Certifications Explained
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GOTS Certification
Read moreThe Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has a clearly defined set of criteria and is transparent. GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
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FSC Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Since its foundation in 1994, FSC has grown to become the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system.
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Biodegradable
Biodegradable packaging is not necessarily compostable. It only indicates that packaging components are biologically available for microbial decomposition. For example, a biodegradable certificate would not provide information on the speed and extent of the degradation.
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Compostable
Compostable means that all components can be transformed into fertiliser through industrial or home composting. Compostable materials are always biodegradable. Therefore a complete biodegradability test in specific conditions is done to ensure the material is compostable. There are different types of compostable certifications outlined below.
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Home Compostable Certification [AS5810]
Compostable logos such as the 'ok compost home certification' are the most effective to inform consumers of the characteristics and disposal. Home compostable products can be directly composted with food waste by the end consumers themselves. In Australia, an accredited home compostable product must comply with the Australian Standard AS 5810-2010 (Biodegradable Plastics suitable for home composting).
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Industrial Compost Certification [AS4736]
Industrially compostable products need to be processed in a specialised commercial composting facility that reaches specific temperatures. A certified industrially compostable product on the Australian market must comply with the Australian Standard AS 4736-2006.
Gaining Certification
The peak Australian certification body, The Australasian Bioplastics Association won't currently grant certification for any feminine hygiene products. This isn't because they aren't compostable or biodegradable, but because the sorting process in Australia post-use doesn't have the capacity to ensure our products can be identified, isolated and disposed of correctly.
So, instead of gaining certification for the finished items, we have broken down our products layer by layer to show you what raw materials are certified with our supplier and what isn't. This is because we believe it is better to have products made from materials that are short term biodegradable in landfill rather than products full of plastic that will take several lifetimes to break down.