Home Compostable Gets Official: BPI's New Certification Raises the Bar
- NextGen Bioplastics Team
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
The compostability landscape is changing fast. As U.S. states crack down on greenwashing and enforce stricter labeling laws, third-party certification has gone from "nice to have" to non-negotiable.
In response, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is launching the North America's first home compostable certification for packaging, a major milestone for brands and manufacturers aiming to validate end-of-life performance in real backyard systems.
What "Compostable" Really Means
For packaging, compostable means it must break down safely into non-toxic elements without releasing microplastics, toxic residues, or PFAS (forever chemicals).
There are two main types of compostable certification:
Industrial Compostable: Breaks down in high-temperature, facility-controlled environments (Standards: ASTM D6400 / EN 13432).
Home Compostable: Degrades in cooler, less-controlled backyard compost systems, typically within 12 months.
Until now, most U.S. certifications only addressed industrial systems. BPI's new label fills that gap.
What's New in 2025
Launching next month, BPI's Home Compostable Certification includes stricter testing to reflect real-world compost conditions. BPI is the first certifier in North America to offer a nationally recognized label for home compostable packaging. This offers much-needed clarity to composters, brands, and retailers alike. Applications open December 1, 2025.
Why Certification Matters
Compostability claims can't just be marketing. They need to be verified.
Here's why:
Market Access: Major retailers increasingly favor products with third-party certified compostable packaging, as they work toward sustainability goals.
Regulatory Risk: California’s AB 1201 law prohibits unverified compostability claims and allows for civil enforcement, while the Federal Trade Commission enforces its Green Guides, targeting deceptive environmental marketing.
EPR Compliance: States like California, Oregon, and Colorado are starting to mandate circular packaging and give certified compostables a break on fees and product restrictions under Extended Producer Responsibility policies.
Cost of Inaction: Investment in certification is minimal compared to the cost of lost shelf space, regulatory penalties, or brand damage due to greenwashing.
While U.S. certification frameworks are still evolving, the European Union has long enforced stricter standards, especially around heavy metal limits and faster biodegradation timelines. These global benchmarks are pushing innovation forward across the industry.
From Insight to Action
Third-party compostability certification is no longer a niche consideration. It's a gatekeeper for market access, regulatory compliance, and brand trust.
With BPI's new Home Compostable label, U.S. packaging now has its clearest guidance yet on what meets backyard compost conditions. For sustainability-focused brands, this opens the door to more transparent, verifiable, and broadly accessible consumer solutions. Compostable packaging is becoming easier to trust, adopt, and scale.
Contact NextGen Bioplastics to explore compostable, plant-based, packaging solutions:
📞 +1 (570) 203-1770
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