COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC CERTIFICATE

Introduction

The Compostable Plastic Certificate is a formal recognition issued to manufacturers, distributors or users of compostable plastic products, ensuring their materials conform with specific environmental and performance standards for composability. It is certification that the plastic product, when disposed in an industrial or home composting environment, will biodegrade safely and without leaving harmful residues. That is consistent with sustainable waste management practices.

With the burgeoning awareness of environmental pollution and the negative impact of conventional plastics, there appeared the compostable plastic, which is friendly to environment. It is a material designed for plastic to break down in a certain time frame under controlled composting conditions into organic matter, such as carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

This procedure requires strict testing and adherence to internationally recognized standards such as ISO 17088, EN 13432, or ASTM D6400. Each country also has its own standards on plastics, for example India’s CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board)

The Compostable Plastic Certificate not only brings responsibility for a cleaner environment but also confidence and trust in the marketplace, making it easier to satisfy regulatory requirements and explore opportunities opened up by sustainable products.

What is a Compostable Certificate License?

A Compostable Certificate License is an official permission issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or other regulatory authorities, confirming that a manufacturer’s plastic products qualify as compostable. Compostable plastics are those which biodegrade under natural or industrial composting conditions without causing second pollution, not even the smell of nor dangerous results for other living beings and turning completely into carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O) and biomass within a predetermined time frame.

This license ensures compliance with environmental regulations, particularly the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and promotes sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Key feature of a compostable certificate license:

• Regulatory compliance: This certificate is a formal proof that the plastic manufacturer meets stringent environmental requirements, and it also helps to open up new market points for industries engaged in production or sales of packaging materials.”
• Material Testing: Certification is given only after the CPCB-approved laboratory with thorough testing of the materials confirms that they meet composability standards. For example, IS/ISO 17088.
• Product Scope: Services include carry bags, packaging materials, agricultural mulch films and other disposables intended to replace use of one-time plastics only.
• Environmental Standards: This clause ensures that the product free of harm to the environment, can be entirely degraded under composting conditions and does not release harmful toxins into environment
• Market Authorization: Allows businesses to produce, sell and distribute compostable plastics, opening up new green markets.
• Labeling and Traceability: Certified products must carry the official CPCB Certificate mark, both for transparency with regulators and as an assurance to end-consumers.

Why Is It Important?

The Compostable Certificate License is asking for some:

• Combat Plastic Pollution: Push for biodegradable alternatives to ordinary plastic that eventually gets below ground level.
• Enhanced Credibility in the Market: Certified environmentally safe products help outword-making consumers trust what they buy.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Certified compostable plastics avoid penalties or bans.
• Sustainable Development: As one more part of a rapidly changing world, people with certified compostable plastics play their part in its promotion.

Requirements for Compostable Plastic License

Companies wishing to obtain a Compostable Plastic Certification need deal with the Central Pollution Control Board Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) and other government regulations. They must meet strict eligibility criteria, which are explained below.

1. Type of Manufacturers

• The manufacturer originally responsible for compostable plastic products intended to replace conventional single-use plastics, such as:
  • Carry bags
  • Packaging materials
  • Agricultural Mulch Films
  • Disposable Items (plates, Cutlery, etc)

2. Production Standards

Compostable Plastic products must be manufactured using biodegradable polymers that comply with IS/ISO 17088:2021 standards. These standards define the criteria for compostable plastics.

• Only materials that biodegrade naturally to CO2, H2O and biomass within a specific period of time (without leaving behind toxic residues) meet the criteria for this application.

3. Testing and Certification

• Compostable plastics need to be tested and certified by a CPCB-approved laboratory in order to meet the following requirements:
• Biodegradability: Breaks down within the time required.
• Compostability: Breaks down completely in a composting environment.
• Non-Toxicity: Undergoes no adverse changes after decomposition.
• Heavy Metal Content: Must not exceed the standard permitted limits.

Documents Required for Registration of Compostable Plastic Products

In accordance with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, manufacturers must submit the following documents when applying for a Compostable Plastic Certificate Licence:

1. Company / Business Details

• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), Partnership Deed (for partnerships) or Proprietorship Declaration (for sole proprietors).
• GST Registration Certificate.
• Factory/Trade License issued by main local authority.
• PAN Card of the business entity.
• Proof of Registered Office Address (electricity bill, rent agreement, property tax receipt, etc.).

2. Manufacturing Facility Information

• Address and ownership details of the manufacturing unit (lease agreement, property ownership certificate, etc.).
• Site plan of construction area. lay out plan, distribution patterns of facilities and use contents of park.
• List of machinery and equipment used in the production process.

3. Environmental Compliance

• Valid Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) certificates from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
• Environmental Compliance Report, if any.
• Details of waste management practices adopted at the plant

4. Product Information

• Complete details of the compostable items made from plastic, including:
• Types of products (shopping bags, packaging materials, etc.).
• Specifications of the products (size, thickness, weight, etc.).
• Application of the product to be made.
• A copy of the testing report issuing from a CPCB-approved laboratory demonstrating compliance with IS/ISO 17088:2021 standards.
• Sample pictures of the product or design drawings.

5. Laboratory Test Report

• Authentication from a CPCB-certified lab to certify that:
• The product is biodegradable.
• It can completely decompose in a composting environment.
• The product contains no toxins or heavy metals and complies with the relevant limits set by government.

6. Raw Material Details of Products

• Details about the raw materials used in prodution of compostable products.
• Purchase invoices or supplier certificates for biodegradable polymers.

7. Proof of Registration with Relevant Authorities

• Accepted Registration Proof for CPCB or State Pollution Control Board (if it has already been registered).
• Copy of previous approvals or certifications(if any)

8. Legal Undertakings

• Declaration that the company complies with Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
• A self attested declaration that:
• The products meet the necessary IS/ISO standards.
• All information supplied within this application is correct.
• The manufacturer will comply with CPCB guidelines.

9. Additional Documentation (if applicable)

• Import-export licenses (if raw materials or goods are imported/exported).
• Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) or contractual agreement with an outside body involved in waste collection or recycling.

Regarding the fee schedule, rates are shown below on the basis of manufacturing capacity (TPA):

• All of those producing fewer than 200 TPA must pay an application fee of ₹5,000.
• All of those producing between 200 and 2,000 TPA must pay an application fee of ₹20,000.
• All of those producing in excess of 2,000 TPA must pay an application fee of ₹50,000.