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BPI Certification
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is a not-for-profit association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia.
Through our innovative compostable label program, we educate manufacturers, legislators and consumers about the importance of scientifically based standards for compostable materials which biodegrade in large composting facilities.
We also promote the use and recovery of compostable materials through municipal composting. And we provide information and resources such as how to find a composter.
The BPI is short for Biodegradable Products Institute. It is a multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use, and recovery of biodegradable polymeric materials. BPI will accomplish this goal through education, adoption of scientifically based standards and cooperative activities with other organizations in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan.
Its members include leading resin suppliers (such as BASF, CerePlast, Heritage Plastics, NatureWorks LLC, Novamont, and Telles,LLC); compostable product manufacturers and distributors (such as BioBag, BioGroup US, BioSphere Industries, Glad, Huhtamaki, Fabri-Kal, Farnell Packaging, Frito Lay & Polargruppen A/S); governmental officials and the scientific community (Ramani Narayan-Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics).
Ever since the introduction of "biodegradable plastics" fifteen years ago, confusion and skepticism about claims and product performance has prevailed. This situation stems largely from plastic products that did not biodegrade as expected, yet were able to make claims because no scientifically based test methods and standards existed.
Now that has changed. Specifications do exist. These are ASTM D6400 for films and ASTM D6868 for packaging which uses biodegradable coatings.
More importantly, technology has advanced to the point where there are plastics that have the functionality of existing products, yet will biodegrade completely and safely when composted, leaving no residues.
The Compostable Logo is designed to address the confusion that has existed by building credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM standards among consumers, composters, regulators and others. It is designed to be easily recognizable and able to be placed on the actual product as well as packaging materials and sales literature.
The test methods and specifications found in ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 mimic what takes place in well-run municipal or commercial composting facilities. These tests were developed after 8 years of intensive work conducted at the request of the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Participants in the study included the USCC, resin suppliers and the scientific community. The work identified 3 key criteria for materials and products to be compostable:
As important, products which meet these standards have been used in
a variety of programs for a number of years. If you would like more
information, contact Ramani Narayan, Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee
D20.96-Environmentally Degradable Plastics. He can be reached via
email Scientific Chairman. Dr. Narayan is also the head of the
BPI’s Scientific Review Committee, which reviews product data to
ensure that it meets ASTM D6400 or D6868.
★Have any of these products been composted in "working facilities"?
Yes, many of these products have been in use for a few years and
composted by
USCC members.
A growing list of communities, including San Francisco, CA and
Portland OR rely on
The BPI to identify products that work will compost quickly and
safely.
For example, biodegradable bin liners are used in a number of
organics collection
and composting programs in grocery stores, to minimize washing and
keep bins
cleaner.
Also, biodegradable foodservice ware is in use today in colleges
and cafeterias.
★Are these products designed for composting at home, also?
No, the Compostable Logo identifies products that will perform
satisfactorily in
well managed municipal and commercial facilities-ones that meet the
require-
ments found in the USCC’s Field Operator’s Guide. We will insist
that producers use
the appropriate language in conjunction with the Logo to make this
distinction clear. While there are hundreds of thousands (possibly
millions) of home composters,
their piles or composting units typically do not generate the
temperatures needed to assure rapid biodegradation of this new
class of materials. For this reason, claims are limited to larger
facilities.
★What tests will be involved?
There are 3 key tests involved. All are referenced in the ASTM
D6400 and D6868. The first measures the ability of the product or
material to be converted to carbon dioxide by the organisms found
in a compost pile at an acceptable rate. The second test measures
the ability of the materials to fragment, so that products do not
clog the screening equipment. The third test measures the ability
of the resulting compost to support plant growth.
★What products will be available and when?
While it is premature to discuss specific manufacturers at this
time, interest in the Logo program has already been expressed by
manufacturers of food serviceware, bags and bin liners and raw
materials.
Depending on the prior testing that has been completed, the review
process should take 30- 60 days. Then it is a question as to how
quickly graphic changes can be implemented by individual
manufacturers. It is reasonable to expect products on the market
carrying the Logo by the end of the year.
The list of products is approved by the BPI is growing rapidly.
Click on the links below for a list of certified compostable
products.
★Who are the scientists involved in the review process?
The head of the BPI’s Scientific Review Committee, Ramani Narayan
Ph.D. Dr. Narayan is known around the world for his expertise in
this area. He has assembled a list of well respected independent
scientists to review the data generated by the approved labs. These
scientists have excellent credentials, often have published on
topics in this area and frequently are tenured professors of
chemical engineering.
The Scientific Review Committee members are available upon request.
★What testing labs can be used?
Here is a list of BPI approved labs around the world. Their work is
recognized by DIN Certco's in Europe and the Biodegradable Plastics
Society in Japan. By using one of these labs, suppliers need to
conduct one set of tests that can be used around the world.