ABA · Australasian Bioplastics Association
ABA is the leading certification body in Australia and New Zealand for biodegradable and compostable plastics, under the Australian standards AS 4736 and AS 5810.
AIMPLAS, through its recognition by DIN CERTCO (Reg. PL333, valid until October 2028), is authorised to carry out the necessary testing for companies to obtain certification under the schemes of the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA).
This makes AIMPLAS a leading European laboratory for companies seeking to access the Australian and New Zealand markets with locally recognised guarantees of biodegradability and compostability.
What certifications does ABA grant and what do they mean?
ABA offers different certification schemes depending on the material’s end-of-life scenario. AIMPLAS is authorised to carry out testing for the following schemes:
Biodegradable in Soil – Products
This certification verifies that the material biodegrades in soil according to the Biodegradable in Soil (2023-01) certification scheme, under the standard:
- ISO 23517 – Biodegradable plastics in soil: requirements and test methods
Required studies:
- Biodegradability
- Ecotoxicity in higher plants (eco plant toxicity)
- Heavy metals
- Fluorine
This label is particularly relevant for agricultural products (mulch films, nets, pots) designed to integrate into the soil at the end of their life without leaving persistent residues.
Compostable Material Products
This certification covers materials and products under Australian standards:
- AS 4736-2006 – Biodegradable plastics suitable for industrial composting and other microbial treatment
- AS 5810-2010 – Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting (without earthworm testing)
These schemes are the Australian equivalent of European certifications for industrial and home compostability, and are required by waste managers, municipalities, and major retailers in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Certification process: step by step
- Initial consultation: The company contacts ABA or the certification body (such as DIN CERTCO) to define the most suitable scheme based on the material and its intended use.
- Test plan: The required technical tests are defined according to the applicable standard (ISO 23517, AS 4736 or AS 5810).
- Testing in a recognised laboratory: Tests are carried out at AIMPLAS, a laboratory recognised by DIN CERTCO for ABA schemes.
- Evaluation of results: A final technical report is issued with all evaluated parameters.
- ABA certification granted: If results are compliant, the certification body issues the corresponding label and product registration number.
Benefits of ABA certification
- Access to Australian and New Zealand markets: ABA labels are recognised by local regulations, waste managers, and distributors. They are essential for marketing products with biodegradability or compostability claims in these regions.
- Testing from Europe: AIMPLAS allows European companies to complete all required testing without the need to work with laboratories in the southern hemisphere, reducing time and costs.
- Internationally recognised standards: Testing is based on ISO and Australian standards, ensuring strong technical credibility.
- Dual geographic scope: AIMPLAS recognition by DIN CERTCO for ABA schemes often enables certification strategies with simultaneous validity in Europe and Australia.
- Consumer trust and credibility: ABA labels provide verified quality assurance, reducing greenwashing risks and building trust across both B2B channels and end consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions about ABA certification
The AS 4736 standard assesses whether a material is suitable for biodegradation under industrial composting conditions, with controlled temperature and humidity.
AS 5810, on the other hand, evaluates suitability for home composting, where conditions are more variable and temperatures are lower.
A key difference is that AS 5810 does not include the earthworm test, which may be required in other certification schemes.
It is mainly designed for agricultural and horticultural products, such as mulch films, nets, pots, and any product intended to remain in the soil at the end of its use cycle.
The ISO 23517 standard ensures that the material biodegrades in the soil environment without leaving microplastics or toxic compounds.
This test verifies that the degradation products of the material do not negatively affect plant growth.
It is essential to demonstrate the material’s safety for use in agricultural soils.
There are important technical equivalences between Australian and European standards.
AIMPLAS can provide guidance on the technical differences and help design a testing strategy that minimises duplication, enabling efficient certification for both markets.
Yes. AIMPLAS is recognised by DIN CERTCO for ABA schemes covering both biodegradation in soil (ISO 23517) and industrial and home compostability (AS 4736 and AS 5810).
This includes all required parameters: biodegradability, ecotoxicity, heavy metals, and fluorine.
Homologations
