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Expert Reference Guide
What every certification actually means, who awards it, and how to tell the real ones from the misleading badges — for every major market.
Sustainable packaging certifications serve three purposes: they give producers a structured framework for demonstrating environmental performance, they give buyers a reliable signal of verified claims, and they give regulators a reference point for compliance.
The landscape is fragmented. Standards overlap, terminologies differ across markets, and the distinction between a product-level certification — which travels with a specific product — and a company-level certification — which attests to an organisation's broader practices — is frequently misunderstood.
This guide cuts through that complexity. It covers every major certification, who awards it, what it actually verifies, and critically, how to distinguish a genuine third-party certification from a commercial loyalty badge dressed up as one.
The master reference table in Section 2 gives a quick overview of all certifications. Sections 3–8 provide deep-dives by category. Sections 11 and 12 cover misleading badges and how to verify any claim. Section 13 organises priorities by market.
| Certification | Level | Certifying Body | What It Certifies | Key Markets | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Content & Ocean Plastic | |||||
| GRS — Global Recycled Standard | Both | Textile Exchange / Control Union / Bureau Veritas | Recycled input material content ≥20% | Global | textileexchange.org |
| RCS — Recycled Claim Standard | Both | Textile Exchange / Control Union | Recycled content claim (no % threshold) | Global | textileexchange.org |
| OBP Certification | Both | Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO) — standard owner; Control Union — primary auditing CB | Plastic collected within 50km of coastline/waterway in high-risk zones; full chain of custody | Global | obpcert.org |
| Forest & Fibre | |||||
| FSC | Both | FSC International / Accredited CBs | Responsibly managed forests; chain of custody | Global | fsc.org |
| PEFC | Both | PEFC International / National Members | Sustainable forest management; chain of custody | Global | pefc.org |
| SFI | Both | Sustainable Forestry Initiative | Sustainable forest management (North America) | US, CA | forests.org |
| Recyclability | |||||
| How2Recycle | Product | Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) | Standardised US recyclability labelling | US, CA | how2recycle.info |
| Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) | Product | PREP Design / APCO | On-pack recycling guidance for AU/NZ streams | AU, NZ | australasianrecyclinglabel.org.au |
| OPRL | Product | OPRL Ltd (UK) | Recyclability labelling in UK kerbside streams | UK | oprl.org.uk |
| RecyClass | Product | RecyClass (Plastics Recyclers Europe) | Recyclability of plastic packaging against European recycling streams | EU | recyclass.eu |
| Green Dot / Der Grüne Punkt | Company | PRO Europe / national PROs | Producer has paid EPR fees. NOT a recyclability claim. | EU (31 countries) | pro-e.org |
| APR Design® Guide | Product | Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) | Compatible with US plastics recycling streams | US | plasticsrecycling.org |
| Compostability | |||||
| EN 13432 | Product | DIN CERTCO / TUV Austria / Vinçotte | Industrial compostability of packaging | EU, Global | din-certco.de |
| AS 4736 | Product | ABA (Australasian Bioplastics Assoc.) | Industrial compostability — Australasian standard | AU, NZ | bioplastics.org.au |
| AS 5810 | Product | ABA | Home compostability — Australasian standard | AU, NZ | bioplastics.org.au |
| OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | Product | TUV Austria | Industrial compostability (EU standard) | EU, Global | tuv-austria.com |
| OK Compost HOME | Product | TUV Austria | Home compostability at ambient temperatures | EU, Global | tuv-austria.com |
| BPI Certification | Product | Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) | Compostability to ASTM D6400 / D6868 (US) | US, CA | bpiworld.org |
| Company-Level & Advanced | |||||
| B Corp Certification | Company | B Lab | High social & environmental performance across business | Global | bcorporation.net |
| ISO 14001 | Company | ISO / Accredited CBs (BSI, SGS, Bureau Veritas) | Environmental management system standard | Global | iso.org |
| Carbon Neutral Certification | Both | Climate Active (AU/NZ) / Carbon Trust (UK) / PAS 2060 | Net zero carbon emissions verified | AU, NZ, UK, Global | climateactive.org.au |
| Cradle to Cradle | Both | Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute | Material health, recyclability, renewable energy, water, social fairness | Global | c2ccertified.org |
Recycled content certifications verify that a product or material contains a specified proportion of post-consumer or post-industrial recycled material. They operate through chain-of-custody systems that track material from collection through processing to finished product.
