Your Trusted Partner for Verification of Compostability and No Intentionally Added PFAS Claims

As sustainability becomes a top priority for consumers and businesses, the need for credible environmental claims has never been greater. NSF leads the way in providing trusted third-party verification for compostability claims. With the increasing emphasis on a product’s end-of-life—specifically its ability to safely return to the environment—demand for compostable products is on the rise. NSF helps guide sourcing and purchasing decisions with the assurance of verified, reliable claims that stand up to scrutiny.

NSF offers robust third-party verification of compostability claims. Our unique approach includes thorough assessments to ensure products meet stringent compostability criteria. This independent verification instills confidence in manufacturers and consumers alike, enhancing the credibility of compostable product claims. Additionally, NSF provides verification to ensure there are not intentionally added PFAS, helping to protect consumers and the environment from harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This dual verification supports brands in meeting consumer demand for safer, more sustainable products.

Recent regulations, such as Colorado’s Compostable Product Labeling Act, emphasize the need for truthful labeling and consumer awareness in the compostable market. Notable regulations include California's AB 1201, which mandates that all compostable products sold in the state be certified by a recognized third-party certifier like NSF. This underscores the necessity of our verification for market entry. Additionally, various states and municipalities have specific composting and packaging requirements, reinforcing the importance of NSF verification for compliance across diverse markets. As these regulations evolve, the NSF verification mark becomes essential for demonstrating compliance and showcasing your commitment to sustainability.

NSF's verification process adheres to established standards, including specific testing criteria published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Our evaluations focus on:

• ASTM D6400: Applies to plastic products, ensuring they disintegrate and biodegrade effectively.
• ASTM D6868: Used for coated paper products and polymer binders.

By adhering to these rigorous standards, NSF ensures that your compostable products meet the highest levels of quality and compliance, enhancing your brand's credibility in the marketplace.

To achieve NSF's verified environmental claims for both compostability and not intentionally added PFAS, a product must meet several critical criteria:

• Rapid disintegration: The product must break down quickly, leaving no visible residue that requires screening.
• Complete biodegradation: The product must fully biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
• Beneficial compost characteristics: The resulting compost must support plant growth and contribute positively to the soil.
• Minimal contaminants: The product must not introduce high levels of regulated metals into the environment.
• No intentionally added PFAS verification: The product must contain not intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ensuring no harmful chemicals are introduced during the composting process.

Choosing NSF verification offers numerous advantages, including enhanced credibility and market differentiation. Our verification ensures alignment with emerging regulations, including the Compostable Product Labeling Act and California's AB 1201, while providing assurance to consumers seeking reliable compostable options. Furthermore, our verification for not intentionally added PFAS reinforces your commitment to producing safe, environmentally friendly products.