How U.S. Buyers Can Verify a BPI Compostability Claim

A BPI compostability claim is worth checking at item level. Before adding the claim to packaging, a product page or a sourcing brief, record the exact product name, item number or SKU, manufacturer or licence-holder name, and the components that will be used together.

BPI’s Find Certified Products catalog is designed for this check: it lists BPI-approved products and companies licensed to sell them, with searches by company, product name, SKU or keyword. A claim that cannot be connected to a current, matching item needs clarification before it is used.

Match the catalog record with the item you plan to buy. Compare the listed company, product description, item number and construction with the quote and specification. If the proposed product has a different liner, resin, coating, ink, manufacturing site, lid or accessory, do not assume the same listing applies.

BPI’s certification documents state that only items on the relevant product worksheet are covered. BPI also says its certification mark should not be used for a component when the finished item is not certified. In practice, a certified cup does not by itself establish a certification claim for a cup-and-lid set, a printed version or an assembled foodservice kit.

BPI’s catalog describes listed items as certified for commercial compostability. Only entries specifically marked for home compostability have that additional status. Use the claim that matches the listing; do not describe a commercially certified item as suitable for home composting unless the applicable item has the home designation.

BPI describes separate commercial-only and commercial-and-home certification pathways. Its commercial certification uses ASTM D6400 as the base assessment standard, with additional assessment pathways available for eligible items. Those pathways are part of BPI’s programme; they do not make every item marketed as PLA, paper, fibre or bagasse a BPI-certified finished item.

A BPI listing answers a certification question. It does not, by itself, show that the local collection programme, hauler or composting facility accepts the complete item in the market where it will be discarded. Check that route separately and make disposal wording specific to the available programme.

For a foodservice order, review the whole configuration: container, lid, liner or coating, labels, print, cutlery, bags and any other component that will reach the organics stream. This prevents a valid certification for one item from becoming an overbroad claim for a whole order.

1. **Define the finished item.** Record the SKU or item number, supplier, construction, compatible components and destination market.

2. **Search BPI’s catalog.** Search by company, product name, SKU or keyword and save the matching item record with the sourcing file.

3. **Compare scope.** Confirm the catalog record matches the quoted item; distinguish commercial certification from any home-compostability designation.

4. **Check the disposal route.** Ask the relevant local programme, hauler or facility whether it accepts the complete configuration, then use disposal wording that fits that market.

Ask for the exact product name and item number, the legal seller or manufacturer connected to the item, a complete component list, and any documentation the supplier relies on for the proposed claim. These inputs help a buyer perform an independent catalog check; they are not substitutes for the catalog record or a local acceptance review.

If a supplier cannot identify the exact item, treat phrases such as ‘BPI compliant,’ ‘BPI material’ or a generic BPI logo as incomplete information. Pause the claim until the product-level match is clear. For a broader evidence review, see our foodservice packaging documentation guide.

The defensible question is not ‘is this material compostable?’ It is ‘is this exact finished item currently listed for the claim we want to make, and does our destination have an appropriate route for the complete package?’ Answer both questions before using BPI compostability language.

For help narrowing a packaging brief, share the food application, item configuration, destination market and the claim you want to evaluate through our contact page. You can also browse foodservice packaging or review certifications and materials.

This article is general procurement information, not legal advice. Certification status, accepted items and local disposal rules can change; verify the current programme information and local requirements before relying on a claim.