Labelling

Due to their similar appearance bioplastics products cannot be easily differed from conventional plastic products. The use of independent and internationally respected labels marking bioplastic products is important for consumers to receive transparent and correct information and to safeguard the positive image of bioplastics.

Labels should be based on commonly acknowledged standards and corresponding certification processes.

A fine example with regard to the labelling of bioplastics is the compostable label “seedling”. It is connected to the standard EN 13432 / EN 14995 and a certification process managed by the independent institutions DIN Certco and Vinçotte. Bioplastics products carrying the seedling fullfill every criteria layed down in the EN 13432 regarding compostability.

The objectives and advantages of product labelling (example: “seedling”) include:

• Allowing identification of the product by users/consumers
• Enabling and facilitating the proper sorting in waste collection and recovery
• Assuring product quality (in case of the seedling according to EN 13432 / EN 14995 criteria)