www.compostable.info

The process to establish the Canadian criteria for the evaluation of claims for compostable plastic bags originated because of plastic bags being introduced into the Canadian marketplace using compostable claims that were not valid (ie. they were not compostable).

Originally initiated for Québec purposes by Recyc-Québec and the City of Montréal, the development of the Canadian Certification Program for compostable plastic bags was expanded nationally by The Composting Council of Canada with support from the provincial ministries of environment of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Alberta.

The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), having had past experience in standard-setting for the composting industry, was commissioned to coordinate the review process.

Rather than re-inventing the wheel, the review process involved the examination of existing international standards for compostable plastic bags and evaluating their appropriateness for Canadian conditions as well as composting facility operational and product marketing requirements.

A 15-person review panel was selected involving representatives from municipalities, composting facilities, product suppliers and users as well as consumer groups. Following extensive discussion as well as public consultation, the Canadian Certification Program became official in September 2007.

In 2010 the certification program was expanded to include compostable products of all types, following the adoption of the standard CAN/BNQ 0017-988. This serves to adopt the standard ISO 17088 as the national standard for Canada. It is important to note that the original program for the certification of compostable plastic bags (BNQ 9011-911/2007) will soon be cancelled to be replaced entirely by the certification program for compostable products (CAN/BNQ 0017-988).

Time and rate of degradation and disintegration were amongst the criteria established. Requirements for the bags' impact on the finished compost from the perspective of visual quality as well as trace element content and plant exotoxicity have also been established. The final set of criteria selected reflects the operational and regulatory realities which composting facilities must adhere to in Canada for both organic residuals processing and finished compost product sale.

Those manufacturers/product representatives wishing to adhere to the Canadian Certification Program and use the compostable mark of conformity on their compostable plastic bags must submit an application to the BNQ for review and meet the requirements of the program.

• submit existing compostability test results from internationally-recognized laboratory organizations. These will be reviewed by the BNQ to confirm adherence to the Canadian Certification Program.
• request the BNQ to conduct the testing in internationally-recognized laboratory organizations of the selected product according to the criteria set out in the Canadian Certification Program.

Both options have costs associated with them. The manufacturer/product representative should contact the BNQ directly for further details.