Their third-party certification program ensures that products and packaging displaying the BPI logo have been independently tested and verified according to scientifically based standards for compostability.
Q. With this new role, what is a top priority for BPI in the next year?
Goodman: As a certification organization, one immediate need is to ensure that the certification program is running as efficiently as possible.
We have heard from a number of our members that the processing times for new certifications and re-certifications are taking longer than it should.
One of our immediate priorities should be to get certification staff hired and up-to-speed as quickly as possible, clear any backlogs we have, and figure out how to further streamline the certification process.
This process improvement will help reduce the number of the companies bypassing certification altogether.
One thing our members can do to help us with this challenge is to submit complete applications when they are applying for new certifications or re-certifications.
Delays due to receiving incomplete applications just prolong the process until we can get the required information.
Q. What do you think may be some upcoming challenges for BPI to face?
Goodman: Some threats and challenges we face as an organization include composters not accepting certified products due to contamination concerns, acceptance issues at composting facilities due to National Organic Program (NOP) restrictions, concerns around toxics in compostable products, and bridging the gaps between ASTM disintegration rates and in-field disintegration rates.
If we can make progress on these issues, I am convinced it will open more markets to compostable products and increase acceptance by composters of those products.
Being able to clearly distinguish compostable products from non-compostable products through the use of markings, color and/or design is also going to be crucial for our industry to grow.
Q. What will the future look like for BPI?
Goodman: If we can improve efficiencies in our current certification program and address the anticipated challenges, our efforts will strengthen us as an organization and help grow BPI and our industry as a whole.
There are many ideas and considerations that will help us flourish in the future, and I believe maintaining our reputation, growing our financial health, and influencing the acceptance of compostable products by composters is the foundation for BPI’s continued success.
REFS
Published on natureworksllc.com
NatureWorks’ Tim Goodman New Chair of BPI Board
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