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Restricted claim

“Biodegradable”

Is “Biodegradable” allowed under the EU Green Claims Directive (2024/825)?

High-risk claim Material & composition

Why it is restricted

Everything degrades eventually. Without the conditions, the timeframe and the test method the word promises disappearance that does not happen in a landfill or the sea.

Say this instead

"Biodegrades by 90% within 180 days in industrial composting, tested to EN 13432."

In English

  • “biologisch abbaubar”
  • “biodégradable”
  • “biologisch afbreekbaar”
  • “biodegradable”
  • “biodegradabile”
  • “biolagunev”
  • “biohajoava”

Legal basis

Directive 2005/29/EC, Annex I point 4a, inserted by Directive 2024/825 (generic environmental claim without demonstrated recognised excellent environmental performance)

← All restricted claims

Related claims

“Compostable” Medium-risk claim “Recyclable” Medium-risk claim “Recycled” Medium-risk claim “Organic” Medium-risk claim “Bio-based” Medium-risk claim “Plastic-free” Medium-risk claim

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