BPI Certified Compostable

BPI Certified Products FAQS

What does “BPI Certified Compostable” mean?

“BPI Certified Compostable” means a product has been independently verified by the Biodegradable Products Institute to meet the official compostability standards (specifically ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868), ensuring that under industrial composting conditions it will biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, and fully disintegrate without leaving harmful residue.

What types of items can be BPI Certified compostable?

BPI certification applies to a wide range of food-service and packaging products: compostable bags, food containers, disposable cups and utensils, compost films, and other single-use items designed for organic waste or food contact.

Where should BPI Certified compostable products be disposed of for proper breakdown?

Because BPI certification is based on industrial composting standards, these items should be sent to commercial composting facilities or municipal compost programs that manage organic waste. Home-compost setups often don’t maintain the consistent high-heat, moisture, and microbial activity required for full decomposition.

How long does it take for BPI Certified items to compost under proper conditions?

Under ideal composting conditions in a certified facility, BPI Certified products typically disintegrate and biodegrade fully within 90–180 days, returning to soil-like compost without toxic residues.

Why choose BPI Certified compostable products instead of generic “biodegradable” ones?

BPI Certified items guarantee compliance with recognized scientific standards and third-party verification. Generic “biodegradable” claims alone can be ambiguous or misleading; they may not guarantee breakdown under composting conditions, could take much longer, or leave unwanted residues. BPI certification gives consumers, businesses, and composters confidence that the products are truly compostable and environmentally safe.