Synthetic compostable packaging excluded from USDA organic standards

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has voted not to include synthetic compostable materials on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic production. The decision means that certain compostable packaging materials, including certified compostable polymers, will remain excluded from use as compost feedstocks for organic farming under current USDA organic regulations.

The NOSB, an advisory group established under the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP), issued a unanimous rejection of a motion to add synthetic compostable materials to the National List after reviewing a petition from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). The petition sought to allow compostable packaging materials to be accepted as inputs in compost used on certified organic farms.

Board members cited concerns over environmental and human health implications, including potential contamination from substances such as PFAS and microplastics, as well as uncertainty around the performance and consistency of synthetic compostable materials in real-world composting environments. The NOSB also highlighted difficulties in reliably distinguishing synthetic compostables from other synthetic materials during compost processing.

USDA organic regulations define which materials can be used in organic crop production and handling, and additions to the National List require a formal recommendation from the NOSB. With the board’s vote against the proposal, the existing standards for compost feedstocks remain unchanged.

While the current ruling maintains the status quo, the NOSB has indicated it may consider individual synthetic materials on a case-by-case basis in future reviews.