Home and Industrial Compostability: Differences and Testing

Compostability refers to the ability of a material to decompose in a controlled environment, becoming compost. This process can be carried out in two ways: domestic and industrial compostability. Although both methods pursue the same goal, the conditions and requirements to achieve it are different and are not interconnected. Each method requires specific tests and their final treatment varies.

It is crucial to understand the differences between household and industrial compostability to ensure that compostable products are disposed of correctly at the end of their useful life. Both options promote sustainable waste management and contribute to the reduction of non-biodegradable waste. With proper management and disposal, the benefits to the environment and soil health are considerable.

1. What is Home compostable?

Home compostability refers to the ability of a material to be composted in a home environment, such as in a static or rotating drum composter installed in a home garden, in a park or through the neighborhood collection system. Due to the smaller volume of biowaste and the equipment used, the temperatures reached are lower than in industrial composting, which makes the home process slower. Products labeled as “home compostable” should decompose effectively at temperatures around 25°C, with fluctuations in humidity and aeration due to lower volumes of waste and recurring heat losses.

2. How do I compost at home?

Home compostable products must be deposited in a home composter, which can be inconvenient to install in homes due to the space they require and the generation of odours related to the process or the attraction of insects or animals.

3. What is industrial compostable?

Industrial composting is carried out in specialized composting plants, which are designed to handle large volumes of waste. These facilities are monitored to ensure optimal conditions that promote the rapid and efficient decomposition of organic matter, using an ideal diversity of microorganisms.

4. Testing to certificate compostability

To obtain compostability certification, materials must comply with European standards EN 13432 for industrial compostability and NF T 51-800 for domestic compostability. Both standards require the following testing:

1. Chemical characterisation: Determination of heavy metals, hazardous substances and volatile solids.
2. Aerobic biodegradation: Assessment of the degradation of the material under composting conditions.
3. Disintegration: Fragmentation of the material.
4. Final compost quality and ecotoxicity: Assessment of toxicity to higher plants and agronomic properties of interest.

The difference between the two types of composting lies in the test conditions: while EN 13432 evaluates biodegradation at industrial temperatures (approximately 58°C), NF T 51-800 does so at lower temperatures and over a longer period (25°C), thus reflecting the real conditions of a home composter.

5. Is it better to have a home compostable product or an industrial compostable product?

On the other hand, home composting depends on the experience and available resources of each individual or community, and is not always developed in compliance with the requirements that ensure the organic recycling of the product.

It is crucial to understand that a product designed for home compostability will not necessarily decompose correctly in an industrial composter without proper testing and certification, and vice versa. Temperature and humidity conditions in industrial composting are significantly different from those in home composting, as are the microorganisms present in each type of organic waste pile.

6. Is a certified home compostable product also industrial compostable?

A material certified as ‘home compostable’ does not automatically receive certification for industrial composting without going through the corresponding tests and certifications, and vice versa. Temperature and humidity conditions in industrial composting differ significantly from those in home composting, as do the micro-organisms present in each organic waste pile.

ITENE Compostability Lab has the capacity to perform the four stages of compostability tests according to international standards and, with its tests, gives access to the main international seals.