Compostable Straw Certification: BPI vs EN 13432

For US and EU markets, you need different compostable straw certification: BPI certification (based on ASTM D6400) for the United States, and EN 13432 certification (often issued as OK Compost by TÜV Austria) for the European Union. As of September 2026, ASTM D6400 straws must biodegrade 60% within 180 days and disintegrate 90% within 84 days, while EN 13432 straws must biodegrade 90% within 6 months and disintegrate 90% within 12 weeks. Because certification scopes and logos are not interchangeable, buyers should specify the target market before requesting samples or quotes.

BPI vs EN 13432: What Compostable Straw Certification Requires

BPI certified straws rely on ASTM D6400, the US standard for compostable plastics. BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) reviews third-party test reports and issues a logo that US composters and cities recognize. EN 13432 straws follow the European standard, which also covers paper and other materials. OK Compost is the most common certification body for EN 13432, and its logo is accepted across EU member states. For ASTM D6400 straws, certification costs typically range from $3,000 to $12,000 per product line, with 8–12 weeks for testing and review. For OK Compost straws, expect similar timelines but budget €4,000–€15,000, depending on material complexity.

For a deeper breakdown of test methods and paperwork, see our guide to biodegradable straw certifications.

Material Selection: PLA vs Paper Straws for Certification

Because compostable straw certification depends on material chemistry, PLA and paper follow different test paths. PLA straws are the most straightforward path to both BPI and EN 13432 certification because they are made from compostable polylactic acid. Paper straws can also be certified, but only if the adhesive, ink, and coating are compostable. Many paper straws use PLA or water-based coatings to pass EN 13432; however, some US composters reject paper straws with plastic linings. For B2B buyers, the material decision affects MOQ and lead time: PLA straws typically start at 50,000 units per size and ship in 25–35 days, while certified paper straws may require 100,000 units and 30–45 days because of additional coating checks.

Market pressure is rising: the global straw market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2036, and compostable certification is a key differentiator. See our analysis of straw market growth and mandates.

B2B Due-Diligence Checklist for Compostable Straw Certificates

Use this checklist before signing a purchase order:

1. Verify certificate scope: Confirm the certificate names the exact straw SKU, diameter, and length. Generic “PLA resin” certificates do not cover finished straws.
2. Request full test reports: Ask for ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 reports from ISO 17025 labs, including biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity data.
3. Check logo usage rights: BPI and OK Compost logos are licensed per product; counterfeit logos are common. Verify the certificate number on the certifier’s website.
4. Confirm labeling claims: “Compostable” requires certification; “biodegradable” alone is not enough. Avoid claims like “100% compostable” without a certificate number.
5. Match market requirements: US buyers may need BPI for municipal composting, while EU buyers often require EN 13432 plus local language labeling.
6. Audit the supply chain: Request batch-level certificates of analysis (CoA) and confirm the factory holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
7. Plan for renewal: Certificates expire every 1–3 years; budget $2,000–$5,000 annually for surveillance audits and renewals.

FAQ: Compostable Straw Certification

Q: Is BPI certification accepted in the EU?
A: No. BPI is based on ASTM D6400, which is not recognized under EU law. For the EU, you need EN 13432 certification, typically through OK Compost or DIN CERTCO. Some suppliers hold both, but they are separate certificates.

Q: How long does compostable straw certification take?
A: Testing and review usually take 8–12 weeks for ASTM D6400 and 10–16 weeks for EN 13432. Add 2–4 weeks if the material or coating is new. Plan for 3–6 months from sample approval to certificate issuance.

Q: Do paper straws need the same certification as PLA straws?
A: Yes, if you market them as compostable. Paper straws must pass EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 as a finished product, including inks and adhesives. Many paper straws fail ecotoxicity or disintegration tests due to non-compostable coatings.

Conclusion: Choose Certification Before Material

For US buyers, request BPI certified straws with ASTM D6400 test reports. For EU buyers, request EN 13432 straws with OK Compost certificates. Because certification drives material choice, finalize your target market and certification path before locking a PO. ZTstraw has 30 years of manufacturing experience and exports to 30+ countries; we can supply both BPI and EN 13432 certified straws. Contact sales@ztstraw.com or visit our products page at https://ztstraw.com/products/ for samples and MOQ details.