Certifications play a crucial role in sustainable packaging by providing consumers with reliable, third-party-verified information on the composition, sourcing, and disposal of packaging materials. In this article, we’ll cover the main certifications available for compostable, recycled, and responsibly sourced packaging materials, focusing on how these certifications work, what each entails, and why they’re important for brands and consumers alike.
1. Compostable Certifications: ABA, TUV, and BPI
Compostable certifications verify that a material will break down under specific composting conditions, either in a home compost bin or in industrial composting facilities. These certifications require stringent testing and provide guidelines on the appropriate composting environment.
TUV (Home and Industrial)
TUV Austria offers both home compostable and industrially compostable certifications:
- Home Compostable Certification: Products with this certification are tested to break down fully in a home compost setting in 180 days. Typically, thinner materials, which decompose more quickly, are more likely to meet the criteria for this certification.
- Industrial Compostable Certification: Products that need a controlled environment with higher temperatures and more consistent microbial activity are certified as industrially compostable. Pouches with thicker barriers or extra materials often fall into this category, as they may not break down effectively in a home compost.
Testing for TUV certification includes assessing the decomposition rate, biodegradation (breakdown into CO₂, water, and biomass), and toxicity levels to ensure no harmful residues remain after composting.
ABA Certification (Australia Bioplastics Association)
The Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA) offers certifications similar to TUV, applicable to both home and industrial composting. ABA’s compostability standards focus on the physical breakdown of materials, potential environmental toxicity, and residual presence of heavy metals, ensuring the product decomposes in a safe and environmentally friendly way. ABA certification often pairs with TUV for compostable products distributed globally.
BPI Certification (U.S. Biodegradable Products Institute)
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is a widely recognized U.S.-based certification for industrial compostability. BPI certification is limited to products that don’t have adhesive seals, as adhesives can interfere with the composting process. Products like compostable poly bags with a compostable zipper closure may qualify for BPI certification, making them suitable for industrial composting environments.
BPI-certified products undergo testing to confirm they will break down under industrial composting conditions without leaving toxic residues. This certification helps to ensure that only products meeting specific composting standards reach consumers with a “compostable” label.
2. Recycled Content Certifications: GRS
For recycled content packaging, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a leading certification. GRS certification assures consumers that a product is made with a specified percentage of recycled materials, distinguishing between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content.
- Pre-Consumer vs. Post-Consumer: Pre-consumer materials come from waste generated during the manufacturing process, while post-consumer materials are collected from used products. GRS provides transparency on the type and amount of recycled content used.
- Supply Chain Verification: GRS certification also includes auditing the supply chain to ensure materials are recycled responsibly. This “chain of custody” helps consumers trust that the recycled content claim is legitimate.
This certification is valuable for consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact by choosing products made with recycled materials, supporting a circular economy.
3. Paper Certifications: FSC and Additional Options
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a trusted standard for responsibly sourced wood and paper products, ensuring that materials are harvested sustainably and with respect for forest ecosystems. FSC certification applies not only to virgin paper but also to products that contain recycled and mixed content, offering brands flexibility while upholding sustainability.
- FSC Recycled: This certification is granted to products made entirely from post-consumer recycled content, guaranteeing that no new trees were harvested. For brands aiming to support the circular economy, FSC Recycled certification assures consumers that their packaging reduces reliance on virgin materials.
- FSC Mix: Products with FSC Mix certification are made from a blend of FSC-certified virgin fiber, recycled content, and controlled wood sources. This option ensures that any new fiber is sourced sustainably, allowing brands to create packaging that combines responsible and recycled materials.
Certification Requirements: FSC-certified products must adhere to strict standards, such as protecting biodiversity, preventing deforestation, and maintaining water quality. The FSC also considers social factors, promoting fair labor practices and safeguarding indigenous rights in forest areas.
Other Potential Paper Certifications
If clients require other certifications for paper products, such as SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), our team can investigate the feasibility of obtaining them. These certifications help reinforce a brand’s commitment to sustainability by aligning with responsible forestry practices.
Why Certifications Matter: Transparency, Trust, and Education
Certifications provide clear, trustworthy information that helps consumers make informed choices about their packaging. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Consumer Transparency: Certifications confirm the materials used, the sourcing process, and the intended end-of-life treatment (recyclable, compostable, etc.). Labels like “FSC-certified” or “GRS-certified” give consumers the peace of mind that they’re making eco-friendly choices.
- Environmental Impact Awareness: Certifications like BPI, TUV, or ABA educate consumers about compostable materials and promote composting as a sustainable disposal method, while GRS promotes recycling and the use of recycled materials.
- Brand Trust: With greenwashing becoming more common, certifications offer third-party verification that a product meets certain standards. This credibility can strengthen brand loyalty by aligning with consumers’ values for environmental responsibility.
How to Request Certifications
If specific certifications are required, it’s important to let our team know so we can ensure that the packaging meets the necessary standards and testing requirements. This applies to all types of certifications, including compostable (TUV, ABA, BPI), recycled plastic (GRS), and paper (FSC). Our team is also open to investigating additional certifications if clients have unique requirements.