Compostability validation

Compostability validation demonstrates that a material or product degrades completely under controlled composting conditions , without negative environmental impact.
This analysis relies on standardized protocols such as EN 13432 , ISO 14855 , or ASTM D6400 , and is an essential step for obtaining environmental certifications such as OK Compost , TÜV Austria , or Seedling .

It applies to packaging, bio-based plastics, biodegradable materials and single-use products , and aims to assess their overall behavior at the end of their life within the framework of a circular economy approach.

Principle and method of analysis

The assessment of compostability is based on several complementary scientific criteria:

1. Biodegradation ISO 14855 or ASTM D5338 standards .
2. Physical disintegration : observation of fragmentation and visible disappearance of the material in the compost (no fragment > 2 mm after 12 weeks).
3. No toxicity to the soil : chemical analysis of the compost obtained to verify the absence of heavy metals, additives or harmful compounds.
4. Quality of the final compost : control of the effects on plant germination and growth according to the guidelines of EN 13432 .

Tests can be carried out under or domestic (30–40 °C) conditions depending on the intended use of the product.

To complement this assessment, also check out:

• Biodegradability analysis to assess degradation in natural environments,
• The ecotoxicity study on soils to verify the environmental impact,
• and the chemical characterization of bio-based materials .

Industrial applications

Compostability validation is a major issue for many sectors today:

• Food packaging : films, trays, coffee capsules, disposable tableware, compostable cutlery.
• Cosmetics and health : biodegradable bottles, jars, caps, wipes or devices.
• Nutraceuticals : primary packaging for food supplements and bio-based capsules.
• Plants and horticulture : biodegradable pots, compostable substrates or nets for planting.
• Agro-industry : mulch films, collection bags or compostable materials for agricultural use.

This validation guarantees compliance with European regulations and enhances the eco-design and sustainability strategy of the products.

Analytical interest and complementarity

Compostability validation is part of a set of environmental analyses aimed at demonstrating the ecological performance of a material:

• Biodegradability analysis in soil or water,
• Accelerated aging study to assess stability prior to composting
• Measurement of bio-based carbon (C14) content to quantify the proportion of natural origin,
• Analysis of microplastics to verify the absence of residues after composting.

These combined studies make it possible to prove the complete environmental compliance of the material and to obtain official recognition (label or certification).

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC , specializing in environmental analysis, polymers, and bio-based materials .
Our experts define the testing protocol best suited to your needs: industrial or domestic composting, soil simulation, environmental impact assessment.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , manufacturers can centralize their analyses, track their samples, and access their reports with complete transparency.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting packaging, cosmetics, and food manufacturers in validating the sustainability and environmental compliance of their products.

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.