPI Compostable | Certified to break down safely in industrial composting | 90 days or less | Industrial facility |
| Biodegradable | Will eventually break down by microorganisms | Varies (can take years) | No guarantee of safety or time frame |
| Home Compostable | Breaks down in backyard composting conditions | 180 days or less | Home compost pile or bin |
BPI compostable products are only guaranteed to break down in industrial composting facilities, which maintain high heat and controlled conditions. They are not suitable for home composting, unless labeled specifically for that purpose.
How to Identify BPI-Certified Products
BPI Product Catalog:
Visit the BPI Product Catalog, a searchable database of more than 10,000 certified products broken down to specific companies and product numbers.
Use the search bar to find specific products by entering product type (e.g., “compostable bags”) or brand (e.g., “BioBag”).
The catalog allows you to download individual company product lists for easy verification by consumers, composting facilities, or businesses.
Check for the BPI certification mark:
Certified products typically have the BPI certification mark (swirl design) printed on the packaging, unless exempted due to space constraints or low contamination risk (e.g., straws, resins).
The mark should include the word “Compostable” and the BPI certification number to ensure authenticity.
Retailer and brand websites:
- Green Paper Products: Offers BPI-certified foodservice and packaging products with certification details on the website.
- Eco-Products: Lists its BPI-certified cups, plates, and packaging materials.
- Good Start Packaging: Offers a large collection of BPI-certified products and supports wholesale.
- Amazon: Search “BPI certified compostable” to find products from brands such as BioBag, Glad, and more.
Contact the manufacturer directly:
Contact the brand (e.g. BioBag, UNNI) or BPI (certification@bpiworld.org) to verify product certification status.
FAQ:
What does it mean if a bag is BPI compostable?
It means the bag has been tested and certified to break down in a commercial composting facility, leaving no toxic residues behind.
Is BPI compostable the same as biodegradable?
No. “Biodegradable” is a vague term without time or safety standards. BPI compostable products must break down within 90 days in industrial composting conditions and meet strict toxicity standards.
Can I compost BPI-certified products at home?
Generally, no. BPI certification is for industrial composting only unless the product is also labeled for home compostability.
Conclusion
We manufacture a wide range of BPI-certified compostable bags and packaging for wholesale, OEM, and cross-border clients. Whether you’re a foodservice company, retail brand, or packaging distributor, we offer sustainable solutions that meet the highest compostability standards.
👉 Contact us today to discuss custom orders or request free samples.
