What does EN13432 certification mean?

EN13432 certification proves that a product is industrially compostable according to EU requirements. It guarantees that the material breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific timeframe without leaving toxic residues.

Is EN13432 the same as “biodegradable”?

Not exactly. “ Biodegradable ” simply means a material can break down naturally—but without a time limit or environmental control. EN13432, however, sets strict lab-tested criteria for biodegradation, disintegration, and eco -toxicity under industrial composting conditions. So EN13432-certified products are scientifically proven compostable , not just biodegradable in theory.

Does EN13432 cover home composting?

No. EN13432 applies only to industrial composting facilities, where temperature and humidity are controlled. For home composting, the relevant certification is OK compost HOME, which requires d eco mposition at lower temperatures and slower conditions. eco mposition

Which materials can meet EN13432?

Typical materials include bagasse ( sugarcane pulp), PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT, and starch-based biopolymers. These materials naturally break down without releasing microplastics or harmful chemicals. Non- compostable materials like PP, PET, or PS cannot qualify under EN13432.

How can buyers verify if a product is EN13432 certified?

Look for certification logos such as “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” or the “Seedling” symbol, issued by organizations like TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO . Buyers can also request a valid certificate number or test report from the supplier for verification. supplier for verificatio

EN13432 Compostable Tableware | EU Certified Bagasse

What Is EN13432?

EN13432 is the European Union’s official standard for packaging and single-use products that are industrially compostable.

It was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and serves as the foundation for evaluating whether a material can safely decompose in a controlled composting environment.

This standard applies not only to biodegradable tableware such as plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery, but also to packaging films, coatings, and other compostable materials. Meeting EN13432 is often a mandatory requirement for entering EU markets, especially under the EU Packaging and Waste Directives.

Key Requirements of EN13432

To qualify for EN13432 certification, a product must satisfy four main criteria:

Biodegradation

The material must biodegrade at least 90% within six months under controlled composting conditions. This means microorganisms must break it down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass—without leaving harmful residues.

Disintegration

During composting, the product must physically disintegrate so that no more than 10% of fragments remain after 12 weeks when sieved through a 2 mm mesh. This ensures the compost is free of visible residues.

Absence of Toxic Effects

The compost produced from the material must not negatively affect plant growth. This is verified by germination and biomass tests using sensitive plant species.

Limited Heavy Metals and Chemicals

Strict thresholds exist for heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg). The product must also not release toxic substances during degradation.

These combined criteria ensure that EN13432-certified products are safe for both the environment and agricultural reuse.

EN13432 vs ASTM D6400 vs ISO 17088

While EN13432 is the standard within the European Union, other regions follow their own compostability benchmarks. Understanding the differences helps manufacturers adapt to global markets:

Standard	Region	Composting Type	Certification Bodies	Key Focus
EN13432	European Union	Industrial Composting	TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO	Material breakdown, disintegration, and eco-safety
ASTM D6400	United States	Industrial Composting	BPI, NSF	Biodegradability under controlled aerobic conditions
ISO 17088	International	Industrial Composting	Various ISO labs	Harmonized testing and eco-impact assessment

For global exporters, achieving EN13432 and ASTM D6400 dual compliance demonstrates strong environmental responsibility and maximizes market accessibility.

Why EN13432 Certification Matters

For tableware manufacturers and distributors, EN13432 certification is more than a label—it’s a competitive advantage.

Legal Compliance

In many EU countries, only certified compostable products can be legally marketed as “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly.” Without certification, importers risk product recalls or fines.

Market Access & Buyer Trust

European retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice chains increasingly demand proof of EN13432 compliance from their suppliers. The certification provides a reliable signal of product quality and authenticity.

Environmental Credibility

EN13432-certified materials ensure that after disposal, the products return safely to nature—supporting circular economy goals and reducing landfill burden.

How to Get EN13432 Certified

Obtaining EN13432 certification involves several testing and auditing stages:

Laboratory Testing – The product undergoes biodegradation, disintegration, and toxicity assessments under industrial composting conditions.
Documentation Review – A full technical dossier detailing raw materials, additives, and manufacturing processes is submitted.
Certification Audit – Independent organizations such as TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO review the data and perform validation checks.
License & Mark Usage – Once approved, the manufacturer may display the “OK Compost” or “Seedling” logo on packaging and marketing materials.

This process typically takes 3–6 months depending on product complexity and testing results.

Eco Pulp Pack’s Commitment to Certified Compostability

At Eco Pulp Pack, we design and manufacture bagasse-based compostable tableware that meets the highest international standards. Our products are tested to comply with EN13432, ensuring safe degradation in commercial composting environments without releasing toxins or microplastics.

Our bagasse plates, bowls, trays, and clamshells are:

100% plant-based and plastic-free
Certified compostable under EU and US standards
PFAS-free and heavy metal compliant
Ideal for foodservice, catering, and eco-packaging distributors

By meeting the EN13432 compostability criteria, we help our partners confidently supply sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics—fully aligned with EU environmental policies and upcoming global plastic bans.

EN13432 FAQ – Common Questions About the EU Compostability Standard

What does EN13432 certification mean?

EN13432 certification proves that a product is industrially compostable according to EU requirements. It guarantees that the material breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific timeframe without leaving toxic residues.
Is EN13432 the same as “biodegradable”?

Not exactly. “Biodegradable” simply means a material can break down naturally—but without a time limit or environmental control.
EN13432, however, sets strict lab-tested criteria for biodegradation, disintegration, and eco-toxicity under industrial composting conditions. So EN13432-certified products are scientifically proven compostable, not just biodegradable in theory.
Does EN13432 cover home composting?

No. EN13432 applies only to industrial composting facilities, where temperature and humidity are controlled.
For home composting, the relevant certification is OK compost HOME, which requires decomposition at lower temperatures and slower conditions.ecomposition
Which materials can meet EN13432?

Typical materials include bagasse (sugarcane pulp), PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT, and starch-based biopolymers. These materials naturally break down without releasing microplastics or harmful chemicals.
Non-compostable materials like PP, PET, or PS cannot qualify under EN13432.
How can buyers verify if a product is EN13432 certified?

Look for certification logos such as “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” or the “Seedling” symbol, issued by organizations like TÜV Austria or DIN CERTCO.
Buyers can also request a valid certificate number or test report from the supplier for verification.supplier for verificatio

Conclusion

EN13432 represents more than a regulatory standard—it’s a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and circular design. For any brand or importer aiming to succeed in the European market, EN13432 compliance is a must-have credential that reflects real environmental accountability.

At Eco Pulp Pack, we’re proud to support global businesses with certified biodegradable tableware that meets the highest environmental and performance standards.

👉 Contact us today to learn more about our EN13432-certified bagasse products and start building your sustainable product line.