Solution: Biodegradable plastics (OK compost, OK biodegradable, OK biobased, Seedling)

Brief description

Global plastic waste production has surged in recent decades, now accounting for 60–90% of marine pollution. At the same time, CO₂ emissions continue to rise. Despite a slight deceleration in the increase of atmospheric CO₂ concentration, emission levels remain far from sustainable reductions.

The cycle of biodegradable plastics—from plant-based production to final degradation and return to nature—can be divided into two key phases:

• Waste management
• Resource management

To address these phases, TÜV AUSTRIA provides separate certification schemes:

• OK compost, OK biodegradable, and Seedling for waste management
• OK biobased for resource/material management

Detailed description

Many people confuse “biodegradable” and “compostable,” but they are not the same.

Biodegradable products can be broken down by microorganisms, but this does not guarantee they will turn into high-quality compost. Compostable products not only biodegrade but also break down into nutrient-rich compost under specific conditions.

As the bioplastics market grows rapidly, TÜV AUSTRIA has developed certification schemes that ensure clarity about the actual biodegradability and compostability of plastics.

OK compost: A Leading Global Certification

OK compost is a globally recognized certification system for bioplastics. It includes two key categories:

OK compost INDUSTRIAL

• Certifies that products are compostable in industrial composting facilities (55–60°C).
• Applies to all product components, including inks and additives.
• Complies with EN 13432:2000 (harmonized EU standard, Packaging – Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation) and the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (EU) 225/40 ).
• TÜV AUSTRIA is authorized by European Bioplastics to grant the Seedling logo for compliance with EN 13432:2000.

Important: Products with only an OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification should not be placed in home compost bins.

OK compost HOME

• Certifies compostability at lower temperatures, suitable for home composting.
• Developed by TÜV AUSTRIA to ensure biodegradability in home garden compost conditions.

OK biodegradable

The OK Biodegradable certification ensures products fully biodegrade in specific environments:

OK biodegradable SOIL

• Ideal for agricultural and horticultural products left to degrade in the soil.
• Certified products break down completely with no environmental harm.

OK biodegradable WATER

• Ensures biodegradation in freshwater environments (rivers, lakes, etc.).
• Does not guarantee marine biodegradability.

OK biodegradable MARINE

• Certifies products that biodegrade in marine environments.
• Addresses the issue of land-based plastic waste ending up in oceans.
• Provides an additional safeguard for products at risk of reaching the sea.

OK biobased

With rising environmental awareness, consumers demand products from renewable resources. The OK Biobased certification provides independent verification of a product’s bio-based content.

Biobased Certification Levels:

• One-star: Low bio-based content
• Two-star: Moderate bio-based content
• Three-star: High bio-based content
• Four-star: Maximum bio-based content

Which products can be certified as ‘OK biobased’?

All products which are (partially) manufactured from bioplastics and/or materials of natural origin are suitable for the OK biobased certification scheme. Exception: fuels

Seedling

TÜV AUSTRIA is a certification body authorized by European Bioplastics and may therefore award the Seedling logo to products that are in compliance with EN 13432:2000. By awarding both the OK compost INDUSTRIAL and the Seedling logo, TÜV AUSTRIA’s certificate holders are able to have their compostable products recognized throughout the entire European market.

Who do I contact for certification?

For more information, please contact us at the following numbers:

Head Offices: +30 210 5220920
Northern Greece Branch: +30 2310 941100
Crete Branch: +30 2810 244150
Aegean Branch: +30 22510 40504–5

or send an email to certification@tuv.at