The most widely recognised recycled content standard globally. Requires a minimum of 20% recycled input material by weight. Covers all material types — plastics, metals, textiles, paper. Includes chain-of-custody requirements and social/environmental processing criteria. Widely used for packaging made from recycled PET, recycled polypropylene, and ocean-bound plastic.
The OBP Certification Programme was developed by the NGO Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO) in collaboration with Control Union, and launched on World Oceans Day 2020. It verifies that plastic has been collected from areas within 50km of a coastline or waterway — in regions where waste management is inadequate — meaning it was genuinely at risk of entering the ocean. This is the certification carried by Better Packaging Co.'s POLLAST!C range.
Forest certifications provide chain-of-custody assurance that fibre originates from responsibly managed forests. These are among the most mature certification systems and are frequently specified by major retailers as a baseline requirement for paper and cardboard packaging.
The most globally recognised forest certification. Three label types: FSC 100% (all certified virgin fibre), FSC Recycled (all recycled fibre), FSC Mix (combination of certified, recycled and/or controlled wood). For packaging, chain-of-custody certification tracks certified fibre from forest through every stage to the finished pack.
The world's largest forest certification system by area of certified forest. Operates as an umbrella body endorsing national schemes. Chain-of-custody certification works similarly to FSC. Many mills and converters hold both FSC and PEFC.
Recyclability schemes are market-specific because recycling infrastructure varies enormously by country. A format widely recycled in Germany may be unrecyclable in New Zealand. This is the most market-fragmented area of sustainable packaging certification.
Align recyclability claims to the specific market where a product is sold. Always use the appropriate on-pack labelling scheme for that market — not a generic recyclable symbol.
The leading recyclability certification for plastic packaging in Europe, operated by Plastics Recyclers Europe. Evaluates compatibility with European collection, sorting, recycling and material reuse. By 2024, RecyClass had certified over 60% of Europe's installed plastics recycling capacity. Under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), all packaging must be recyclable by 2030 — RecyClass certification is the expected mechanism for demonstrating compliance.
One of the most widely recognised — and widely misunderstood — symbols on European packaging. The Green Dot does NOT mean the packaging is recyclable. It means the producer has paid a financial contribution into a nationally approved packaging take-back and recovery scheme, fulfilling their EPR obligations under EU Directive 94/62/EC.
The mandatory-by-voluntary-commitment on-pack recycling guidance scheme for Australia and New Zealand, calibrated to Australasian kerbside infrastructure. Three tiers: Recyclable, Check Locally, Not Recyclable. Only APCO members are permitted to use the ARL.
The UK's standardised on-pack recycling labelling scheme. Uses three labels: Recycle, Check Local Recycling, and Do Not Recycle. Increasingly important as the UK's EPR scheme requires accurate recyclability data for packaging fee calculations. Mandatory labelling regulations in the UK are tightening from 2025 onward.
The leading recyclability labelling scheme in North America. Evaluates each packaging component and assigns one of four labels: Widely Recycled, Check Locally, Store Drop-Off, or Do Not Recycle. Required or preferred by major US retailers including Target and Walmart.
Compostability certifications are among the most rigorous — and most misunderstood — in sustainable packaging. A certified compostable product has been tested to verify it fully breaks down without leaving harmful residues, under defined conditions, within a defined timeframe.
Industrial compostability requires sustained temperatures of 50–60°C achievable only in a managed composting facility. Home compostability must work at ambient temperatures as low as 20°C — a significantly harder technical challenge. Never conflate the two on-pack.
The gold standard for industrial compostability in Europe, and internationally recognised. Tests for biodegradation (>90% in 6 months), disintegration (<10% residue through 2mm sieve in 12 weeks), absence of negative effects on composting process, and limits on heavy metals. Required for composting claims in the EU.
AS 4736 is the Australasian equivalent of EN 13432 for industrial compostability. AS 5810 covers home compostability. Both are required for the seedling logo use in Australia and New Zealand. Many global brands certify to both EN 13432 and AS 4736 to cover European and Australasian markets simultaneously.
The dominant compostability certification in North America, based on ASTM D6400 (plastics) and ASTM D6868 (coatings on paper). Required by many US composting facilities and state-level legislation including California. BPI maintains a publicly searchable certified products database.
Company-level certifications assess the organisation as a whole — its management systems, environmental impact, social practices, and governance. They do not certify individual products, but are increasingly required by procurement teams, investors and regulators.
