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Compostability Certifications in Australia: An Overview

Composting is an important part of waste management and sustainability in Australia, and compostability certifications play a crucial role in ensuring that organic waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. In this article, we’ll look at the different compostability certifications in Australia.

Industrial Compostable Certifications

Industrial composting refers to the controlled process of breaking down organic waste into compost in a large-scale composting facility. Industrial compostable certifications are given to products that are suitable for this kind of composting and are biodegradable within a specified timeframe. The most widely recognized industrial compostable certifications in Australia are:

AS4736: This is an Australian standard for industrial compostability. It recognizes products that are biodegradable in an industrial composting environment within 180 days and leave no harmful residue in the compost.

AS5810: This is another Australian standard for industrial compostability. It recognizes products that are biodegradable in an industrial composting environment within a specified timeframe and leave no harmful residue in the compost.

Home Compostable Certifications

Home composting refers to the process of breaking down organic waste in a small-scale composting bin or heap. Home compostable certifications are given to products that are suitable for this kind of composting and are biodegradable within a specified timeframe. The most widely recognized home compostable certifications in Australia are:

AS5810: This is an Australian standard for home compostability. It recognizes products that are biodegradable in a home composting environment within a specified timeframe and leave no harmful residue in the compost.

Marine Compostable Certifications

Marine composting refers to the process of breaking down organic waste in a marine environment, such as the ocean or sea. Marine compostable certifications are given to products that are suitable for this kind of composting and are biodegradable within a specified timeframe. There are currently no widely recognized marine compostable certifications in Australia.

compostable milk bottles
compostable products PLA industrial composting faciilities

 

Conclusion

Compostability certifications play a crucial role in ensuring that organic waste is disposed of in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner in Australia. The different certifications cater to the different types of composting environments, such as industrial composting, home composting, and marine composting, and recognize products that are biodegradable within a specified timeframe. By choosing products with these certifications, consumers in Australia can contribute to a more sustainable future.

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