Cedar Grove
compostability testing
Biodegradable 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 a 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 of these items and follow these 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*1. (Items that are not required to meet criteria for
Items that meet requirements for
(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.
- BPI certification,
- Degradation (CO2 Conversion Rate)
- Heavy Metals Analysis
- Spectral Analysis
- Phytoxicity
- Disintegration
- Degradation (CO2 Conversion Rate)
Items that meet requirements for
(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.
- BPI certification or
- Bio based content
- Heavy Metals Analysis
- Spectral Analysis
- Phytoxicity
- Disintegration
- Degradation (where applicable)
- Bio based content
Items that do not require
- 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.
- 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
Testing trials will begin the first week of every month. (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 month. 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 – 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.
*2 – Some exceptions may apply. Contact cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.