EN 13432
Quick Overview
EN 13432 is the most stringent and widely recognized European standard for compostable plastics, establishing requirements for biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity. It is the benchmark standard globally for certifying compostable materials and is required for the Seedling compostability logo.
What Is EN 13432?
EN 13432 is the European standard that defines the requirements for packaging and products to be classified as industrially compostable. Developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization), it is the most widely referenced compostability standard globally and the basis for the Seedling logo — the recognised mark of industrial compostability in Europe.
Full title: “Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging”
Four Certification Requirements
To achieve EN 13432 certification, a material must pass four independent tests:
1. Characterisation
- Material composition must be disclosed
- Organic carbon content >50%
- Heavy metal and fluorine limits must be met
2. Biodegradation
- ≥90% biodegradation within 180 days at 58°C ± 2°C
- Tested in controlled industrial composting conditions
- Measured as CO₂ evolution (respirometry)
- Reference material (cellulose) must show ≥70% biodegradation in same test
3. Disintegration
- ≥90% of material must pass through a 2mm sieve after 180 days
- Tested on actual compost samples (not just lab media)
- No visible fragments in finished compost
4. Ecotoxicity
- Compost produced from the material must not inhibit plant growth
- Tested using cress and radish germination tests (germination index ≥90% of control)
- No adverse effects on earthworm viability
EN 13432 vs. Other Standards
| Standard | Region | Biodegradation | Timeframe | Temperature | Home Compost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 13432 | Europe | ≥90% | 180 days | 58°C | No |
| ASTM D6400 | North America | ≥90% | 180 days | 58°C | No |
| ASTM D6868 | North America | ≥90% | 365 days | 20–30°C | Yes |
| ISO 17088 | International | ≥90% | 180 days | 58°C | No |
| OK Compost HOME | Europe (TÜV Austria) | ≥90% | 365 days | 20–30°C | Yes |
What EN 13432 Certification Allows
Products certified to EN 13432:
- May display the Seedling logo (managed by European Bioplastics)
- Are accepted in organic waste collection systems across Europe
- Can be labelled “industrially compostable”
- Are recognised by composting facilities as compatible inputs
What EN 13432 Does NOT Cover
- Home composting — requires separate certification (OK Compost HOME, ASTM D6868)
- Marine biodegradation — requires ASTM D6691 or OK Biodegradable Marine
- Soil biodegradation — requires ISO 17556 or OECD 307
- Anaerobic digestion — requires EN 13435
Materials Certified to EN 13432
Many bioplastics can be formulated to meet EN 13432:
- PLA (blended with PBAT)
- PBAT (standalone or blends)
- Starch/PBAT blends
- PHA
- PBS
- Cellulose-based materials
- Certain paper coatings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN 13432 a legal requirement? EN 13432 itself is a voluntary standard. However, the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and various national regulations effectively require compostable packaging to meet EN 13432 for market access.
How long does EN 13432 certification take? Typically 3–6 months for testing plus auditing. Certification must be renewed annually.
What does the Seedling logo mean? The Seedling logo (three intertwined leaves forming sprout) indicates that a product is certified industrially compostable to EN 13432. It is managed by European Bioplastics and licensed to certified producers.
Is EN 13432 recognised outside Europe? Yes. While European in origin, EN 13432 is the de facto global reference standard for compostability. Most international certifications are based on or equivalent to EN 13432.
Does EN 13432 certification guarantee degradation in home compost? No. EN 13432 tests at 58°C — industrial composting conditions. Materials certified to EN 13432 may not degrade in home compost bins. Separate home composting certification is required.
Can EN 13432 certified products be recycled? They should not enter conventional plastic recycling. Compostable bioplastics are designed for organic waste/composting streams and can contaminate conventional recycling if mixed.
Related Terms
- Compostable — The material property EN 13432 defines
- Biodegradable — The broader degradation concept
- Composting Infrastructure — The facilities needed to process EN 13432 certified materials
- PLA — A widely used EN 13432 certified bioplastic
- PBAT — Often blended with PLA to achieve EN 13432
- Microbial Degradation — The biological mechanism behind composting