Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

The Biodegradable Products Institute is a not-for-profit association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting).  Through thier innovative compostable label program, founded in 1999, they educate manufacturers, legislators and consumers about the importance of scientifically based standards for compostable materials which biodegrade in large composting facilities. The BPI will certify any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet the requirements in ASTM D6400 or D6868, based on testing in a BPI-approved laboratory.

Its members include leading resin suppliers (such as BASF, CerePlast, Heritage Plastics, NatureWorks LLC, Novamont, and Telles,LLC); compostable product manufacturers and distributors (such as BioBag, BioGroup US, BioSphere Industries, Glad, Huhtamaki, Fabri-Kal, Farnell Packaging, Frito Lay & Polargruppen A/S); governmental officials and the scientific community (Ramani Narayan-Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics).

Why is the BPI involved in this program? Ever since the introduction of "biodegradable plastics" fifteen years ago, confusion and skepticism about claims and product performance has prevailed. This situation stems largely from plastic products that did not biodegrade as expected, yet were able to make claims because no scientifically based test methods and standards existed. Now that has changed. Specifications do exist. These are ASTM D6400 for films and ASTM D6868 for packaging which uses biodegradable coatings. Products meeting either one of these standards are certified by the BPI and awarded the Compostable Logo (see below). The Compostable Logo is designed to address the confusion that has existed by building credibility and recognition for these products among consumers, composters, regulators and others. It is designed to be easily recognizable and able to be placed on the actual product as well as packaging materials and sales literature.

Compostable Logo
(Provided courtesy of BPI)