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Authoritative Interpretation: European Seedling Sapling Logo

Jun 04 , 2024

The Seedling Sapling Mark 2023 has been upgraded to include the word industrially in comparison to the previous mark, which makes it clear that the mark only applies to products that can be industrially composted.

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The mark is protected by trademark law and applies in many countries and regions, is widely recognized especially in Europe and builds confidence among consumers that a neutral and competent body has carefully checked and evaluated the products based on selected criteria. Environmentally inclined consumers who see the logo will consider the added value it implies when making purchasing decisions. The copyright of the Sapling logo belongs to the European Bioplastics Association.

European Bioplastics Association

European Bioplastics (EuBP) is the main association representing the bioplastics industry in Europe. The organization is committed to promoting the development of bioplastics, which are divided into bio-based plastics that use renewable resources as feedstock and materials that are biodegradable at the end of the product life cycle, such as industrially compostable biodegradable materials for which the EuBP licenses the Sapling logo.

EuBP plays a key role in the bioplastics industry, supporting its growth by contributing to EU policy development, standardization, and market acceptance.EuBP engages in discussions with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and member state governments to provide industry insights to guide policy decisions. They are involved in consulting on legislation affecting bioplastics, such as Europe's Circular Economy Packaging, the Single-Use Plastics Regulation, or the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. The organization provides technical expertise to help define standards and specifications for bioplastics. This includes contributing to the development of European standards (EN) for compostable and biodegradable materials, ensuring that they are both scientifically sound and applicable to industry applications. Publishing position papers and reports on key issues affecting the bioplastics industry is another way in which EuBP influences policy. These documents provide detailed insights and recommendations that can guide legislative action. Through its various activities, EuBP aims to ensure that the regulatory environment is conducive to the growth of the bioplastics market and promotes innovation and sustainability in the European plastics industry.

Certification programs

The ability to license a product depends on whether it is within the scope of packaging as defined by the Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC. If it is within the scope, articles that generally contribute to the organic recycling of organic and agricultural materials can apply for certification. It should be noted that the certification does not apply to materials and (end) products made from conventional plastics containing additives that promote oxidation of the material under certain conditions, such as those used in materials made from polyolefins in order to impart biodegradability to the material in certain environments. In addition, any type of additive using the above techniques cannot be certified with the Sapling Mark.

After a company submits an application for certification, passes the test and passes the assessment, it receives certification credentials such as a certificate/letter of registration/confirmation (customarily referred to collectively as a certificate), a high-resolution image of the logo and an exclusive certification number, and maintains the validity of the certification by means of yearly surveillance and testing. The entire certification process is based on a publicly available certification program. The scheme was originally developed by TÜV Rheinland's DINCERTCO (German Standards Institution Certification Center) in cooperation with a specialized committee of experts, and has been continuously refined ever since. The program is based on EN 13432 and can be extended to other similar standards such as EN 14995, ISO 18606, ISO 17088 and ASTM D6400.

Classification differences lead to the use of sapling logo is not exactly the same scope of use, have been certified enterprises should be strictly in accordance with the relevant logo use guidelines for the correct use of various types of certification credentials, sapling logo and certification number, to promote the correct communication of information conveyance and communication.

TGB SOLUTION's biodegradable straws and raw materials have also obtained the certification, you can rest assured to buy our products.