EN 13432 is one of the most important international standards for compostable materials and compostable packaging. In the European Union, products that claim to be compostable must comply with the EN 13432 standard.
This certification ensures that packaging materials can safely break down in industrial composting systems without harming the environment.
In this guide, we explain:
- what EN 13432 certification means
- the technical requirements of the standard
- how EN 13432 testing works
- how it compares with other compostable standards
Understanding EN 13432 is essential for manufacturers, distributors, and buyers working with compostable packaging.
What Is EN 13432?
EN 13432 is a European standard that defines the requirements for packaging materials that can be recovered through composting and biodegradation.
The standard was introduced as part of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive to ensure that compostable packaging breaks down safely in industrial composting facilities.
If a product claims to be compostable in the European market, it typically must comply with EN 13432 certification.
The standard applies mainly to:
- biodegradable films
- compostable plastic packaging
- compostable bags
- food service packaging
Why EN 13432 Certification Matters
EN 13432 certification helps ensure that compostable products actually break down in real composting environments.
Without standards like EN 13432, manufacturers could label products as “biodegradable” even if they leave microplastics or harmful residues behind.
The certification provides several important benefits:
Environmental protection
Ensures compostable materials fully biodegrade without contaminating soil.
Consumer trust
Provides third-party verification that products meet compostability claims.
Regulatory compliance
Many EU countries require EN 13432 compliance to legally market packaging as compostable.
Key Requirements of EN 13432
The biodegradation process of compostable plastics is explained in detail in our guide on compostable plastic degradation.
To obtain EN 13432 certification, packaging materials must pass several scientific tests.
The four core requirements include:
1 Biodegradability
The material must biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
At least 90% of the organic carbon must convert to CO₂ within 180 days under industrial composting conditions. Learn more about how composting facilities work in our guide to home composting vs industrial composting .
2 Disintegration
During composting, the material must physically break down.
After 12 weeks, no visible fragments larger than 2 mm should remain in the compost.
3 Ecotoxicity
The resulting compost must not harm plant growth.
Plant growth tests are conducted to ensure the compost is safe for agriculture.
4 Heavy Metal Limits
EN 13432 sets strict limits for heavy metals such as:
- lead
- cadmium
- mercury
- chromium
This prevents contamination of soil and compost.
EN 13432 Testing Process
To receive certification, products must undergo laboratory testing.
Typical testing includes:
1 Material analysis
2 Biodegradation testing
3 Compost disintegration testing
4 Ecotoxicity evaluation
Independent certification bodies such as TÜV Austria and DIN CERTCO perform these tests.
EN 13432 vs ASTM D6400
EN 13432 is the European compostability standard.
The equivalent standard in the United States is ASTM D6400.
| Standard | Region | Application |
|---|---|---|
| EN 13432 | Europe | Compostable packaging |
| ASTM D6400 | United States | Compostable plastics |
| AS 4736 | Australia | Industrial compostable plastics |
All of these standards ensure that compostable plastics biodegrade in industrial composting facilities.
Which Products Must Meet EN 13432?
Many compostable products require EN 13432 certification to be marketed in Europe.
Examples include:
- compostable trash bags
- compostable shopping bags
- compostable food packaging
- compostable films
- compostable agricultural mulch films
These products are typically made from bioplastics such as PLA, PBAT, or starch-based polymers.
How to Verify EN 13432 Certification
When purchasing compostable products, look for certification logos from recognized organizations.
Common certification marks include:
- OK Compost Industrial
- DIN CERTCO
- Seedling Logo (European Bioplastics)
These labels indicate that the product has passed EN 13432 testing.
Common Misunderstandings About EN 13432
EN 13432 means home compostable
Not necessarily. EN 13432 applies primarily to industrial composting conditions.
Biodegradable equals EN 13432
Many biodegradable plastics do not meet EN 13432 requirements.
Compostable products break down anywhere
Compostable plastics usually require controlled composting conditions.
Conclusion
EN 13432 is the primary European standard for compostable packaging and compostable materials. It ensures that materials biodegrade safely and completely in industrial composting environments. It ensures that materials biodegrade safely and completely in industrial composting environments.
By meeting strict requirements for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, and heavy metal limits, EN 13432 certification helps ensure that compostable products contribute to sustainable waste management.
FAQ
What does EN 13432 mean?
EN 13432 is a European standard that defines the requirements for packaging materials that can biodegrade and compost safely in industrial composting systems.
How long does EN 13432 compostable plastic take to break down?
Certified materials must biodegrade at least 90% within 180 days under industrial composting conditions.
Is EN 13432 the same as ASTM D6400?
Both standards define compostable plastics, but EN 13432 is used mainly in Europe while ASTM D6400 is used in the United States.
