Green Architecture & Building Products

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Compostable Label

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The Biodegradable Products Institute certifies compostability test results from BPI-approved testing laboratories, then licenses a company to use its trademarks (the Compostable Logo) on its products and marketing materials. To be BPI certified, a company must first obtain the appropriate ASTM test (D6400 or D6868), plus other tests to assure compliance with municipal composting standards.

As of 2002, specifications and tests exist that scientifically prove a material will biodegrade, leaving no persistent synthetic residues. These standards are ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 for biodegradable coatings.

The Compostable logo program builds credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM D6400 and/or D6868 standards so consumers, composters, regulators and others can be assured that the product will biodegrade as expected.

To ensure that products are truly compostable, the Biodegradable Products Institute created a certification program in 1999. Products are tested in approved, independent laboratories. BPI's scientists check the data to verify that the products meet requirements in ASTM Specifications D6400 or D6868. The ASTM Specifications used by the BPI resulted from eight years of intensive work by leading scientists, resin producers and the composting industry. ©2012 BPI