What is DIN CERTCO Certification? A Plain English Guide for UK Food Businesses

DIN CERTCO is a German certification body that independently tests and certifies products against international quality and sustainability standards — including compostable packaging.

What it certifies

For food packaging, DIN CERTCO certifies against:

• EN 13432 — industrial compostability standard
• AS 5810 / ISO 17088 — home compostability standards

Products that pass receive a DIN CERTCO licence number. That number can be verified publicly on the DIN CERTCO website — which means the claim is auditable, not just printed on a box.

DIN CERTCO vs TÜV Austria

Both are independent European certifiers. DIN CERTCO is widely recognised in Germany and internationally. TÜV Austria's OK Compost HOME mark is the leading consumer-facing home compostable certification in Europe. Together, they provide the strongest possible certification combination — two independent organisations, two separate test results.

Why procurement managers care

Schools, NHS trusts, local authorities, and large foodservice groups increasingly specify certified compostable packaging in tenders. DIN CERTCO certification provides the documentation trail needed to respond to those specifications.

What to ask your supplier

Always ask for the certification number — not just the logo. A legitimate DIN CERTCO certification has a licence number that can be checked. If a supplier can't provide it, the claim is unverified.

All HOMELINK ECO products carry active DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria (OK Compost Home) certification, valid to 2028. Full documentation available on request.

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