ISO 17088:2021 Plastics- Organic Recycling: Requirements, Fees, Duration, and How Pacific Certifications Can Help
ISO 17088:2021 sets out the clear requirements and evaluation procedures for plastics and plastic products that are suitable for organic recycling, particularly composting and anaerobic digestion. This standard is important in supporting the global shift toward sustainable waste management, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of plastic waste. By complying with ISO 17088, manufacturers declare that their plastic materials or products can safely decompose under industrial composting conditions without leaving toxic residues.
As global concern for plastic pollution rises, ISO 17088 provides the credibility needed for industries marketing biodegradable or compostable plastic products. It also supports regulatory compliance, eco-labeling, and strengthens consumer trust.
If you are looking to certify your products as per ISO 17088:2021, contact support@pacificcert.com.
What ISO 17088:2021 Covers
ISO 17088:2021 establishes:
- Requirements for Organic Recycling: Clear biodegradability and disintegration criteria for plastics intended for industrial composting or anaerobic digestion.
- Evaluation Methods: Test procedures to confirm whether plastics meet specified compostability or digestibility levels.
- Environmental Safety: Assessments to ensure that degradation products do not have adverse effects on the environment.
- Labeling Requirements: Guidelines for proper communication to users and regulators regarding compostable plastics.
The standard applies to both raw materials (resins) and finished products such as packaging materials, bags, tableware, and agricultural films.
Certification Process and Procedure
- Product Analysis and Material Review:
Examine the chemical composition, manufacturing processes, and additives used in plastic products to verify eligibility for organic recycling. - Laboratory Testing and Compostability Evaluation:
Conduct tests for biodegradability, disintegration under composting conditions, and eco-toxicity according to ISO 14855 and ISO 20200 standards. - Environmental Impact Assessment:
Assess potential impacts of degradation byproducts on soil quality, plant growth, and microbial activity. - Documentation Compilation:
Prepare technical files including product specifications, laboratory test reports, and risk assessments. - Internal Audits:
Perform internal reviews to ensure conformity with ISO 17088 requirements. - Certification Audit:
Pacific Certifications conducts a full review of test results, documentation, and manufacturing processes. - Certification Issuance:
Certification is granted upon successful demonstration of compliance with ISO 17088.
To get started with the certification process, contact support@pacificcert.com.
Documents Required for Certification
- Product Specifications and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Compostability Test Reports (ISO 14855/ISO 20200 results)
- Environmental Impact Analysis Reports
- Manufacturing Process Descriptions
- Internal Audit Reports
- Quality Control and Risk Management Records
Need help your certification process? Contact support@pacificcert.com.
Eligibility Criteria
ISO 17088 certification applies to:
- Manufacturers of biodegradable plastics
- Producers of compostable bags, films, packaging materials, and disposables
- Suppliers of raw resins intended for organic recycling
- Companies seeking eco-labeling for sustainability claims
For consultation, reach out to support@pacificcert.com.
Certification Fees
Certification costs depend on product complexity, volume of products being tested, and organizational readiness. Request a customized quotation at support@pacificcert.com.
Certification Duration
The certification timeline includes:
- Laboratory Testing and Evaluation: 3-5 months
- Documentation and Internal Audit Preparation: 1-2 months
- Certification Audit and Issuance: 1 month
Total duration generally spans 5-8 months depending on product complexity. Plan your certification with Pacific Certifications — contact support@pacificcert.com!
Requirements of ISO 17088:2021 Certification
To achieve ISO 17088 certification, products must meet several technical and environmental criteria that ensure they can be organically recycled without harming the environment. These requirements are evaluated through rigorous laboratory testing, documentation reviews, and environmental assessments.
- Biodegradability: Materials must achieve a defined level of biodegradation under controlled composting conditions.
- Disintegration: Products must physically break down and not be distinguishable in compost within a certain time frame.
- Eco-Toxicity Testing: Compost resulting from plastic decomposition must not have harmful effects on plants or microbial ecosystems.
- Heavy Metal Content: The plastic material must not release heavy metals above specified thresholds.
- Product Labeling: Certified products must be labeled appropriately to inform users about compostability.
Learn how to meet these detailed requirements by contacting support@pacificcert.com!
Benefits of ISO 17088:2021 Certification
ISO 17088 certification provides numerous strategic advantages for manufacturers and suppliers, helping them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving environmental market. Beyond meeting regulatory demands, certification reinforces a company’s environmental responsibility and enhances brand credibility.
- Demonstrates a company’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution.
- Compliance: Helps meet legal requirements and eco-labeling certifications in global markets.
- Certified products appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
- Certification differentiates products in a sustainability-driven marketplace.
- Eases access to markets that require compostable packaging, such as Europe and North America.
With global plastic waste concerns escalating, demand for compostable and biodegradable plastics is rising sharply. Governments and retailers worldwide are enforcing stricter regulations around plastic packaging, particularly for single-use plastics. ISO 17088 certification ensures that products meet these emerging standards and positions manufacturers at the forefront of the eco-friendly product revolution.
Stay competitive and lead the change — contact support@pacificcert.com for ISO 17088 certification!
How Pacific Certifications Can Help
Pacific Certifications offers complete support for ISO 17088 compliance:
- Expertise in environmental standards and plastics recycling.
- From testing coordination to audit and certificate issuance.
- Accredited certifications accepted internationally.
- Guidance on maintaining certification and renewing as standards evolve.
Begin your ISO 17088 certification journey today by contacting support@pacificcert.com
FAQs for ISO 17088:2021 Plastics-Organic Recycling
It is voluntary but highly recommended for companies aiming to validate compostability claims and comply with eco-labeling requirements.
Not reliably — third-party certification ensures credibility and consumer trust.
Typically, materials should disintegrate within 90 days under industrial composting conditions.
No, ISO 17088 is focused on industrial composting. Separate standards exist for home composting claims.
Manufacturers must reformulate the material, retest, and revalidate before certification can be achieved.
Ready to get ISO 15189:2022 certified?
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