Industrial Compostability Passed off as Home Compostable on Shelf
Finished packaging claims demand independent home compostability certification because industrial resin testing excludes ambient degradation and converting inks.
OK Compost Home
Voluntary Certification
Third-party certification programs managed by European auditing organizations verify that packaging products will break down fully in household compost piles without leaving harmful residues. Earning the OK Compost Home mark requires the substrate to undergo extensive biodegradation and disintegration tests conducted under ambient temperatures. This certification is issued by TÜV Austria and is recognized globally as a guarantee that the material is suited for home composting.
It provides a clear differentiator for brands wanting to avoid industrial-only compostable materials that many consumers cannot process.
Testing Methodology
Temperature ranges for the test are kept significantly lower than those used for industrial compostable certifications. For the OK Compost Home program, the biodegradation testing runs at temperatures between twenty and thirty degrees Celsius for up to twelve months. Disintegration is measured over six months, where the material must break down to a point where no fragments larger than two millimeters remain.
This reflects the slower and less intense microbial activity of a typical domestic garden compost heap.
Retail Application
Packaging designers specify this certified board for organic food cartons, tea bags, and produce bags. This helps brands align with voluntary sustainability targets and build consumer trust. It is a valuable asset for products sold in supermarkets that promote green retail practices.