The biodegradable market is about to change! Europe releases new regulations for compostable "seedling" certification! "Fake biodegradable" products are doomed!
In October 2025, the European Bioplastics Association (EUBP) officially released a new version of its "Certification Scheme for Industrial Compostable Materials," which will take effect in January 2026. The certification mark is Seedling, commonly known as a small tree.
The most crucial change in the new regulations is the requirement for independent "final biodegradability" testing for each organic component in the product, with a content between 1% and 15%.
New requirement: For each organic component with a content >1% to <15%, its final biodegradability must be proven; calcium carbonate is not an organic compound and does not require proof.
Adjusted threshold: The maximum total percentage of organic compounds with a content ≤1% (without biodegradability testing) has been reduced from 5% to 3%.
The new scheme tightens the definition and scope of application of "compostable plastics," acting as a "catalyst" for Europe's green transformation and providing a clear "official identity certification" and market access for truly environmentally friendly, safe, and traceable industrial compostable plastic products.