The most widely recognised company-level sustainability certification globally. This certification has undergone a recent overhaul and, as of January 2026, B Corps will be assessed across 7 pillars: Purpose & Stakeholder Governance | Fair Work | Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | Human Rights, Climate Action | Environmental Stewardship & Circularity | Government Affairs & Collective Action. Recertification is required every three years.
Certifies that an organisation has implemented a structured environmental management system (EMS) — a framework for identifying, managing and continually improving environmental impacts. Widely required in manufacturing and retail procurement. Annual surveillance audits; full recertification every 3 years.
One of the most comprehensive and demanding product certifications available. Assesses five categories: Material Health, Material Reutilisation, Renewable Energy & Carbon Management, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness. Scored Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum in each category — the overall level is determined by the lowest-scoring category.
No single certification covers the full sustainability story of a packaging product. The most credible sustainable packaging programmes layer multiple certifications.
'Made with certified recycled content (GRS)' is a stronger claim than 'made with recycled materials'. 'Industrially compostable (EN 13432 / AS 4736)' is stronger than 'compostable'. Specificity protects against greenwashing challenges and builds consumer trust.
The most common error. 'We are B Corp certified' does not mean your packaging is sustainable. 'Our packaging is made from certified recycled content' requires a product-level certification (GRS, RCS) backed by transaction certificates. Keep company-level and product-level claims clearly separated in all communications.
Labelling packaging as 'compostable' without specifying industrial or home, and without referencing the applicable standard, is increasingly considered a misleading claim. In the EU, the Green Claims Directive requires substantiation with the specific standard. In Australia, the ACCC has flagged compostability claims as a priority enforcement area. Always specify the standard (EN 13432, AS 4736, BPI etc.) and the type.
A product that is theoretically recyclable but not accepted by mainstream kerbside collection in the market where it is sold should not carry a simple 'recyclable' claim. Use the appropriate on-pack labelling scheme (ARL, How2Recycle, OPRL) — it may result in a 'Check Locally' label rather than 'Widely Recycled', but that is the honest and legally defensible position.
Certifications expire. Products change. Ensure your certification register is live, all certificates are in date, and any change to material, supplier, or product specification triggers the change management process and, where required, re-certification or re-testing.
Terms like 'eco-friendly', 'green', 'sustainable', 'good for the planet' and 'planet-positive' without substantiation are in the crosshairs of regulators globally. The UK CMA's Green Claims Code, the EU Green Claims Directive, the US FTC Green Guides, and the ACCC guidelines all require that environmental claims be truthful, clear, non-omissive and substantiated by robust evidence.
Not every badge on sustainable packaging represents an independent, third-party verified certification. A growing category of commercial 'eco programmes' have the visual appearance of certifications — distinctive marks, green colour schemes, official-sounding names — but lack the defining characteristics that give certifications their credibility.
A genuine certification has four non-negotiable characteristics:
| Characteristic | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Independent standard body | The standard is set by an organisation independent of the companies being certified. The standard-setting process must be transparent and open to scrutiny. |
| Defined performance criteria | There are specific, measurable requirements that must be met for certification to be awarded. Criteria must be publicly available and unambiguous. |
| Third-party audit | An independent, accredited auditor — not the standard owner, not the applicant company — verifies that criteria have been met. |
| Public registry | Certified companies and/or products are listed in a publicly searchable database so buyers can independently verify any claim. |
The noissue Eco-Alliance is discussed here as a representative example. noissue holds some genuine certifications (FSC, GRS) on its products. The critique concerns specifically the Eco-Alliance badge, not the company or its products.
noissue is a packaging supplier with real third-party certifications including FSC and GRS. The Eco-Alliance, however, is a customer loyalty and community programme, not a certification. Here is what it actually involves:
Customers receiving packaging bearing the Eco-Alliance badge have no way of knowing — without further research — that the badge does not represent independent verification of any sustainability claim. Under the EU Green Claims Directive and equivalent regulations in AU/NZ, this type of implied claim is increasingly legally problematic.
