EN 13432 - Biodegradable Packaging Certification

Consumers are demanding for environmentally friendly products and many authorities across the world have banned the use of conventional single-use plastic products

Based on the requirements of EN 13432 and other European standards and regulations, TÜV SÜD’s test program determines the biodegradability during industrial composting of packaging and packaging materials.

Test results are compared with pass/fail limits, to ensure that the material passes every test requirement. The quality of the compost produced should not be negatively impacted by the addition of the biodegradable packaging material.

The test criteria include:

• Biodegradation – measures the packaging material’s rate of metabolic, microbial conversion into water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts of any other elements present and new cell biomass.
• Disintegration – packaging material is mixed with organic waste for 12 weeks, after which time, no more than 10 percent of material fragments are allowed to be larger than 2 mm.
• Toxic substances – there must be a minimal negative effect on the quality of the resulting compost.
• Ecotoxicity effects – compares compost produced with and without the addition of packaging material.

Why Biodegradable Packaging Certification Is Important

Global consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative environmental impact of packaging waste, and many are now refusing to purchase products that use packaging that is not biodegradable.

Authorities across the world are also introducing more rigorous requirements, such as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Green Deal and e.g. EN 13432 – “Packaging: requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation”.

Manufacturers must focus on producing environmentally friendly materials. Independent third-party test and certification shows the biodegradability credentials of your packaging and packaging materials, providing proof that your packaging is eco-friendly.

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Our Biodegradable Packaging Certification Services

We conduct a comprehensive range of tests which help demonstrate that your packaging is eco-friendly, proving your sustainability credentials to the market:

• ≥ 90% Biodegradation rate
• ≥ 90% Disintegration rate
• Toxic substances tested
• Ecotoxicity tested
• Type tested
• Production monitored
• PPP 14100 testing

Learn more about TÜV SÜD certification marks for biodegradable packaging.