Prerequisites: Products must comply with all applicable laws and regulations throughout their life cycle.
Bronze Criteria
Must meet all of the Bronze criteria to attain Bronze level.
Biomass Production
1.a.1 Non-cutlery products must contain at least 90% biobased (organic) carbon content
1.a.1.a Cutlery must contain at least 70% biobased (organic) carbon content
1.b.1 No plastics may be made directly in plants
1. b.2 Genetically modified crops are allowed in the field with offsets
1.c.1 Forest- and brushland-derived must be sustainably harvested
Manufacturing
2.a No organohalogens may be intentionally added to the product or used in coatings
2.b.1 Declare whether nanomaterials are present in the product
2.c.1. Non-food-contact products must contain 100% recycled and 40% post-consumer
recycled content
2.c.2.a Food-contact products, excluding cups, must contain 45% total recycled content
End of Product Life
3.a Product must be commercially compostable
3.b.1.a The logo of the verification agency must be displayed on the product
3.b.1.b Labeling must distinguish compostable from non-compostable plastic products
3.b.2 Product must have additional clear labeling when sold in an area where no commercial composting is available
Silver Criteria
Must meet all of the Bronze and Silver criteria to attain Silver level.
Biomass Production
1.a.2. Non-cutlery products must contain at least 95% biobased (organic) carbon content
1.a.2.a Cutlery must contain at least 85% biobased (organic) carbon content
1.b.3. No genetically modified biomass is allowed in the field
Manufacturing
2.b.2.a No Proposition 65 chemicals may be used in the product
2.d No chlorine or chlorine compounds may be used in production processes
End of Product Life
3.c The product must be compostable at mesophilic temperatures, typical of some
backyard/home composting systems
Gold Criteria
Must meet all Bronze and Silver criteria, and 5 of the following to attain Gold level.
Biomass Production
1.a.3 Non-cutlery products must contain at least 99% biobased (organic) carbon content
1.c.2 Agricultural biomass must be produced according to sustainable farming practices
1.d Feedstocks are from perennial cellulosic crops or agricultural co-products or residues
that currently have no higher value alternative markets
1.e Biomass production workers must be protected under fair labor standards
Manufacturing
2.b.2.b No chemicals of high concern may be used in the product
2.b.3 All additives must be tested for hazards to human health and the environment
2.c.2.b Cups must contain 10% post-consumer recycled content
2.e Workers and the environment must be protected in manufacturing
2.f Local ownership and production must be promoted
End of Product Life
3. d.1. Product must be biodegradable in a marine environment
3. d.2. Product must be biodegradable in freshwater
