Standard Specification for Evaluation of Cellulosic-Fiber-Based Packaging Materials and Products for Compostability in Municipal or Industrial Aerobic Composting Facilities

1.1 This specification covers cellulosic-fiber-based packaging materials and products associated with food, landscape waste, and other compost feedstocks, which are intended to be composted under aerobic conditions in municipal and industrial composting facilities, where thermophilic temperatures are achieved.

1.2 This specification covers cellulosic-based uncoated and coated packaging materials and products and covers whole packaging products. Products covered in this specification include cellulosic fiber-based products produced from cellulosic pulp, corrugated materials, containerboard, paper, paperboard, and molded fiber.

1.3 This specification excludes end items where thermoplastic polymer is laminated or extruded to cellulosic substrates.

1.4 This specification is intended to establish the requirements for labeling cellulosic-fiber-based packaging materials and products as “compostable in aerobic municipal and industrial composting facilities” in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission,2 provided the label includes proper qualifications as to the availability of such facilities.

1.5 The properties in this specification are those required to determine if packaging materials and products will compost satisfactorily in large-scale aerobic municipal or industrial composting where maximum throughput is a high priority and where intermediate stages of biodegradation must not be apparent to the end user for aesthetic reasons.

1.6 This specification is technically equivalent to ISO 18606.1.7.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.