What Is EN 13432?
EN 13432 is a European standard that specifies requirements for packaging recoverable through industrial composting and biodegradation.
For businesses sourcing compostable garbage bags, certification provides technical evidence that the specified product has been assessed against defined industrial compostability requirements.
It is important to distinguish industrial compostability from general biodegradability. EN 13432 does not mean a bag will decompose quickly in every environment or that it is suitable for home composting.
What Does EN 13432 Require?
The standard evaluates several aspects of compostable packaging:
- Biodegradability: Whether the material can biodegrade under specified test conditions.
- Disintegration: Whether the packaging breaks down physically during controlled composting.
- Control of harmful substances: Evaluation of relevant chemical characteristics and specified limits.
- Compost quality: Assessment of the resulting compost, including potential effects on plant growth.
- For more information, refer to the European Commission's overview of European packaging standards .
Important: Industrial compostability depends on appropriate processing conditions and local waste management infrastructure. Buyers should confirm whether local facilities accept the relevant packaging.
EN 13432 vs. ASTM D6400
Both standards address compostability under industrial or municipal composting conditions, but they are separate standards with their own requirements and testing procedures.
| Comparison | EN 13432 | ASTM D6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary application | Packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation | Plastics designed for aerobic composting in municipal or industrial facilities |
| Evaluation | Biodegradation, disintegration, chemical characteristics and compost quality | Biodegradation, disintegration and effects on compost quality |
| Market relevance | Particularly relevant to European packaging requirements | Commonly referenced in North American compostability assessments |
Compliance with either standard does not automatically establish suitability for home composting or acceptance by every composting facility.
Torise EN 13432 Compostable Garbage Bag Certification
Torise holds a TÜV Rheinland / DIN CERTCO certificate identifying Garbage Bag TR-TG under its certification scheme for products made of compostable materials.
| Certificate Holder | Henan Longdu Torise Biomaterials Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Product | Products made of compostable materials |
| Type / Model | Garbage Bag TR-TG |
| Testing Basis | DIN EN 13432:2000-12 and ASTM D6400:2023-03 |
| Certification Body | TÜV Rheinland / DIN CERTCO |
| Registration No. | P70487 |
| Valid Until | May 31, 2029 |
The certificate provides buyers with product-specific certification information for supplier qualification and procurement review. Please contact Torise for the applicable certificate and supporting documentation.
Certification applies to the product scope and model specified in the certificate. Other formulations, sizes, thicknesses or product configurations should be verified separately.
Why Does Certification Matter to B2B Buyers?
More Credible Compostability Claims
Independent certification provides verifiable evidence to support compostability claims and helps buyers assess suppliers more confidently.
Support for Supplier Qualification
Retailers, distributors, importers and private-label buyers can use relevant certification documents as part of their supplier evaluation and product documentation process.
Better-Informed Purchasing Decisions
Certification is only one factor. Buyers should also assess dimensions, thickness, load capacity, tear resistance, printing requirements, shelf life and intended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN 13432 the same as biodegradable?
No. Biodegradable is a broad term. EN 13432 establishes specific requirements for packaging intended for recovery through composting and biodegradation.
Are EN 13432 garbage bags suitable for home composting?
Not necessarily. EN 13432 addresses industrial compostability, which involves different conditions from home composting.
Does the certificate cover every Torise garbage bag?
No. The certificate identifies Garbage Bag TR-TG. Buyers should verify certification coverage for the specific product and configuration they intend to purchase.
Does Torise have an EN 13432 certificate for compostable garbage bags?
Yes. The certificate provided for Garbage Bag TR-TG references DIN EN 13432:2000-12 and ASTM D6400:2023-03, with a stated validity date of May 31, 2029.
Looking for Compostable Garbage Bags?
Contact Torise to discuss product specifications, private-label options, bulk orders and applicable certification documentation.
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