DIN CERTCO: A Trusted Name in Sustainability and Certification

As the world leans towards greener solutions, certifications like DIN CERTCO are becoming essential for validating claims about environmental sustainability. Whether you're looking at compostable materials, sustainable packaging, or biobased products, the DIN CERTCO certification is a mark of reliability and trust.

Let’s explore what DIN CERTCO is, its role in the industry, and why it’s an important benchmark for businesses and consumers.

What Is DIN CERTCO?

DIN CERTCO is a certification body based in Germany, operating under the renowned German Institute for Standardization (DIN). It specializes in assessing and certifying products, systems, and services against established national and international standards.

With a focus on environmental and sustainability certifications, DIN CERTCO has become a global leader in evaluating products for compostability, biodegradability, and renewable material content.

Key Certifications Offered by DIN CERTCO

DIN CERTCO provides a range of certifications to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Here are the most notable ones:

1. Compostability Certification

DIN CERTCO certifies products as industrially or home compostable based on standards like:

• EN 13432 (European standard for packaging recovery via composting).
• ISO 17088 (guidelines for compostable plastics).

Certified products bear the DIN-Geprüft Compostable logo, signaling that they can decompose safely in industrial or home composting environments.

2. Biobased Certification

This certification focuses on products made from renewable resources. Products must meet specific criteria regarding their biobased content, which is verified through laboratory testing. Certified products often display the DIN-Geprüft Biobased logo, which indicates the percentage of renewable materials used.

3. Biodegradability Certification

For products designed to break down in the natural environment, DIN CERTCO assesses their biodegradability under controlled conditions (e.g., in soil or water). This ensures the product won't contribute to long-term pollution.

4. Seedling Certification

DIN CERTCO administers the Seedling logo, a globally recognized mark for industrially compostable products. Products with this certification comply with strict compostability standards, making them safe for industrial composting facilities.

How Does DIN CERTCO Certification Work?

Obtaining DIN CERTCO certification involves a detailed process to ensure compliance with strict environmental and technical standards. Here’s how it works:

1. Application
   The manufacturer submits an application with detailed information about the product's composition and intended use.

2. Testing
   The product undergoes rigorous testing at accredited laboratories. For compostability, for instance, tests include biodegradability, disintegration, and eco-toxicity assessments.

3. Evaluation
   DIN CERTCO reviews the test results to determine whether the product meets the required standards.

4. Certification
   If approved, the product is awarded a certification logo, such as the DIN-Geprüft mark or the Seedling logo.

Why Choose DIN CERTCO Certification?

DIN CERTCO certification provides numerous benefits for both businesses and consumers:

For Businesses

• Market Credibility: DIN CERTCO certification enhances a product’s marketability by proving its compliance with stringent environmental standards.
• Global Recognition: As a respected certification body, DIN CERTCO logos are recognized and trusted worldwide.
• Customer Trust: Displaying DIN CERTCO logos reassures consumers that the product aligns with their eco-conscious values.

For Consumers

• Transparency: DIN CERTCO-certified products come with verified claims, eliminating confusion over what’s genuinely eco-friendly.
• Environmental Impact: Choosing certified products ensures you're supporting sustainable practices and reducing environmental harm.

DIN CERTCO Logos: What They Mean

DIN CERTCO uses distinct logos to identify different certifications. Here’s what to look for:

• DIN-Geprüft Compostable: For industrial and home compostable products.
• DIN-Geprüft Biobased: Indicates the renewable material percentage in the product.
• Seedling Logo: A trusted symbol for products that meet EN 13432 industrial compostability standards.

Each logo comes with a certification number, which can be verified on the DIN CERTCO website for authenticity.

Industries That Rely on DIN CERTCO Certification

DIN CERTCO certification is prevalent across various industries, including:

• Packaging: Compostable and biobased packaging materials for food and retail.
• Consumer Goods: Biodegradable trash bags, single-use utensils, and compostable coffee capsules.
• Agriculture: Biodegradable mulch films and plant pots.
• Construction: Biobased materials for insulation or flooring.

DIN CERTCO vs. Other Certifications

While DIN CERTCO is widely recognized, how does it compare to similar certifications like BPI (U.S.) or OK Compost (TÜV Austria)?

• Global Reach: DIN CERTCO has a strong presence in Europe but is also well-regarded worldwide, unlike some regional certifications.
• Comprehensive Offerings: From compostability to biobased content, DIN CERTCO provides a broader range of certifications than many competitors.
• Alignment with Standards: DIN CERTCO certifications are aligned with international standards like EN 13432, making them a reliable choice for global markets.

Why DIN CERTCO Matters for a Sustainable Future

Certifications like DIN CERTCO are essential in building a sustainable future. They provide a framework for developing, testing, and verifying eco-friendly products, ensuring businesses and consumers can work together toward reducing environmental impact.

When you see a DIN CERTCO logo on a product, you can trust it’s been rigorously evaluated and meets the highest sustainability standards.