Compostable Coffee Capsules according to EN 13432
A compostable product is one that can be degraded biologically with other organic waste in individual or industrial compost, without release of toxic products, but leave nutrients for new crops.
EN13432 standard, a harmonized European standard published in 2000, defines and frames the characteristics of packaging and recyclable products through biodegradation and composting. The requirements of the EN13432 standard for biodegradable and compostable products are mainly reflected in four aspects:
- Biodegradation: 90% biodegradation in less than two months to be achieved
- Disintegration: fragmentation and complete loss of visibility in the final compost
- Composition: A maximum rate defined volatile solids, heavy metals must be respected
- Ecotoxicity: The quality of the compost should not be changed and the residue should not be toxic to the environment.