| Type | How it works | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier loyalty badge | Awarded to all customers of a particular supplier. Membership requires only a purchase. No independent audit. | No entry criteria beyond purchase. Badge downloadable at checkout. No public registry. |
| Self-certified 'standard' | A company creates its own 'standard' and awards itself or partners a mark of compliance. | Standard-setter and certified company have same ownership. Criteria not public. No independent auditor. |
| Membership organisation badge | Awarded based on fee payment and/or a commitment statement. No performance testing or audit. | Membership requires statement of intent or fee only. Badge implies performance when it signals intent. |
| Offset-only badge | Company purchases carbon offsets or tree-planting credits and displays a 'carbon neutral' badge without measuring or reducing emissions first. | No verified emissions measurement. No reduction target. No reference to PAS 2060, Climate Active or equivalent standard. |
| Generic recycling arrow | Use of the Möbius loop or variants on packaging that is not accepted by mainstream kerbside recycling. The symbol is not trademarked. | No reference to a specific market scheme. No ARL, How2Recycle or OPRL label. No evidence the packaging is accepted by actual recycling facilities. |
When evaluating any badge, mark or label on packaging — as a buyer, procurement officer, brand owner or consumer — apply this six-question test. A genuine certification should answer 'yes' to all six.
| Certification | Public Registry | What You Can Verify |
|---|---|---|
| OBP Certification (ZPO) | obpcert.org | Certified organisations, standard version, scope |
| GRS / RCS | Control Union portal | Facility-level certification, scope, expiry |
| FSC | info.fsc.org | Certificate number, scope, certified products, expiry |
| PEFC | pefc.org/find-certified | Certificate holder, scope, expiry |
| B Corp | bcorporation.net | Score, certification date, impact performance |
| BPI (compostability) | bpiworld.org | Certified products, certificate holder |
| TUV Austria OK Compost | products.tuv-austria.com | Product, standard, certificate number, expiry |
| RecyClass | recyclass.eu/certifications | Certified packaging items and recycling process certs |
| ISO certifications | iafcertsearch.org | ISO 14001 and other ISO certificates by company |
| How2Recycle | how2recycle.info/brands | Brand membership, labelling programme participation |
If a badge cannot be independently verified via a public registry, it is not a certification. It may be a commitment, a community membership, or a statement of intent — all of which can have value — but none provide the independent third-party assurance that a certification does. Treat them accordingly in procurement decisions, marketing claims and supplier assessments.
AS 4736 (industrial compost) · AS 5810 (home compost) · ARL (recyclability) · OBP Certification · GRS/RCS (recycled content) · FSC/PEFC (fibre) · B Corp · APCO PREP (recyclability assessment) · Climate Active (carbon neutral)
EN 13432 (industrial compost) · OK Compost HOME/INDUSTRIAL (TUV Austria) · GRS/RCS · FSC/PEFC · RecyClass (plastic recyclability) · Green Dot / PRO Europe (EPR compliance — not recyclability) · Cradle to Cradle · ISO 14001/14067
EN 13432 · OPRL (recyclability labelling) · FSC/PEFC · GRS · Carbon Trust / PAS 2060 (carbon neutral) · B Corp · ISO 14001
BPI / ASTM D6400 (compost) · How2Recycle (recyclability) · APR Design Guide (plastics recyclability) · USDA BioPreferred (biobased) · GRS/RCS · FSC/PEFC · B Corp
GRS · FSC · OBP Certification (ZPO/Control Union) · Cradle to Cradle · B Corp · ISO 14001 · Carbon Neutral (Gold Standard / PAS 2060) · Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy Commitment
The breakdown of material by microorganisms into water, CO₂ and biomass. All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable.
The verified pathway of a material or product from origin through all processing steps to the final product. Required for most recycled content and fibre certifications.
Regulatory frameworks that place financial or physical responsibility for end-of-life packaging management on producers. Now in place or being introduced in EU, UK, AU, CA and US states.
Plastic waste collected from areas at high risk of entering the ocean — typically within 50km of a coastline or waterway in a country with inadequate waste management infrastructure. Defined and certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans / Control Union OBP Certification Programme.
Material that has been used by a consumer and recovered from the waste stream for recycling. Distinct from post-industrial recycled content, which comes from manufacturing waste. PCR is the more valuable and harder-to-achieve claim.
EU regulation requiring all packaging placed on the European market to be recyclable by 2030. RecyClass certification is expected to be the primary mechanism for demonstrating compliance for plastic packaging.
A document issued by a certifying body confirming that a specific shipment or batch of goods meets the requirements of a certification standard. Required for on-product claims under GRS, RCS, FSC and OBP.
This guide reflects the status of major sustainable packaging certifications as of April 2025. Certification standards, certifying bodies, and regulatory requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant certifying body before making claims or committing to a certification programme. This document does not constitute legal or compliance advice.
Better Packaging Co. carries OBP, GRS, B Corp and compostability certifications across our range. Our team can help you find the right certified packaging for your market and sustainability goals.
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