Biodegradable/Compostable Pouches
Browse AS 5810 certified home compostable pouches in sizes from 28g to 500g, including zipper stand up pouches and a selected window coffee pouch. These biodegradable stand up pouches may suit coffee beans, tea, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, granola, snacks, powders, pet treats and selected dry pet food where the individual pouch specification is appropriate. Compare pouch size, fill weight, sealing space, window style, barrier needs and disposal instructions before ordering.
AS 5810 Home Compostable Stand Up Pouches
The products in this category use a gusseted stand up pouch format. Once filled, the base helps the pouch stand upright for storage and shelf presentation. The current stock range includes zipper pouches in several sizes and a selected coffee pouch with a window.
All products in this category are certified to AS 5810, the Australian Standard for plastics suitable for home composting. This is a more precise description than broad terms such as eco-friendly packaging or green packaging solutions. For businesses comparing sustainable packaging options, the certification and disposal pathway should be stated clearly rather than relying on general environmental language.
Biodegradable and Compostable Are Different Claims
Biodegradable is a broad term describing a material that can break down through biological activity. It does not explain the conditions required, the time involved or whether the material has been assessed against a recognised standard.
Compostable packaging certified to AS 5810 has been assessed for suitability in home composting conditions. The certification relates to compostability; it does not by itself confirm food-contact suitability, grease resistance, barrier performance, shelf life or suitability for every product.
If the product is sensitive to oxygen, moisture or light, confirm the performance of the specific pouch before use. Do not assume that a home compostable pouch provides the same protection as every conventional foil or plastic packaging format.
Available Sizes and Features
The current collection includes nominal 28g, 70g, 150g, 250g and 500g options, together with a selected home compostable coffee pouch with a window. The stock pouches are supplied in packs of 100 and most include a zipper for repeated opening and closing after first use.
- Small pouch sizes for samples, lightweight products and trial packs
- Mid-size options for coffee, tea, nuts, seeds, snacks, granola, powders and similar dry products
- A larger 500g format for products that require more fill volume
- Zipper closures for convenient repeated opening and closing
- A selected window style where customers need to see the product
The gram value in a product name is a guide, not a guaranteed capacity. Coffee beans, tea leaves, powders, nuts and dried fruit have different densities and shapes, so products with the same weight can require different pouch sizes.
How to Choose a Compostable Pouch
Product Shape and Fill Weight
Test the pouch with the product packed at its intended weight. Consider whether the contents are powder, granules, whole food or irregular pieces, how much space they occupy and whether they settle during storage, dispatch or transport. Leave enough space above the contents for the zipper and final seal.
Barrier and Storage Requirements
Consider the expected storage period and whether the product needs protection from moisture, oxygen or light. Compostability certification does not replace a product-specific barrier assessment. Confirm the pouch construction before using it for products with strict freshness or shelf-life requirements.
Window and Product Presentation
A window can showcase the product colour, texture or shape on retail shelves. It also reduces uninterrupted space for labels and branding. If the product is light-sensitive, confirm that the window format is suitable before choosing it.
Zipper and Heat Sealing
A zipper makes the bag easy to reopen and close after purchase, but it does not necessarily replace a top heat seal. For products packed for retail sale or shipping, a seal above the zipper is commonly used before first opening. Keep powder, crumbs and product residue away from the sealing area.
For in-house sealing, compare pouch width and material with the available heat sealers.
Products That May Suit This Range
Depending on the individual pouch specification and the product packed, these compostable pouches may be considered for selected dry products such as:
- Coffee beans and selected ground coffee applications
- Loose-leaf tea
- Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, granola and snacks
- Herbs, spices and selected powders
- Confectionery and dry bakery products
- Pet treats and selected dry pet food
- Samples and trial-size retail products
Suitability depends on the specific pouch construction, product contents, filling and sealing method, storage conditions and applicable food-contact requirements. AS 5810 certification should not be treated as confirmation that every pouch is suitable for every food, pet, cosmetic or non-food product.
Home Composting and Disposal
AS 5810 certified packaging is intended for home composting under the conditions covered by the standard. Follow the product disposal instructions and communicate the certification accurately on the finished pack or label where relevant.
- Do not place the pouch in a standard recycling bin unless specific local guidance says otherwise.
- Do not assume that every council FOGO or commercial composting service accepts home compostable packaging.
- Remove non-compostable labels, stickers or added components if required by the product instructions.
- Do not make unsupported claims about carbon emissions, zero waste or environmental outcomes that have not been separately verified.
A switch from conventional plastic packaging should be assessed across product protection, shelf life, packing performance and the disposal options available to customers. Compostable packaging is not automatically the best environmental option in every situation.
Compostable Pouches Compared with Recyclable Pouches
Compostable and recyclable pouches use different end-of-life pathways. These AS 5810 certified pouches are designed for home composting, while recyclable pouches should be assessed according to their material construction and the recycling options available in the customer’s location.
Neither option is universally better. The right choice depends on the product packed, required barrier performance, available disposal pathway and the sustainability claims the business can support.
Other Pouch Packaging Options
For a broader choice of materials, colours, windows and foil-lined formats, browse stand up pouches. The full pouch packaging range also includes flat bottom, 3 side seal, spout, side gusset and pillow pouch formats.
For roasted coffee that requires a valve, compare the available coffee pouches with valves and confirm the required pouch size, barrier, valve and sealing method.
Choosing and Ordering Home Compostable Pouches
Before purchase, test the pouch with the actual product and confirm the fill weight, zipper position, top sealing space, window requirements, transport conditions and storage needs. Also decide how the AS 5810 certification and home composting instructions will be communicated to customers.
Vivo Packaging supplies biodegradable pouches in Australia at competitive prices with Australia-wide delivery. Contact the team if you need help comparing sizes or choosing the closest fit for your product and packing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AS 5810 certified mean?
AS 5810 is the Australian Standard for biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting. Products certified to this standard have been assessed against its home compostability requirements.
Are these pouches home compostable?
Yes. The products in this category are certified to AS 5810 for home compostability. Follow the product instructions and do not assume that the same disposal route applies to labels or other components added after purchase.
How do I choose the correct pouch size?
Use the listed weight as an initial guide, then test the pouch with the actual contents. Product density, shape and required headspace can change the size needed for the same nominal weight.
Do compostable zipper pouches still need to be heat sealed?
A zipper allows repeated opening and closing after purchase. A separate top heat seal is commonly used before retail sale or dispatch to close the pack before first opening.
Can home compostable pouches go in the recycling bin?
No. Home compostable and recyclable packaging use different disposal pathways. Follow the pouch instructions and check local guidance rather than placing the pouch in standard recycling.




