Biodegradation;
Disintegration during composting;
Negative effects on the composting process and facility;
Negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost, including the presence of high levels of regulated metals and other harmful components.
This spec is intended to establish the requirements for the labelling of plastic products and materials, including packaging made from plastics, as “compostable” or “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities” or “biodegradable during composting.” It will also define how to measure the rate and extent of biodegradation.

Compostable plastics are created in a way that makes them suitable for composting but when not handled properly they will remain in landfills or oceans. If plastic is mismanaged, it can cause harm to the environment by releasing harmful greenhouse gases, ruining natural habitats both in water and on land.