Certification and Registration
BPI US. Biodegradability Certification
Category:
BPI U.S. Biodegradability Certification
In North America, BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) is a leading certification organization providing certification for compostable products and packaging. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is a non-profit organization composed of key individuals and groups from government, industry, and academia. The BPI certification program applies science-based testing methods to demonstrate that materials can be composted in municipal or commercial composting facilities and will not leave toxic or persistent plastic residues in the soil.
Significance of BPI Certification
When packaging obtains BPI certification, customers and industrial composters can be assured that its compostability has been verified through appropriate testing. Consumers can confidently dispose of the packaging in compost bins without hesitation. BPI certification enables people to make more informed decisions regarding the disposal of the products they purchase and their packaging.
The process of obtaining BPI certification for products or packaging is comprehensive, involving multiple steps and potentially requiring several months to complete. However, without such detail-oriented testing, certifications such as those provided by BPI would not be able to offer consumers the confidence and assurance they need when purchasing products.
Product Scope of BPI Certification
According to product categories, BPI certification covers agricultural mulch films, bags (coffee bags, garbage bags, zipper bags, etc.), components (adhesives, coatings, coffee capsules, inks, masterbatches, etc.), food service items (paper cups, aprons, food-contact gloves, etc.), molded fiber products (food containers, trays, pizza boxes, etc.), packaging materials (paperboard, films, disposable packaging bags), and resins (blow molding resins, thermoforming resins, injection molding resins, etc.).
BPI Certification Testing
To obtain BPI certification, products must pass the testing requirements specified in ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868.
◉ASTM D6400 Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
◉ASTM D6868 Standard Specification for Labeling of End Items that Incorporate Plastics and Polymers as Coatings or Additives with Paper and Other Substrates Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
The BPI certification testing includes:
A. Biodegradation Testing: Measures the inherent ability of organic carbon in materials to be consumed by microorganisms and demonstrates that the material or product will not accumulate in the natural environment. The biodegradation test requires 6 months.
B. Disintegration Testing: Evaluates whether the product physically breaks down and disperses, demonstrating that the item will not generate visible contamination in compost and confirming that the product has been successfully attacked by microorganisms (allowing carbon to become available for biodegradation). The test is based on the maximum thickness of the finished product (or the basis weight of natural fibers). The maximum thickness/basis weight of the product used for the disintegration test determines the maximum certified thickness/basis weight of the item. For resins and components, the maximum certified thickness/use level shall cover the thickest or most concentrated application of the resin/component by customers.
C. Compost Quality Testing: Includes heavy metals, fluorine content, ash content, and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), as well as testing for carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and mutagens (CRM). These tests and limits ensure that compostable materials or products do not negatively affect compost quality.
BPI Certification Application Process
1. Complete the certification application form;
2. The applicant submits the product to a designated laboratory for testing;
3. Product information is documented (including photographs, thickness/density measurements, FTIR, SDS, etc.) and submitted to BPI for review;
4. Technical documentation review: BPI reviews and analyzes the application form, product formulation, test reports, SDS, and product documentation records;
5. After approval, BPI issues an invoice. The applicant provides a product list (SKU) and signs a license agreement with BPI;
6. After completing payment, BPI grants the applicant the right to use the BPI logo, which is valid for 3 years. The applicant may apply the label to product packaging and marketing materials. BPI will regularly test and inspect products available on the market to verify compliance with requirements.
BPI’s rigorous certification process provides reliable verification of the compostability of thousands of different products and packaging materials, giving companies the confidence to launch more sustainable and forward-looking products.
SATISFY provides professional BPI certification services for customers, including product evaluation, certification testing, and compliant use of labels. For further consultation, please contact SATISFY customer service representatives.
Previous page
Related Information
SATISFY TECH AND SERVICE LLC
SATISFY TECH AND SERVICE LLC delivers full-lifecycle technical solutions for children’s products, hygiene care, protective equipment, furniture, and building materials. Our framework spans compliance pre-assessment, standard upgrading, and risk control. We empower manufacturers and exporters through expert testing, certification, consulting, and standards interpretation.
Contact Us
Address: Room 7D, Building A, Zhongzhou Holdings Financial Center, No. 88 Haide 1st Road, Haizhu Community, Yuehai Subdistrict, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Phone: 0755-8273-9683
Mobile: 189-2676-2893
Email: info@sdswcn.com
Sales Window
WeChat Applet