As a European compostable standard, it provides a strict compliance framework for compostable packaging (such as compostable bags), ensuring that the product is fully degraded in an industrial composting environment and reducing plastic pollution. As China’s leading compostable bags manufacturer, we have 16 years of production experience and are committed to producing biodegradable packaging that complies with EN 13432 certification.
This article will deeply analyze the core requirements of EN 13432, its application in compostable packaging, and how to choose high-quality sustainable packaging solutions to help your green procurement and brand environmental protection commitment.
What is EN13432?
EN 13432 is a compostable packaging standard developed by the European Union and published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It applies to plastic and paper packaging materials that can be degraded in industrial composting environments.
It ensures that the product is converted into carbon dioxide, water and biomass during the composting process without leaving harmful residues, in compliance with the EU Packaging Directive (94/62/EC).
What are the EN13432 Standards?
Biodegradation: The material must convert more than 90% of the carbon into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within 180 days to ensure complete decomposition.
Disintegration: In a 12-week industrial composting test, the material must disintegrate with less than 10% residue, which does not affect the quality of the compost.
Ecotoxicity: The residue after composting is harmless to plant growth and must pass the germination rate and biomass test to reach more than 90% of the control group standard.
Heavy metal restrictions: Strictly control the content of harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium to ensure
EN 13432 is mainly aimed at industrial composting environments (55-60°C, high humidity), which is different from the lower temperature and slower degradation rate of home composting. Compared with ASTM D6400 (US standard), EN 13432 is highly similar in requirements, but it places more emphasis on EU regulatory compliance and heavy metal restrictions to ensure that products meet the strict standards of the European market. By obtaining EN 13432 certification, companies can not only demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection, but also improve their market competitiveness.
What Are the En13432 Certificates?
This certification is certified by institutions such as TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO and complies with the EU Packaging Regulation (94/62/EC), ensuring that the packaging does not contain microplastics.
As a Chinese compostable bag manufacturer with 16 years of experience, we provide EN 13432 certified packaging bags made of plant-based materials such as PLA and PBAT to meet the needs of environmentally conscious companies.
Why Do Compostable Bags Need En 13432 Certification?
Compostable bags (such as eco-friendly garbage bags, shopping bags, pet waste bags) are an important part of sustainable packaging and are widely used in household, commercial and agricultural scenarios. In the EU, EN 13432 certification is a necessary condition for compostable bags to be legally labeled “compostable”, ensuring that the product is completely degraded in industrial composting facilities and reducing plastic pollution.
Regulatory compliance: The EU market requires packaging materials to comply with Directive 94/62/EC, and EN 13432 certification (such as TÜV Austria certification or DIN CERTCO certification) is a pass to enter the market.
Environmentally friendly materials: Bags that comply with EN 13432 usually use plant-based materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBAT) and corn starch, and do not contain polyethylene or PFAS (perfluorinated compounds), ensuring microplastic-free packaging.
Avoid greenwashing: Some products on the market are labeled as “biodegradable” but may contain non-compostable ingredients. EN 13432 certification verifies the environmental friendliness of products through third-party testing (such as Microbe Investigations Switzerland), helping consumers and companies identify truly green packaging.
How to Choose Compostable Bags That Meet En13432
Check certification:
Look for TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO certification marks and verify the certification number (which can be checked on the official website). This ensures that the bag meets the EN 13432 standard.
Understand the materials:
Choose plant-based materials (such as PLA, PBAT, corn starch), avoid bags containing polyethylene or other non-degradable ingredients, and prevent microplastic pollution.
Match the purpose:
Choose the right specifications according to the needs. For example, eco-friendly garbage bags require 0.9-1.1 mil thickness to ensure strength, and pet waste bags can choose 0.71 mil to balance costs.
Storage advice:
Store the bags in a cool and dry place, avoid high temperature or humidity, and it is recommended to use them within one year to maintain optimal performance.
Choose a reliable supplier:
It is crucial to work with experienced manufacturers. With 16 years of experience, TÜV Austria certification and strict quality inspections, we ensure that our products meet EU packaging regulations.
Conclusion
EN 13432 provides scientific and rigorous environmental protection for compostable packaging, ensuring that the product is completely degraded in industrial compost, helping to reduce plastic pollution and comply with EU packaging regulations. As a compostable bags manufacturer in China, we rely on 16 years of experience to produce eco-friendly packaging that complies with EN 13432 certification to help customers achieve sustainable development goals.
Contact us now to get a free sample of EN 13432 certified bags and explore customized sustainable packaging solutions! Whether you are a retailer, catering company or environmental organization, we can provide green packaging that meets your needs.
FAQ
Is EN 13432 suitable for home composting?
EN 13432 is mainly for industrial composting environments (high temperature and high humidity). Home composting requires additional certification, such as OK Compost HOME. We provide dual-certified products to meet the needs of different scenarios.
Will bags that comply with EN 13432 produce microplastics?
Bags that comply with the EN 13432 standard are completely degraded in industrial composting, with no microplastic residues, as verified by third-party tests (such as Microbe Investigations Switzerland).
What is the difference between EN 13432 and ASTM D6400?
The requirements of the two are similar, but EN 13432 focuses more on EU packaging regulations, such as stricter restrictions on heavy metals. Our products comply with both and are suitable for the European and American markets.
How to verify EN 13432 certification?
Check the certification number through the official website of TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO, or ask the supplier to provide a test report. We provide transparent certification documents to ensure compliance.
