The term “biodegradable” has become one of the most scrutinised claims on packaging. While consumer interest in environmentally responsible products continues to grow, regulators are paying closer attention to how these claims are used and substantiated. For brands using biodegradable labels, the challenge is no longer about standing out. It is about avoiding misleading language and ensuring every claim can withstand enforcement scrutiny.
Certification marks and standards play a central role in this process. However, not all certifications allow the same on-pack wording, and not all biodegradable outcomes are equal. Understanding what can safely appear on a label is now a compliance issue rather than a marketing choice.
Why Biodegradable Claims Are High Risk
Biodegradability is not a single, universal condition. Materials may biodegrade under industrial composting conditions, in soil, in water, or over very different timeframes. Problems arise when labels imply broad environmental benefits without clearly defining the conditions under which biodegradation occurs.
UK regulators and advertising authorities increasingly expect precision. Claims that suggest a product will biodegrade naturally in the environment, without evidence, are likely to be challenged. This includes vague phrases such as “environmentally friendly,” “breaks down naturally,” or “eco-safe,” when they are not directly supported by recognised testing standards.
For biodegradable labels, the risk is compounded by the fact that the label itself is part of the packaging. Any environmental claim printed on it must be accurate for the label material, adhesive, and inks used, not just the underlying product or container.
What Certification Claims Are Generally Acceptable
Certification can provide a safer route, but only when claims are tightly aligned with what the certification actually covers. Labels that have been tested against recognised standards may reference those standards directly, provided the wording is factual and not exaggerated.
For example, it is generally safer to state that a label is “industrially compostable according to recognised standards” rather than claiming it is simply “biodegradable.” Where certification applies only in specific conditions, such as controlled composting facilities, that limitation should be made clear on-pack.
Certification logos or references should also only be used where permission has been granted by the certifying body. Misuse of marks, or implying certification where only internal testing exists, is a common source of enforcement action. Importantly, certifications usually relate to specific material combinations. A change in adhesive or substrate can invalidate the claim if it falls outside the tested specification.
Designing Claims for Longevity and Compliance
The safest biodegradable label claims tend to be specific, conditional, and restrained. Rather than focusing on broad environmental benefits, compliant labels explain what the material does, how it has been tested, and under what circumstances it performs as described.
This approach also supports future-proofing. As enforcement tightens and guidance evolves, labels that already include clear qualifiers are less likely to require urgent redesigns. Multi-layer or extended content labels can help here, allowing brands to explain certification context without overcrowding the primary pack design.
Ultimately, biodegradable labels are no longer judged on intent but on evidence. Certification claims that are accurate, limited in scope, and clearly worded reduce regulatory risk while still communicating environmental responsibility. As scrutiny continues to increase, careful claim selection is becoming essential for brands operating in this space.