BS EN 13432 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for packaging materials to be considered compostable. The full title of the standard is:
BS EN 13432:2000 – Packaging – Requirements for compostable packaging.
This standard establishes the criteria that packaging must meet to be recognized as compostable, primarily in industrial composting facilities. Here are the key aspects of the BS EN 13432 standard:
1. Definition of Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is defined as packaging that, when subjected to industrial composting, undergoes biodegradation and leaves no toxic residues, eventually turning into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
2. Requirements for Compostability
The packaging must meet the following requirements to be considered compostable:
- Biodegradability: The material must be able to degrade in a composting environment, ideally within 12 weeks. This is typically verified through a biodegradation test.
- Disintegration: The packaging should break down into smaller pieces that are not detectable by standard composting processes. This generally means that the packaging should disintegrate within 3 months.
- No Toxicity: The compost produced after the breakdown of the material should not contain any toxic substances that would harm plant growth.
- Ecotoxicity: The end product should not cause harm to the environment, such as inhibiting seed germination or plant growth.
3. Testing for Compliance
The standard outlines specific tests to ensure that compostable packaging meets these criteria:
- Biodegradability Test: Typically performed under controlled conditions in an industrial composting environment. This test determines how well the material breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
- Disintegration Test: The material should be completely disintegrated in composting conditions within a given time frame (usually 12 weeks). The material must not leave any visible residue.
- Ecotoxicity Test: This test checks whether the compost can support plant growth. After the material degrades in a composting environment, the resulting compost is tested for its impact on plant germination and growth.
4. Labelling and Certification
- Packaging that complies with BS EN 13432 may be marked with the “Seedling logo”, which indicates that the product meets the criteria for compostability in industrial composting systems.
- Certification bodies assess the packaging against the standard, and companies must apply for the certification and undergo testing before they can use the logo.
5. Environmental Considerations
BS EN 13432 aims to support the transition to more sustainable packaging by promoting materials that do not harm the environment when they are disposed of in a composting facility. The goal is to reduce landfill waste and encourage the use of organic waste as a resource.
6. Scope
The standard applies to all types of packaging materials that are designed to be composted after use. This includes packaging made from plant-based materials, certain bioplastics, and other biodegradable materials, as long as they meet the criteria specified in the standard.
Conclusion
BS EN 13432 sets clear guidelines for compostable packaging, ensuring that materials decompose properly, leaving no harmful residues or toxins. It is an important standard for manufacturers and suppliers aiming to produce environmentally friendly packaging solutions that align with sustainability practices in waste management and recycling.
