In Australia, biodegradable and compostable plastic must comply with a set of assessment criteria that verify the product can biodegrade in a composting facility. This Australian standard test is referred to as AS4736-2006 and helps to regulate polymeric materials entering the Australian market. It is similar to the European EN 13432 standard, but with the additional requirement of a worm test. 

To comply with the AS4736-2006, materials must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 90% biodegradation within 180 days in compost
• Minimum of 90% disintegrate into less than 2mm pieces in compost within 12 weeks
• No toxic effect of the resulting compost on plants and earthworms
• Hazardous substances (such as heavy metals) should not be present above the maximum allowed levels
• Materials should contain more than 50% organic materials

Because We Care are proud to be one of the first companies in the world to meet the Australian Standard AS473-2006 for compostability. The products are among only a handful of certified compostable items in Australia and have been recognised by the Australasian Bioplastics Association for how well they decompose in a home or commercial composting facility. 

Because We Care is authorised to display the Australasian Seedling Logo as a certification from the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA). 

Leading the way in Australasian Home Compostability certification, Because We Care was also one of the first companies to meet the requirements of AS5810-2010 and carry the Compost Bin Logo.