Unfortunately, not every mark on the shelf tells the full story.
In recent years, unverified symbols and vague eco-claims have multiplied—often mimicking legitimate certification marks to appear sustainable. Terms like “biodegradable,” “eco-friendly,” or “green-certified” may sound promising, but without third-party verification, they can mislead consumers and contaminate composting systems.
That’s why third-party certification is so critical. It separates certified claims backed by science from marketing language and visuals—and helps ensure composters can trust that what enters their system will break down safely and completely.
So, when you see a BPI Certification Mark, you can know it’s not greenwashing. It’s science-backed verification, not hollow marketing.
For decades, the chasing arrows symbol has been shorthand for recycling—but that familiarity has created confusion. Consumers often assume that any product featuring arrows is recyclable or compostable.
In reality, chasing arrows are regulated, and in some places, their misuse is even illegal.
In California, for example, it’s against the law to use chasing arrows on anything associated with compostable products or composting systems. The reason is simple: arrows imply recycling, not composting. The two are distinct systems with different infrastructures, standards, and end-of-life pathways.
Using chasing arrows on compostable packaging confuses consumers and contaminates both recycling and composting streams. That’s why the BPI Certification Mark exists—to clearly indicate compostability through a standardized, transparent, and verifiable label.
In our world of sustainability and circularity, marks matter deeply.
A certification mark isn’t about branding—it’s about truth. It tells composters that a product will perform. It tells consumers they can trust what they buy. And it tells policymakers that science, not slogans, is guiding our progress.
At BPI, our mark stands for more than compostability. It stands for credibility, collaboration, and circularity—a symbol of integrity in an era of greenwashing.
So the next time you see a product labeled “compostable,” ask yourself: What does this really mean? If it’s the BPI Certification Mark, you can be sure the answer is trust.
Read more about what's in a mark here.
