Expansion of Accepted Testing Laboratories and Harmonization of Heavy Metals Standards

MEMORANDUM
To: CMA Customers and Certification Partners

Date: February 27, 2026

Re: Expansion of Accepted Testing Laboratories and Harmonization of Heavy Metals
Standards

Introduction
At the Improving the Circularity of Compostables and Composting (IC3) event in September
2024, inconsistency between compostability standards and certifications was identified as a
problematic area. Composters lack clarity of the meaning of each standard, and packaging
manufacturers are often held to different standards for the same product depending on the
geographic region or certifying entity.

CMA is committed to doing its part to address the challenges brought forward through the
IC3 process. As a result, CMA is taking two important steps: (1) adding additional ASTM
testing laboratories to its accepted lab list; and (2) harmonizing our heavy metals
requirements with the standards used by TÜV Austria.

Expansion of Accepted ASTM Testing Laboratories
To promote greater alignment across certification programs and reduce unnecessary
duplication of testing CMA is expanding its list of accepted ASTM testing laboratories.
Specifically:

• CMA will accept ASTM test reports from laboratories in Europe and Korea currently
  recognized by TÜV Austria. The list of CMA accepted labs, including these additions, the
  added labs can be found here.
• These laboratories must consistently and continuously demonstrate competency and
  certification to ISO 17025 requirements.
• CMA will continue to independently vet and add qualified third-party laboratories to
  ensure scientific rigor and reliability.
  This expansion improves efficiency for manufacturers, alignment across international
  markets, transparency and clarity for composters evaluating certified products, and
  potentially reduced testing costs.

Harmonization of Heavy Metals Requirements
Effective July 1, 2026, CMA is harmonizing its heavy metals requirement thresholds with the
European EN13432 standard used by TÜV Austria. This change does not affect existing CMA certified products but allows all future CMA certified products to meet only one heavy metal requirement. Any existing lower local heavy metal requirements must still be met.

BS EN 13432:2000 — Packaging—Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation—Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging, Annex A1 (London: BSI, 2000).

Conclusion
Through these actions, CMA seeks to advance consistency across certification programs,
reducing confusion in the marketplace, supporting composters with clearer standards, and
aligning U.S. practices with European frameworks. We will continue to apply scientific rigor and practical implementation to support the highest standards for compostable products.

For questions, please contact Janet Thoman, Managing Director, janet@composterapproved.com