As global environmental awareness grows, sustainable packaging has become the first choice for businesses and consumers. Compostable bags are rapidly replacing traditional plastic bags as a green alternative, and the ASTM D6400 standard is the key to ensuring that these bags are truly environmentally friendly. As China’s leading compostable bag manufacturer, we have 16 years of manufacturing experience and are committed to producing environmentally friendly products that meet the ASTM D6400 standard.
This article will deeply analyze the definition, requirements and importance of ASTM D6400 in compostable bags to help you understand how to choose high-quality environmentally friendly packaging and contribute to a green future.
What is ASTM D6400?
ASTM D6400 is a standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) for plastic products that can be aerobically composted in industrial composting facilities. It ensures that the material can be completely degraded under specific conditions and converted into substances that are harmless to the environment.
Three Core Requirements of Astm D6400:
Biodegradation: The material must convert at least 90% of its carbon into carbon dioxide within 180 days to ensure that it is completely decomposed in the composting environment.
Disintegration: During the 12-week composting test, the material must disintegrate, and the residue must not exceed 10%, and it must not affect the quality of the compost.
Ecotoxicity: The residue after composting is harmless to plant growth and must reach 90% germination rate and biomass, with no significant difference compared to the control group.
ASTM D6400 is mainly aimed at industrial composting environments (high temperature 55-60°C, high humidity), which is different from the lower temperature and slower degradation rate of home composting. This standard is highly similar to the European EN 13432 standard in terms of requirements and has international recognition, ensuring product compliance in global markets. Choosing packaging that complies with ASTM D6400 means that you have made a real contribution to reducing plastic pollution.
Application of STM D6400 Compostable Bags
Compostable bags (such as garbage bags, shopping bags, pet waste bags) are a popular choice for environmentally friendly packaging, but not all products labeled “compostable” are truly environmentally friendly. ASTM D6400 certification is the “gold standard” for verifying whether a product can be fully degraded in an industrial composting facility.
Why do compostable bags need ASTM D6400 certification?
Compliance and market competitiveness: In the United States and many regulated markets, ASTM D6400 certification is a prerequisite for legally labeling “compostable”. Certified products (such as BPI certification) are more likely to enter retail and distribution channels and win customer trust.
Environmentally friendly materials: Bags that meet ASTM D6400 usually use plant-based materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBAT) or corn starch. These materials are derived from renewable resources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Avoid greenwashing: Some products on the market are labeled “degradable” but actually contain non-compostable ingredients. ASTM D6400 certification ensures that the product contains no microplastic residue and is truly environmentally friendly.
How to Choose ASTM D6400 Compostable Bags
Check Certification:
Look for the BPI or TÜV Austria certification mark, which is direct proof of ASTM D6400 compliance. The certification number can be verified through the BPI website to ensure product authenticity.
Understand the Materials:
High-quality compostable bags should use plant-based materials such as PLA, PBAT or corn starch. Avoid bags with polyethylene or other non-degradable ingredients, which may cause microplastic pollution.
Consider the Purpose:
Choose the appropriate thickness and size based on the purpose. Kitchen garbage bags need 0.9-1.1 mil to ensure strength, and pet waste bags can choose 0.71 mil to balance cost and performance.
Storage and Use:
Compostable bags should be stored in a cool and dry place, avoiding heat or humidity. It is recommended to use within one year to maintain optimal performance.
Choose a Reliable Supplier:
It is crucial to work with an experienced manufacturer. Our 16 years of production experience and strict quality inspection process ensure that each batch of products meets the ASTM D6400 standard and meets customer needs.
Conclusion
ASTM D6400 standard provides scientific and rigorous environmental protection for compostable bags, ensuring that the products are completely degraded in industrial composting environment, reducing plastic pollution and protecting the earth’s ecology. As a pioneer in the field of compostable bag production in China, we rely on 16 years of experience to produce high-quality products that meet ASTM D6400 and help customers achieve sustainable development goals.
Contact us now to get a free compostable bag sample and experience our customized solutions! Whether you are a retailer, catering company or environmental organization, we can provide environmentally friendly packaging that meets your needs.
FAQ
Is ASTM D6400 suitable for home composting?
ASTM D6400 is mainly for industrial composting environments (high temperature and high humidity). Home composting has lower temperatures and slower degradation, so you need to choose bags with the “OK Compost HOME” certification. We can provide dual-certified products to meet different needs.
Will compostable bags leave microplastics?
Bags that meet ASTM D6400 will completely degrade in industrial composting environments without producing microplastics. We use third-party laboratories (such as Microbe Investigations Switzerland) to test to ensure that the products have no harmful residues
Is certification mandatory?
ASTM D6400 certification is not mandatory in most markets, but in regions such as the United States, “compostable” labels must be certified to comply with regulations. Certification can also enhance product credibility and market competitiveness.
How to verify product compliance?
You can check the certification number on the BPI or TÜV Austria official website, or ask the supplier to provide a third-party test report. All our products are provided with detailed certification documents to ensure transparency and compliance.
