Seedling License

What is a Seedling license?

The ABA has launched the ‘seedling logo’ certification system throughout Australia and New Zealand. The seedling logo is used to clearly identify and differentiate packaging materials  as biodegradable and compostable. To be certified compostable and carry the seedling logo, suitable biopolymer materials must undergo a stringent test regime outlined by AS4736 and carried out by recognised independent accredited laboratories to the AS4736 standard.

Once successful testing is complete, application for formal certification can be made to the ABA directly via your supplier of biodegradable products. In turn the ABA has enlisted an independent third party testing laboratory to evaluate applications. If successful then an invitation is sent by ABA to license the seedling by payment of nominal fee and signing a license agreement. Successful applicants will then be licensed to use the logo along with their unique certification number.

Therefore, the seedling logo is a symbol that the product’s claims of biodegradability and compostability as per AS4736 have indeed been verified. 

How can I use the logo?

Use of the seedling logo is available for use by both packaging material producers and their customers. The seedling logo can be printed on the finished product (eg. films, injection mouldings and bags) to market the product’s compliance to AS4736. Use of the seedling logo will ultimately help the end consumer, customers and/or municipal authorities to recognise compostable packaging and dispose of it accordingly. Importantly, the seedling logo will communicate the authenticity and independent verification of claims of compliance to AS4736‐2006.

What is the AS4736 standard for biodegradable plastics?

If a plastic material claims to be biodegradable and compostable in Australia, it must comply with Australian standard AS 4736‐
2006. This standard provides assessment criteria for plastic materials that are to be biodegraded in municipal and industrial
aerobic composting facilities. This Australian standard is similar to the widely known European EN 13432 standard, but has an
additional requirement of a worm test. In order to comply with the AS 4736‐2006, plastic materials need to meet the following
requirements:

• minimum of 90% biodegradation of plastic materials within 180 days in compost
• minimum of 90% of plastic materials should 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
• plastic materials should contain more than 50% organic materials.

This standard was prepared by the Standards Australia (ww.standards.org.au) to assist authorities regulate polymeric materials
entering into the Australian market. In turn, the Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA) leverages a third‐party verification system
to assist manufacturers, distributors and retailers to communicate their compliance to this standard hence verify product quality
with respect to biodegradability claims.

Bioplastics Become Material

For years, the search for alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has led researchers down a variety of paths, many of which turned out to be dead ends. Henry Ford, the automaker and showman, produced a prototype plastic car made from soybeans in 1941, but plastic from plants wilted as plastic from oil gained favor as a substitute for scarce steel during World War II.

Since the 1970s, as concern over plastic’s environmental impacts grew in lockstep with the growth of plastic itself, a steady parade of innovators in both large and small companies have tried to create more environmentally benign alternatives. Few succeeded, failing to meet the demanding price and performance specifications of today’s manufacturers. Now suddenly, bioplastics made from plants and agricultural materials are sprouting like – well, weeds…

For years, the search for alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has led researchers down a variety of paths, many of which turned out to be dead ends. Henry Ford, the automaker and showman, produced a prototype plastic car made from soybeans in 1941, but plastic from plants wilted as plastic from oil gained favor as a substitute for scarce steel during World War II.

Since the 1970s, as concern over plastic’s environmental impacts grew in lockstep with the growth of plastic itself, a steady parade of innovators in both large and small companies have tried to create more environmentally benign alternatives. Few succeeded, failing to meet the demanding price and performance specifications of today’s manufacturers. Now suddenly, bioplastics made from plants and agricultural materials are sprouting like – well, weeds…