Time and again, we've emphasized the importance of biodegradable products having certifications. Without proof that a product has undergone proper testing, consumers have absolutely no reason to believe it to be biodegradable. Unfortunately, some companies claim that their "eco-friendly" straws are compostable and eco-friendly. Yet, these companies never produce a reputable biodegradable certification to prove it.
In our experience with biodegradables, the following certifications pack an eco-friendly punch that Captain Planet would aspire to throw. They are:
1. Australian Home and Garden Compostable (AS 5810)
2. Australian Commercially Compostable (AS 6400)
3. DIN CERTCO Home and Garden Compostable
4. BPI Commercially Compostable (ASTM D6400)
Consumers should note that Lastic Bamboo Resin possesses each one of those certifications. And we have written about most of them in The Bamboo Press. However, we haven't yet devoted an issue of The Bamboo Press to BPI's Certification until today.
How does a product attain Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI) Commercially Compostable Certification? The BPI Certification process lasts about six months and requires that a product meets or exceeds multiple standards. But, before any testing, products must first pre-qualify. To do this, manufacturers must show that their product isn't designed for recycling. Instead, the product must be shown to be designed for biodegradation.
Prequalification standards dictate that a product can biodegrade "as is." This means that the product will biodegrade without any disassembly or dismantling. Manufacturers must also disclose their product's formulation, weight, and dimensions (including thickness) to BPI. BPI uses these data to ensure that the product contains no heavy metals or toxic substances.
What occurs after BPI confirms that the product meets the prequalification standard? First, comprehensive biodegradation testing commences at a BPI-approved laboratory. These laboratories conduct biodegradation tests congruent with standards set by several reputable organizations. The organizations include the International Organization Standard (ISO), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The entire testing process takes about six months. Testing establishes the aerobic biodegradability of the product in a controlled environment, how long a product takes to 90% biodegrade, and if the biodegradable product harms surrounding plant life. BPI's complete 27-page detailed requirement PDF, which contains an exhaustive explanation of testing methods and measurements, can be found here.
If the testing labs show that a product is not 90% biodegraded in 6 months or less, it is automatically disqualified from BPI certification. But, if the laboratory finds that a product biodegrades under the stipulated conditions in 6 months or less, the product's maker can rejoice. They will have earned the right to adorn their packaging with BPI's acclaimed logo.
We emphasize that BPI-certified products can only biodegrade in commercial/industrial composting settings. In addition, the testing method that awards BPI certification does not qualify a product for home and garden composting. BPI even states this on the certification it gives to awardees.
However, BPI certification qualifies a product for any commercial composting facility. For people living in cities without a home composting set-up but with access to industrial composting schemes, disposing of a BPI-certified product in their compost-pick-up bin ensures that the product integrates into the circular economy. After biodegrading in a commercial setting, a BPI-certified product will transform into nutrient-rich commercial compost. Consumers can then purchase this compost and use it to nurture their gardens!
While DIN CERTCO's Home and Garden Compostable Certification is the gold standard for biodegradation certificates, BPI's Commercially Compostable Certification is the silver standard. Fortunately, Lastic Bamboo Resin possesses DIN CERTCO's home and compostable garden certification and BPI's commercial compostable certification. Visit the Island Leaf website for more information about Lastic products.
Comments