Biodegradation is a process in which materials are metabolised to CO2, water, and biomass with the help of microorganisms. The process depends on various factors.

Compostable packaging is designed to biodegrade under specific conditions (e.g. a certain temperature, timeframe, etc) within a defined timeframe, leaving no harmful residues. These specific conditions are described in standards, such as EN 13432 and AS 4736.

Look for recognised certification logos or supporting documentation from the supplier. Certification is voluntary, so it’s important to verify claims through standards such as AS 4736, EN 13432, or ASTM D6400.

Some of our packaging is certified home compostable. This depends on the material composition. Look for certifications such as OK compost HOME or AS 5810, or contact our team for guidance on suitable options.

Our packaging is certified to a range of international compostability standards, depending on material and format. These include:

• AS 4736 / AS 5810 (Australasian Bioplastics Association)

• OK compost HOME / OK compost INDUSTRIAL (TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO)

• EN 13432 (European Bioplastics)

• ASTM D6400 / D6868 (American Society for Testing and Materials)

Specific certifications vary by product. Documentation is available on request.

PLA (polylactic acid) is a compostable bioplastic when verified to recognised industrial compostability standards such as EN 13432, AS 4736, or ASTM D6400. PLA is not suitable for home composting.

In some instances, facilities may not accept PLA due to processing limitations - usually heat (PLA requires temperatures of 55 - 60°C) or shorter cycle times. Contamination is also a concern where it is not possible for staff to hand check items to remove PET or PE plastic packaging prior to processing.

Always check with collection partners or event organisers to confirm what is accepted.

We source from suppliers who do not intentionally add PFAS during manufacturing. Supporting documentation, including compostability and testing such as total fluorine screening or targeted PFAS analysis, is required and reviewed prior to procurement as part of our supplier verification process.

Documentation is available on request.

Yes. We maintain documentation for compostability certifications, food contact compliance, total fluorine screens and targeted PFAS analysis.

Documentation is available on request.

Yes. Compostable products fulfil the physical and barrier requirements of single-use plastic packaging and are widely used in hospitality and event settings.

Please see product specifications for further details.

Select compostable packaging suitable for reheating in a microwave, including sugarcane and bamboo—for up to 180°C for 20 minutes and kraft paperboard for up to 100ºC for up to 30 seconds.

No. Compostable coffee cups are not suitable for microwave use.

Yes. Products containing bioplastics typically have a shelf life of up to 12 months from purchase. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and below 35°C to maintain performance.

Yes. Custom branding is available for most of our packaging.

For specifications, minimum order quantities, and guidance, visit:

ecoware.co.nz/pages/custom-packaging.

Orders placed before 12pm are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 12pm will be dispatched the following working day.

Once dispatched:

• North Island: typically 1–2 working days

• South Island: typically 2–4 working days

Delivery timeframes may vary depending on your location and carrier schedules.

We do not offer order collection. All orders are shipped directly from our warehouse.

For full details on returns, please refer to our refund policy:

ecoware.co.nz/policies/refund-policy

If any items in your order arrive missing or damaged, please contact us at hello@ecoware.co.nz and our team will assist.

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.

Yes, we deliver nationwide. Delivery timeframes for rural or remote locations may be slightly longer than standard estimates.

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking link via email so you can monitor delivery progress.

If you need to make changes, please contact us as soon as possible at hello@ecoware.co.nz and our team will assist. Once an order has been dispatched, changes or cancellations are no longer possible.

No. Compostable products are designed for home or industrial composting, not recycling. They are typically made from materials that cannot be processed through conventional recycling systems.

Compostable packaging is designed to biodegrade under aerobic conditions with significant microorganism populations to facilitate biodegradation. In landfill, where oxygen and microbial activity are limited, degradation is significantly slower.

Studies indicate that materials such as PLA are unlikely to generate significant methane under typical landfill conditions, but landfill is not the intended end-of-life pathway.

You can locate a service provider here: ecoware.co.nz/pages/collection-partners.

There are a number of industrial composting facilities across Aotearoa New Zealand that accept certified compostable packaging.

You can view current locations here:

ecoware.co.nz/pages/compost-facilities

No. Kerbside collections do not permit packaging even where certified compostable. Certified compostable bin liners that are certified OK compost HOME with TÜV Austria are permitted. Always check local guidelines before disposal.

Yes, if the product is certified for home composting (such as OK compost HOME or AS 5810). Due to variations in home compost environments, the required timeframe for the product to completely biodegrade may differ from those outlined in the standard of 12 months.