Ahlstrom renews CMA-W compostability certification for GVP food-grade portfolio

Ahlstrom has successfully renewed the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA-W) certification for its Genuine Vegetable Parchment (GVP) portfolio, confirming the materials’ performance in industrial composting conditions. 

CMA-W certification is primarily relevant to North America, where windrow composting is one of the most widely used industrial processes. It reflects the requirements of municipal and commercial composting facilities in the United States, which increasingly rely on CMA W verification to define accepted materials. As a result, this certification supports the acceptance of GVP solutions in key end-of-life systems across the region and aligns with the operational practices of composters managing organic waste streams. 

The certification applies to a range of Ahlstrom’s Genuine Vegetable Parchment (GVP) food grade solutions, including Unibake®, Sulpack®, Grillon® and UniDough™. 
CMA-W certification is specific to windrow composting and requires materials to demonstrate effective disintegration in open-air composting systems, where temperature, moisture and processing conditions vary. 

It is based on both laboratory testing and field validation in active composting facilities, ensuring that materials not only meet technical standards but also break down effectively in real conditions. This is essential for composters to avoid contamination and maintain compost quality. 

By renewing this certification, Ahlstrom reinforces its long-term commitment to sustainability and to developing packaging solutions that deliver proven compostability in practice. GVP is based on renewable, cellulose-based virgin fibers and is designed for applications where recycling is not a viable end-of-life option, making composting a relevant and practical pathway. 

For brands and converters, CMA-W certification provides clear third-party validation that packaging materials are compatible with industrial composting systems and aligned with operational requirements. This supports both regulatory compliance and sustainability strategies. 

With this renewal, Ahlstrom continues to invest in solutions that help reduce the environmental impact of food packaging and contribute to a more circular system.