In this article, we'll cover:
- What is CMA Compostable Certification?
- How CMA Certification Works
- Why CMA Certification Matters
- CMA vs. Other Compostability Certifications
- What products are CMA Compostable Certified?
- Conclusion
What does CMA Compostable Certification Mean?
CMA stands for Compost Manufacturing Alliance, a standard that confirms compostable products have been rigorously tested and proven to break down in real-world composting environments.
Unlike some certifications based only on lab conditions, CMA ensures that packaging and products perform as promised in active commercial facilities.
One unique aspect of CMA is that products are not required to display the CMA logo. Instead, the organization encourages clear coloring and labeling to help consumers easily identify compostable-friendly products.
By doing this, CMA builds trust among manufacturers, composters, and consumers. This helps create a stronger circular economy where organic materials give nutrients back to the soil.
How CMA Certification Works
To achieve CMA Certification, products must undergo extensive testing. Some materials need field testing, along with meeting ASTM D6400 standards. These include molded fiber, multilayered coated paper, uncoated substrates with additives, and new substrates.
ASTM standards confirm that a product can biodegrade within a set timeframe, but CMA goes further. Products are tested in real composting facilities in different areas. This ensures they break down completely and leave no harmful residues.
This process helps businesses feel sure that their packaging won’t harm compost streams. It also reassures consumers that certified items will compost as they should.
Why CMA Certification Matters
CMA Certification benefits both businesses and the environment. It ensures that compostable packaging breaks down properly in commercial facilities, preventing contamination and protecting the quality of finished compost.
“When certified compostables break down properly, haulers and composters can focus on what matters: turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost,” says Sammy Davies, Director of Sustainability and Brand at Eco Safe Zero Waste. “This supports the circular bioeconomy, keeps food out of landfills, and grows the feedstock needed to build healthy soils.”
CMA Certified products give the assurance needed to grow composting programs, cut waste, and improve sustainable packaging systems.
CMA vs. Other Compostability Certifications
The compostable packaging industry includes several important certifications, CMA, TÜV Austria, and BPI, each with a unique focus.
CMA Certification emphasizes field testing in active North American composting facilities, proving that products break down without disrupting compost operations.
Many people widely recognize TÜV Austria in Europe and globally. It's OK Compost INDUSTRIAL and OK Compost HOME labels confirm compostability through controlled lab testing, not field trials.
BPI Certification is the most common in North America. Based on ASTM lab standards, it verifies biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity but does not evaluate performance in live facilities the way CMA does.
Together, these certifications give businesses and consumers confidence that compostable products truly deliver on their promises.
What products are CMA Compostable Certified?
At Good Start Packaging, we’re proud to offer a wide range of products with CMA, BPI, and TÜV certifications. Our CMA Certified collection includes compostable cup lids, cutlery, cling wrap, and takeout containers. These items are truly compostable in the real world.
These products are perfect for restaurants, cafes, schools, caterers, and businesses of all sizes. They help reduce waste and support composting programs. You can browse our full selection on our CMA Certified Compostable Products Page.
Conclusion
CMA Certification plays a vital role in the compostable products industry. By requiring proof that items break down in real composting environments, it ensures trust between manufacturers, composters, and consumers.
For businesses, choosing CMA Certified products is more than meeting sustainability goals. It shows a commitment to protecting compost quality, reducing landfill waste, and supporting a circular economy.
