Sustainability claims are under more scrutiny than ever, especially in the packaging sector. With increasing pressure to cut waste, many businesses have turned to compostable labels as a greener solution. The term “compostable” is often misunderstood or misused, which can lead to misleading claims and regulatory problems.
For a label to be truly compostable, it must completely break down into non-toxic components within a specified time frame. It should leave behind no harmful residues and break down in an environment designed to aid decomposition. Most of the time, this means an industrial composting facility, where high temperatures and controlled conditions speed up the process.
Legal Standards You Must Follow
UK businesses must follow strict legal guidelines when making compostable claims. The main laws to consider are the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Green Claims Code. These rules make it clear that any environmental claims must be honest, accurate, and supported by solid evidence.
In terms of compostability, the most important standard in the UK and Europe is EN 13432. This standard outlines how quickly and completely a product must break down in an industrial composting setting. It requires materials to decompose within twelve weeks and fully disintegrate without leaving any visible fragments.
Certifications such as TÜV Austria’s OK Compost INDUSTRIAL or DIN CERTCO approval are widely recognised. If your product is suitable for home composting, a more demanding standard applies. Labels must carry certification like OK Compost HOME, showing they break down safely in lower-temperature environments like garden compost bins.
Common Pitfalls: Greenwashing Risks
Many companies fall into the trap of greenwashing by using vague terms like “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “biodegradable” without explaining what these terms actually mean. This causes confusion for customers and risks breaching legal requirements.
Biodegradable materials often need specific industrial composting conditions to break down fully. Some materials take much longer to decompose or leave behind microplastics that damage the environment. Without proper clarification, businesses can easily mislead customers about how environmentally friendly their packaging really is.
Why Adhesives and Inks Matter
One of the most overlooked aspects of compostable labelling is the adhesive and ink used. A label may be made from compostable paper or film, but the wrong adhesive or ink can ruin its composting performance.
All components of a label, including the adhesives, inks, and finishes, must meet compostable standards to ensure the product breaks down properly. If any part fails this requirement, it risks contaminating the composting process and damaging soil quality. This can also lead to rejected composting batches and potential fines for false advertising.
How to Stay Compliant and Transparent
To avoid misleading claims, businesses must take extra care when choosing and marketing compostable labels. The safest approach is to:
- Request certification for every part of the label, including adhesives and inks.
- Display clear, honest information about where and how the label can be composted.
- Regularly review supplier documents to ensure compliance is maintained.
- Avoid using broad environmental claims without specific evidence.
Compostable labels offer brands a real opportunity to support sustainable goals, but they also come with responsibility. This approach strengthens customer trust, enhances brand reputation, and contributes to wider environmental targets.