As a pet owner, you want to do right by your furry friend—and the planet. But when you reach for a “compostable” dog poop bag, how do you know it’s not just another greenwashing claim? The answer lies in EN13432 certification—the gold standard for ensuring your pet waste bags truly break down safely, without leaving harmful residues. At PLSECO, we’re committed to creating eco-friendly pet products that live up to this rigorous European standard, so you can clean up with confidence. Let’s dive into what EN13432 means, why it matters for dog poop bags, and how PLSECO delivers on its promise of sustainability.
First, let’s demystify the label: EN13432 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in 2000. It’s designed to regulate “packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation”—and yes, that includes dog poop bags. Unlike vague terms like “biodegradable” (which often lack measurable rules), EN13432 sets strict, science-backed criteria to prove a product is truly compostable—especially in industrial composting facilities, where controlled heat and microbial activity speed up decomposition.
Why does this matter for pet waste? Traditional plastic dog bags can linger in landfills for centuries, leaching microplastics and releasing methane (a potent greenhouse gas). EN13432-certified bags, by contrast, offer a verifiable path to zero-waste: they break down fully, turn into nutrient-rich compost, and never harm soil or wildlife. For PLSECO, this certification isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s non-negotiable for every compostable dog poop bag we make.
To earn EN13432 certification, a product must pass four rigorous tests. Here’s how PLSECO’s compostable dog poop bags measure up:
The first hurdle? At least 90% of the bag’s material must biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within 6 months in controlled industrial composting conditions (typically 55–60°C with ample oxygen).
PLSECO uses a blend of plant-based PLA (polylactic acid) (derived from renewable cornstarch) and PBAT (a biodegradable polymer) to hit this mark. Unlike oxo-fragmentable plastics (which just break into tiny microplastics), our bags fully convert into natural elements—no trace left behind.
By the 12-week mark, the bag must disintegrate into fragments smaller than 2mm. This ensures it doesn’t clog composting equipment or leave bulky scraps in the final compost.
Our team tests every batch to confirm disintegration: even after holding wet pet waste, PLSECO bags break down into fine particles that mix seamlessly into compost piles.
EN13432 requires that the material doesn’t slow down composting or harm plant growth. We subject our bags to phytotoxicity tests—growing plants in compost made with our decomposed bags—to ensure the soil stays healthy and fertile.
The result? Compost that’s safe for gardens, farms, and landscaping—turning your pet’s waste into something beneficial for the planet.
Strict limits on heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and cadmium) prevent soil contamination. PLSECO sources only food-grade, non-toxic raw materials, and third-party labs verify our bags meet EN13432’s heavy metal thresholds. This means the compost from our bags is safe for agricultural use—no hidden toxins.
Let’s talk numbers: Dog owners in the U.S. alone send over 500 million pounds of pet waste to landfills each year—most wrapped in non-biodegradable plastic. EN13432-certified bags solve three big problems for eco-conscious pet parents:
“Biodegradable” can mean almost anything—but EN13432 is measurable. When you see PLSECO’s EN13432 label, you know our bags have passed independent testing, not just marketing claims. No microplastics, no long-term pollution—just true sustainability.
You don’t have to sacrifice durability for sustainability. PLSECO’s EN13432-certified bags are thick (≥15µm) enough to resist tearing and leaking, even with wet waste. They’re easy to tear from the roll, fit most standard dispensers, and tie securely—so you can focus on your walk, not worrying about messes.
EN13432 is recognized across Europe, but we go the extra mile: our bags also meet ASTM D6400 (the U.S. compostability standard) and OK Compost labels (for both industrial and home composting, where applicable). Whether you’re in Paris or New York, PLSECO bags comply with local regulations.
Not all EN13432 bags are created equal. Here’s what to look for (and what PLSECO delivers):
- Clear Certification Labels: Check for the EN13432 logo + third-party marks (like OK Compost) to avoid fake certifications.
- Thickness ≥15µm: Thin bags tear easily—our 15–20µm range balances durability and compostability.
- Home Composting Option: If you compost at home, look for “OK Compost HOME” (we offer this variant for customers who don’t have access to industrial facilities).
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: PLSECO’s rolls come in recycled paper packaging—no extra plastic waste.
Every time you pick up after your dog, you’re making a choice—for your pet, your community, and the planet. EN13432-certified compostable dog poop bags aren’t just a “better” option—they’re a way to turn a daily chore into a small act of sustainability. At PLSECO, we’re proud to make that choice easy: our bags meet the strictest standards, work perfectly for your routine, and help build a cleaner future for all.
Ready to switch to EN13432-certified dog poop bags? Contact our team today for samples, custom quotes, or to learn more about our sustainable pet products. Together, we can keep parks, landfills, and soil free from plastic—one walk at a time.
