EN13432 vs ASTM D6400: Which Compostability Standard Do You Need?

EN13432 vs ASTM D6400: Which Compostability Standard Do You Need?

If you’re sourcing compostable packaging for a restaurant chain, grocery brand, or event, you’ve probably seen both EN13432 and ASTM D6400 on product spec sheets. They’re not interchangeable. One is the European standard, the other is the American one. But the differences go deeper than geography.

What exactly do these standards certify?

Both standards define requirements for compostable plastics and fiber-based packaging. They cover biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity, and heavy metals. But the test methods and thresholds differ. For example, EN13432 requires 90% biodegradation within 6 months in industrial composting conditions (58°C). ASTM D6400 also requires 90% in 180 days, but allows for 60% conversion to CO2 if the remaining 30% is biomass. That’s a subtle but real difference.

Our factory tests bagasse and PLA products under both. A 500ml PLA cup passes ASTM D6400 but can fail EN13432 if the PLA source has certain additives. That’s why we always ask buyers: where will this end up?

Key differences at a glance

Why your target market decides the standard

If you’re selling into France, Italy, or Germany, EN13432 is essentially mandatory. Many EU retailers won’t list a product without the seedling logo. In the US, ASTM D6400 is the baseline, but some states (California, Washington) have additional requirements like SB 54 or the Washington Organics Management Law. We’ve shipped 10 million units to a German supermarket chain — they required EN13432 certification from an accredited lab, plus a letter of compliance for each batch.

For Australia and New Zealand, they follow AS 4736, which is similar to EN13432. The Middle East often accepts either, but buyers prefer one standard for consistency. Our advice: if you export to multiple regions, get both certifications. It’s a one-time cost that opens more doors.

Common misconception: "Compostable" means the same everywhere

Many buyers assume a product labeled "compostable" will break down in any environment. That’s false. ASTM D6400 and EN13432 both require industrial composting conditions — high heat, humidity, and microorganisms. A PLA fork that passes ASTM D6400 may not degrade in a home compost pile. Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) is closer to home-compostable, but still needs moisture and time. We’ve seen clients get fined for marketing "compostable" cups that didn’t break down in a landfill. Always match the standard to the actual disposal route.

Cost and compliance: what you need to know

Getting certified under both standards costs roughly $15,000–$25,000 per product family, depending on the lab. But the bigger cost is material choice. PLA-based products are cheaper to produce but harder to certify under EN13432 due to additive restrictions. Bagasse and molded fiber are easier to pass both because they’re naturally high in cellulose. A 500ml bagasse bowl costs $0.10–0.15/pc at 50k MOQ, while a similar PLA bowl runs $0.12–0.18/pc. The fiber option also avoids microplastic concerns.

We run 6 automated pulp molding lines in our 15,000 sqm facility, producing 500M+ pieces annually. Every batch is tested for heavy metals per FDA 21 CFR 176.170 and EN13432 limits. We’ve seen too many suppliers skip ecotoxicity testing — only to have products rejected at customs.

How to choose the right certification for your product line

• Single-use food containers (clamshells, plates): Both standards if exporting globally. Start with ASTM D6400 for US, add EN13432 for EU.
• Hot beverage cups (paper + PLA lining): EN13432 is harder because the lining must disintegrate. Our kraft paper cups use a water-based coating that passes both.
• Cutlery (forks, spoons): PLA cutlery passes ASTM D6400 easily, but EN13432 may require specific PLA grades. We recommend CPLA (crystallized PLA) for heat resistance.
• Custom molds: If you need a unique shape, we can design the mold and test the material upfront. MOQ for custom molds is 50,000 pieces.

FAQ: Your top questions answered

Do I need both EN13432 and ASTM D6400 if I sell only in the US?

No. ASTM D6400 is sufficient for US sales. But if you ever plan to export to Europe, getting EN13432 now will save you a recertification later. Many US-based distributors also prefer BPI certification (which references ASTM D6400). We offer free samples so you can test both standards before committing.

Can a product pass EN13432 but fail ASTM D6400?

Rarely, but yes. The ecotoxicity test in EN13432 can be stricter. Some compostable plastics with high zinc content pass ASTM D6400 but fail EN13432. Our bagasse products consistently pass both because they’re naturally low in heavy metals.

What's the lead time for certified products?

Stock items with existing certification ship in 15–25 days. Custom orders (new mold, custom printing) take 30–45 days, including certification paperwork. We export to 40+ countries, so we handle the logistics and compliance documentation.

Final takeaway: match the standard to your end market

Don’t let certification confusion delay your launch. Map out where your products will be used and composted. If you’re unsure, start with bagasse or kraft paper — they’re the easiest to certify under both standards. And always ask your supplier for test reports, not just a logo. We provide SGS-tested certificates for every batch.

Ready to talk specs? Request free samples from our 15,000 sqm factory. We’ll help you pick the right standard, material, and mold design for your business.