The Compostable Field Testing Program (CFTP): Eco-Products and BPI Provide Key Funding for Expanded Research

Eco-Products is helping take compostable packaging research to the next level by providing key funding for the Compostable Field Testing Program (CFTP). This open-source research initiative is focused on understanding how compostable products actually perform in real industrial composting facilities, not just in the lab. Our contribution marks a significant investment in the future of compostable packaging and the circular bioeconomy.

The CFTP recently secured $68,000 in initial funding from Eco-Products and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to launch its next phase of research, which will expand field testing across new geographies, include a broader range of product types, and refine standardized testing methods. This work is essential to ensuring that compostable products break down in real-world conditions—helping composters, manufacturers, and policymakers make informed decisions that drive food waste diversion and improve compost quality.

The latest findings from the CFTP reveal four key insights:

1. Certified compostable packaging breaks down successfully under optimal composting conditions.
2. Accepting compostable products requires more than positive disintegration results.
3. Field testing methods are still evolving.
4. Understanding composting site operating conditions—like temperature, moisture, and time—is critical to interpreting disintegration data.

Since its founding in 2016, the CFTP has led the world’s only open-source effort to collect field data on compostable foodservice packaging. Its test methods have contributed to the development of ASTM standards D8618 and D8619, setting the foundation for transparent, science-based evaluation of compostable materials.

As a major funding partner, we’re proud to support this initiative’s mission to generate robust, actionable data that empowers the entire value chain of compostable products, from compost facility operators to product designers. We believe that investing in credible research is key to scaling sustainable solutions and building trust in compostable packaging.

We encourage others in the industry to join us in supporting the CFTP’s groundbreaking work. Together, we can accelerate progress toward a circular economy that harmonizes compostable packaging with composting infrastructure.

To learn more about the Compostable Field Testing Program and how you can contribute, visit www.compostabletesting.org