AN OPERATIONS MATRIX SUPPORTING FACILITY PROCESSING OF COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING

Help Us Build the Future of Compostable Packaging—With Data That Works

Truly compostable packaging can enable a new circular economy and zero waste future, but the acceptance and processing of compostable materials is complex. A “disintegration-mistrust gap”’ exists based on the complex interactions between materials, technology, systems design, and perceptions.

The Compostable Field Testing Program (CFTP) is a non-profit, international research initiative that gives composters and the packaging industry practical, site-specific insight into what items disintegrate fully and under what conditions. With almost a decade of test method evolution, data gathering, and publishing, the CFTP is poised to leverage this work to target additional research and publicize the composting conditions best suited for managing compostable packaging.   

The goal: Develop a one stop database that identifies the range of composting conditions required to process different compostable products and materials.

While some compost facilities accept and are able to process certified compostable food packaging, others have chosen not to accept these products for a range of reasons. Manufacturers, composters, consumers and policy makers would benefit from a better understanding of how compostable products interact with real-world, full-scale compost systems. An operations matrix which leverages field testing results to correlate composting conditions with product disintegration has the potential to radically advance compostable product acceptance.

An operations matrix has the potential to:

  • Identify optimal conditions for compostable product breakdown

  • Increase system capability through first-of-its-kind scientific evidence

  • Clarify site specific conditions for composter acceptance

  • Communicate the predictability of product breakdown beyond the lab


The data indicates that an operations matrix can be built, but is the current dataset enough to build a matrix that is robust and reliable? With a significant set of field test results already gathered by the CFTP, the next step is analysis on the current data followed by targeted, specific field tests to fill any gaps.

The CFTP is making progress toward its fundraising goal for a 1 year work program which will:

  • Promote the program’s key takeaway to date that compostable items do fully break down, under the right composting conditions

  • Publish and disseminate robust guides to the field test methods standardized under ASTM

  • Analyze existing data for preliminary conclusions on operating conditions

  • Conduct up to 8 targeted field trials to fill any data gaps identified in the sensitivity analysis

We celebrate collaborators. There are opportunities for donor recognition through the CFTP and CREF through social media, webpages and publications such as reports, guides and conference presentations.

Your tax-deductible contribution powers the only non-profit platform connecting compostable products to real-world results. 
Connect with CREF today to donate.