Biodegradable and Compostable Product Certification

Core Content of Certification

Degradable and Compostable Product Certification focuses on the full degradation performance of products under composting conditions, examining the following key dimensions:

Biodegradation Rate: In accordance with the CTS CRCB036-2026 technical specification, the biodegradability of the product under specified composting conditions is tested. It requires that under aerobic composting conditions, the product achieves a biodegradation rate meeting the threshold specified in the standard within a defined period.

Disintegration Performance: The physical decomposition capability of the product during the composting process is tested. It requires that the product disintegrates into fragments that can pass through a standard sieve within a specified time, ensuring a uniform texture of the compost product without visible residues.

Limits on Heavy Metals and Hazardous Substances: The content of various heavy metals and hazardous substances in the product is tested to ensure compliance with the standard limits.

Ecotoxicity: Through plant germination rate tests and earthworm acute toxicity tests, it is verified that the compost product has no adverse effects on the ecosystem, ensuring that the product does not cause secondary pollution to the environment after composting and degradation.

Certification Levels and Evaluation System

According to the CTS CRCB036-2026 technical specification, certification adopts a pass/fail assessment method. A product must simultaneously meet all indicator requirements, including biodegradation rate, disintegration rate, heavy metal content, and ecotoxicity, to obtain the certification certificate. The certificate is valid for three years.

Certification Process

Degradable and Compostable Product Certification typically involves the following stages:

Application for Certification: Submission of application forms, business license, product technical specifications, material composition list, production process description, and other documents. The certification body conducts a preliminary review of the application documents.

Product Sampling and Testing: Personnel appointed by the certification body go to the production site or finished product warehouse for sampling. Samples are sent to laboratories with CNAS and CMA qualifications for testing. Test items include biodegradation rate, disintegration rate, heavy metal content, ecotoxicity, etc. The biodegradation rate test cycle is relatively long, typically taking several weeks to months.

Document Review: Review of the conformity of product documents with the CTS CRCB036-2026 technical specification, verifying whether raw material sources, production processes, product labeling, etc., meet the requirements.

Rectification and Re-examination: For non-conformities identified during the review, the enterprise completes rectification within a specified period and submits evidence for re-examination by the audit team.

Evaluation and Approval of Certification Results: After both product testing and document review are passed, the certification body conducts a comprehensive evaluation, approves the certification decision, and issues the certificate. The certificate is valid for three years.

Post-Certification Surveillance: After certification, annual surveillance audits are conducted (at intervals not exceeding 12 months) to confirm that the product continues to meet certification requirements. Surveillance includes product consistency checks and product supervision testing.

Re-certification Audit: Before the certificate expires, a re-certification audit is conducted to extend the certification validity, typically on a three-year cycle.

Value of Certification

Demonstrates Environmental Attributes: Through rigorous testing of biodegradation rate, disintegration rate, and ecotoxicity, the certification proves that the product can fully degrade under industrial composting conditions, avoiding false degradation claims and earning consumer trust.

Meets Market Access Requirements: Certified products can display the compostable certification mark, meeting domestic green product procurement and relevant environmental regulations, thereby facilitating entry into the green supply chain system.

Enhances Product Market Competitiveness: Certified products can use the certification mark on packaging and promotional materials, creating a differentiated advantage over similar products and meeting green consumption demands.

Standardizes Production and Improves Quality: The certification process drives enterprises to establish standardized raw material control and quality management systems, ensuring the long-term stability of product degradation performance and reducing environmental compliance risks.