The European standard “EN 14995 Plastics - Assessment of compostability - Test scheme and specifications” describes the requirements and procedures for determining the compostability and anaerobic treatability of packaging and packaging materials, addressing four characteristics:
When dealing with packaging composed of different components, some compostable and some non-compostable, the packaging itself as a whole is not compostable. However, if the components can be easily separated by hand before disposal, the compostable components can be effectively salvaged and processed after being separated from the non-compostable components.
This standard covers the compostability of packaging, but does not address any existing regulations regarding the compostability of residual content. This standard provides information on the processing of packaging in controlled waste treatment facilities, but does not consider packaging waste that may end up in the environment through uncontrolled means, i.e., as garbage.
In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of global discussions, the demand for environmentally friendly materials is steadily increasing. Plastics, once considered a revolutionary invention, now present significant challenges due to their persistence in the environment. However, not all plastics are created equal. This is where the EN 14995 standard comes in, offering a comprehensive framework for assessing the compostability of plastic materials.
The EN 14995 standard extends the principles of biodegradability beyond packaging to a wider range of plastic applications. This standard complements “EN 13432 Packaging – Requirements for packaging recoverable by composting and biodegradation – Test scheme and evaluation criteria for final acceptance of packaging”, which specifically focuses on packaging and ensures that claims of compostable plastics are supported by science rather than marketing exaggeration.
With increasing regulatory pressures and growing consumer demand for circular economy solutions, the EN 14995 standard remains a key element for manufacturers aiming to certify their products as organically recyclable.
The EN 14995 standard was developed to address the need for a standardized assessment of plastic materials intended for use in industrial composting or anaerobic digestion processes. Unlike the EN 13432 standard, which was harmonized under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and applied only to packaging, the scope of the EN 14995 standard has been expanded to include non-packaging plastics such as agricultural films, consumer goods, and technical components. This makes it particularly important for industries such as agriculture, horticulture, and consumer goods, where plastics are used in a variety of non-disposable contexts.
According to the philosophy of this standard, a plastic can only be considered compostable if it breaks down harmlessly in a controlled biological treatment environment that mimics industrial composting facilities. It evaluates four key characteristics to ensure the material does not obstruct waste management processes or contaminate the end product. By setting measurable thresholds, the EN 14995 standard helps manufacturers verify their ecological claims, supports certification bodies, and guides policymakers in promoting sustainable waste streams.
The EN 14995 standard essentially involves a multifaceted testing scheme that examines plastics under laboratory and simulated real-world conditions. For a material to pass this standard, it must meet stringent criteria regarding biodegradability, degradation, and ecotoxicity, and contribute positively (or at least neutrally) to composting.
The basic requirements of this standard are as follows:
These criteria must be met simultaneously, and while the standard's main focus is aerobic composting, it also addresses anaerobic treatability for biogas production. More importantly, the EN 14995 standard excludes heavy metals and other contaminants, limiting them to levels that do not exceed those found in the finished compost.
Compliance with the EN 14995 standard typically involves a structured testing protocol conducted by accredited laboratories. Manufacturers submit samples for independent verification, which can take several months due to long biodegradation times. Once certified, products may bear the European bioplastics logo or similar markings indicating compliance.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 14995 Plastics - Assessment of compostability - Test scheme and technical specifications" standard.
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