The BPI Mark Is Not The Solution For Consistent Labeling of Compostable Packaging
- Target:
- Foodservice Industry
- Region:
- United States of America
We are petitioning BPI to drop their requirement for embossing. The reasons below are why we are making this request.
The lack of clear and consistent labeling has led to confusion among consumers and waste management facilities alike. This confusion often results in compostable products being improperly discarded in landfills or recycling bins rather than in compost facilities where they contribute to a circular economy.
While BPI has taken the lead on labeling guidelines and requirements, we are asking that further research be conducted to determine if the inclusion of the BPI mark is the most effective label to denote compostability of a product.
The requirement to include their mark on all BPI-certified products is well intended, however, it is not well researched or justified for the following reasons:
1. An embossed BPI mark is hard to quickly decipher at time of disposal - as demonstrated in the image above
2. Recognizing a mark takes education and does not intuitively indicate that a product is “COMPOSTABLE”
3. Embossing on products is expensive and difficult to change if a new industry standard mark is adopted
4. There is no other industries in which 3rd party certifiers require their logo to be embossed on a product.
5. The BPI mark is not readily recognized internationally
6. Requirement to have BPI mark embossed on products was taken without any survey of membership
7. No other 3rd party certifiers of compostable products require embossment of their mark on products. If there were multiple marks, it would confuse consumers and not offer a clear direction on how to dispose of the product.
8. State legislation often exempts labeling requirements for pure fiber products
9. Requiring the word “COMPOSTABLE” is the most clear and direct way to designate compostability
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The The BPI Mark Is Not The Solution For Consistent Labeling of Compostable Packaging petition to Foodservice Industry was written by World Centric and is in the category Labeling at GoPetition.