Sustainable Packaging Certifications: Why They Matter in 2025

Sustainable packaging certifications give brands and consumers a reliable, third-party-verified way to know what packaging materials are made of, where they come from, and how they should be disposed of. Instead of trusting a vague claim like "eco-friendly," these certifications require independent testing against defined standards before a label can be used.

This guide walks through the main certifications for compostable, recycled, and responsibly sourced packaging, including TUV, ABA, BPI, GRS, and FSC, and explains how each one works, what it verifies, and why it matters for building customer trust.

Whether you are switching to recycled kraft mailers, recycled poly mailers, or FSC-certified boxes, understanding these certifications helps you choose packaging that actually backs up its sustainability claims.

A quick side-by-side look at what each major certification covers and verifies.

Compostable Packaging Certifications: TUV, ABA, and BPI

Compostable certifications verify that a material will break down under specific composting conditions, either in a home compost bin or in an industrial composting facility. These certifications require stringent testing and provide clear guidelines on the appropriate composting environment for each product.

TUV Austria: Home and Industrial Compostable Certification

TUV Austria offers both home compostable and industrially compostable certifications. Products with home compostable certification are tested to break down fully in a home compost setting within 180 days, and thinner materials that decompose more quickly are more likely to meet this standard. Products that need a controlled environment with higher temperatures and more consistent microbial activity are certified as industrially compostable instead, which is common for pouches with thicker barriers or extra material layers.

Testing for TUV certification includes assessing the decomposition rate, biodegradation (breakdown into CO2, water, and biomass), and toxicity levels to ensure no harmful residues remain after composting.

ABA Certification (Australian Bioplastics Association)

The Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA) offers certifications similar to TUV, applicable to both home and industrial composting. ABA's compostability standards focus on the physical breakdown of materials, potential environmental toxicity, and residual presence of heavy metals, ensuring the product decomposes in a safe and environmentally sound way. ABA certification often pairs with TUV for compostable products distributed globally.

BPI Certification (U.S. Biodegradable Products Institute)

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is a widely recognized U.S.-based certification for industrial compostability. BPI certification is limited to products that don't have adhesive seals, since adhesives can interfere with the composting process. Products like compostable poly mailers with a compostable zipper closure instead of adhesive may qualify for BPI certification, making them suitable for industrial composting environments.

BPI-certified products undergo testing to confirm they will break down under industrial composting conditions without leaving toxic residues, helping ensure that only products meeting specific composting standards reach consumers with a "compostable" label.

Recycled Content Certification: GRS

For recycled content packaging, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is the leading certification. GRS assures consumers that a product is made with a specified percentage of recycled materials, distinguishing between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content.

Pre-consumer materials come from waste generated during the manufacturing process, while post-consumer materials are collected from used products. GRS provides transparency on the type and amount of recycled content used, and its certification process also includes auditing the supply chain to ensure materials are recycled responsibly. This "chain of custody" helps consumers trust that a recycled content claim is legitimate.

This certification is valuable for brands using recycled poly mailers or recycled kraft mailers, since it supports customers looking to reduce their environmental impact by choosing products made with recycled materials and reinforces a genuine commitment to the circular economy.

Paper Certifications: FSC and Other Options

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a trusted standard for responsibly sourced wood and paper products, ensuring that materials are harvested sustainably and with respect for forest ecosystems. FSC certification applies not only to virgin paper but also to products that contain recycled and mixed content, offering brands flexibility while upholding sustainability standards.

FSC Recycled vs. FSC Mix

FSC Recycled certification is granted to products made entirely from post-consumer recycled content, guaranteeing that no new trees were harvested. For brands aiming to support the circular economy, FSC Recycled certification assures consumers that their packaging reduces reliance on virgin materials.

Products with FSC Mix certification are made from a blend of FSC-certified virgin fiber, recycled content, and controlled wood sources. This option ensures that any new fiber is sourced sustainably, allowing brands to create packaging that combines responsible and recycled materials. FSC-certified products must also adhere to strict standards protecting biodiversity, preventing deforestation, and maintaining water quality, and the FSC considers social factors like fair labor practices and indigenous rights in forest areas.

Other Paper Certifications

If clients require other certifications for paper products, such as SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), our team can investigate the feasibility of obtaining them. These certifications help reinforce a brand's commitment to sustainability by aligning with responsible forestry practices.

Why Sustainable Packaging Certifications Matter

Certifications provide clear, trustworthy information that helps consumers make informed choices about their packaging. Here is why they matter:

Consumer transparency: Certifications confirm the materials used, the sourcing process, and the intended end-of-life treatment, whether that is recyclable or compostable. Labels like "FSC-certified" or "GRS-certified" give consumers peace of mind that they are making eco-friendly choices.

Environmental impact awareness: Certifications like BPI, TUV, and ABA educate consumers about compostable materials and promote composting as a sustainable disposal method, while GRS promotes recycling and the use of recycled materials.

Brand trust: With greenwashing becoming more common, certifications offer third-party verification that a product meets certain standards. This credibility can strengthen brand loyalty by aligning with consumers' values around environmental responsibility.

How to Request Certification for Your Custom Packaging

If specific certifications are required, it's important to let your packaging partner know so they can ensure that the materials meet the necessary standards and testing requirements. This applies to all certification types, including compostable (TUV, ABA, BPI), recycled plastic (GRS), and paper (FSC).

EcoPackables' team is also open to investigating additional certifications if you have unique requirements, and can help source compliant materials across our full mailer collection and custom packaging lines.

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