Are Compostable Bags Really Compostable?
They are if they are certified, and you can check it yourself. A legitimate compostable bag has been tested by an independent lab against a published standard, and the brand can show you the paperwork.
Why scepticism is healthy
The word “compostable” is easy to print on a box. Some products are labelled compostable with no testing behind them. Others only break down in industrial facilities, which many towns do not have. That is why the details of the certification matter.
How to verify any compostable bag in three steps
1. Find the standard. The brand should name it, for example NF T51-800 for home composting.
2. Find the certifier. An independent body should register the product.
3. Ask for the report. A transparent brand can show the test results.
Earthmate’s paper trail
We publish all three on our technology page:
• Standard: NF T51-800:2015, a home compostability standard
• Certifier: DIN CERTCO, with a link to our registration
• Test report: No. 0-1-92-BAW-2025, available to download
Home compostable certification means the bags are tested to break down at the lower temperatures of a backyard compost, not only in an industrial facility.
Check it yourself: Download Earthmate’s test report.
Where to buy certified home compostable bags
Order directly from earthmate.ca:
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