Cedar Grove

compostability testing

Compostable packaging alternatives have been increasing in popularity across the country.  Our goal, as part of a sustainable recycling loop, is to support the increasing use of “compostable” food service ware while maintaining our high standard of compost quality.  As a result, Cedar Grove Composting offers a program of technical review and testing for compostable products to determine their feasibility in our commercial composting process.

 

Items submitted for Cedar Grove approval range from can liners to foodservice ware items like utensils, plates, bowls, clamshells and wrap.  As new products are developed to fill the need for more options, Cedar Grove provides the know how to determine how well the products will break down in its state-of-the art composting system.

 

To submit items for Cedar Grove acceptance:

• You must be the manufacturer^*1
• Items must be related to food service or yard waste
• Guidlines below must be followed

 

Submission guidelines:

• Include three (3) to five (5) samples for each item submitted with a Identification Number written on at least one of the items
• A minimum fee of $1500.00 will be charged for up to ten (10) food service items submitted for testing.
• A minimum fee of $250.00 will be charged for up to three (3) compostable bag liner(s) submitted for testing.
• A minimum fee of up to $50.00 will be charged for up to ten (10) food service items submitted for technical analysis*². (Items that are not required to meet criteria for ASTM D6400, D6868 or BPI certification due to substrate (ex: wood stir sticks, paper napkins, etc.)

Items that meet requirements for ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 testing:

                                (EX.  Bio-Plastics, Co-polymers)

• Fill out the attached profile for all groups of items submitted.  Please print out profile and sign.  Profiles can be sent via email in pdf file format to cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.  
• Include BPI certification, ASTM or EN lab results on finished product*³
  • ASTM – EN  lab results must include:
    • Degradation  (CO₂  Conversion Rate)
    • Heavy Metals Analysis
    • Spectral Analysis
    • Phytoxicity
    • Disintegration

Items that meet requirements for ASTM D6868 testing:

                                (EX. Plastics used as coatings on compostable substrates, fibrous materials)

• Fill out the attached profile for all groups of items submitted.  Please print out profile and sign.  Profiles can be sent via email in pdf file format to cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.  
• Include BPI certification or ASTM lab results on finished product*³
  • ASTM lab results must include:
    • Bio based content
    • Heavy Metals Analysis
    • Spectral Analysis
    • Phytoxicity
    • Disintegration
    • Degradation (where applicable)

Items that do not require ASTM testing

• Fill out the attached profile for all groups of items submitted.  Please print out profile and sign.  Profiles can be sent via email in pdf file format to cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.  
• Send MSDS on any inks, coatings, or treatments
  • If MSDS reports show hazardous properties also send FDA approval for direct food contact.

All documentation from these test results must accompany samples and/or be tied by Identification Number and submitted electronically.

Send samples and all documentation to the following address:

Cedar Grove Composting
ATTN:  Compostables Testing Department
7343 E. Marginal Way So.
Seattle, WA  98108

Testing trials will begin the third month of every quarter or when enough samples to constitute a testing round are received.  (Cedar Grove reserves the right to exclude April and/or May if processing priorities warrant it).  All required items and documentation must be received by the first business day of the third month of each quarter to be submitted in that quarter's testing round. Protocols and requirements may change at our discretion.

Please e-mail any questions or comments you may have to:  cgtesting@emeraldnw.com

We strive to answer all questions in a timely and professional manner.

Link to current accepted compostable products:

http://www.cedar-grove.com/acceptable/Accepted%20List.asp

 

*1 - To avoid repeated testing of the same products, and to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted, Cedar Grove Composting requires that the manufacturer completes the profile form. If a private label company would like to submit information for testing of products, the submission must be accompanied with a letter from the manufacturer stating that the information provided on the profile form is true and correct and gives authorization for all testing information to be provided to said company.

*2 – After technical review, items may need to be tested, and the fee of $1,500 dollars will apply.  You will be contacted for authorization prior to testing.

 

*3 – Some exceptions may apply. Contact cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.