OK biodegradable WATER

OK Biodegradable WATER is a product certification program administered by TÜV AUSTRIA (formerly Vincotte) that verifies a product or material will fully biodegrade in natural freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, and other inland water bodies. Certification is based on testing against internationally recognized standards and is reviewed by a Certification Committee to ensure claims are accurate and not misleading.

The certification is relevant for manufacturers and suppliers whose products may come into contact with or end up in freshwater ecosystems — such as certain packaging materials, films, or construction-related products. Because biodegradation depends heavily on environmental conditions like temperature, oxygen levels, moisture, and pH, the OK Biodegradable WATER mark is specific to freshwater conditions and does not automatically imply that a product will biodegrade in marine or soil environments.

This distinction matters particularly in Belgium, where legislation restricts the use of broad biodegradability claims on packaging. The OK Biodegradable WATER certification provides a precise, verified environmental context for biodegradability, helping manufacturers communicate accurate product end-of-life characteristics and avoid misleading consumers or regulators.