Did you know that 49% of consumers misunderstand the difference between biodegradable vs. compostable products?1 This mix-up often results in compostable packaging being thrown away incorrectly, undermining its environmental benefits.
Many people think these terms are interchangeable, but they’re not. Compostable is a more specific subset of biodegradable. That means all compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. Compostable items must meet much stricter standards for factors such as breakdown timing, safety, and environmental conditions, often verified by certifications like ASTM D6400 or BPI.
Understanding this distinction helps you cut through greenwashing and make more intelligent, more eco-friendly choices.
What Does Biodegradable Mean?
When you see the word “biodegradable” on a product, it’s easy to assume that the item will magically disappear into the Earth shortly after you toss it. But what does biodegradable mean, and how does the process work? Let’s break it down—pun fully intended.
How Biodegradation Actually Works
Biodegradation is nature’s recycling system. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic materials into simpler substances, including water, carbon dioxide, and biomass that enriches the soil. These microbes essentially consume the material as a food source, dismantling its molecular structure piece by piece.
The process isn’t automatic, though. These microorganisms require the optimal conditions to function effectively. With adequate temperature, moisture, and oxygen, they can break down a paper bag in just a few weeks. But in oxygen-poor environments like landfills, the same decomposition process can take years or even decades.
What Does “Compostable” Mean?
Compostable products are designed to break down quickly and safely in a composting environment, leaving behind nutrient-rich soil with no harmful residues.
Think of compostable items as the overachievers of the eco-friendly world. Unlike their biodegradable counterparts, these products must meet much stricter standards. They’re required to decompose within a specific timeframe, usually somewhere between 90 and 180 days, but only when they’re in proper composting conditions with the right temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels.
What makes compostable products special is what they leave behind, or rather, what they don’t leave behind. When they break down completely, you’re left with only water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter that enriches the soil, no toxins, no microplastics, no nasty surprises that could harm plants or animals later on.
The compostable label isn’t just a marketing claim either. These products must pass rigorous testing and earn certification from recognized standards, such as BPI, TÜV Austria, or EN 13432. These certifications ensure that when a company claims its product is compostable, it meets that promise under real-world composting conditions.
The Biodegradation Timeline: Why It Varies So Much
Not all biodegradable products decompose at the same rate. The timeline depends on both the material itself and the environment where it ends up.
A cotton t-shirt in a well-maintained compost pile might decompose within months, while the same shirt buried deep in a landfill could take years to break down completely. It’s all about access to the right conditions: oxygen, moisture, and active microbial communities.
Some “biodegradable” plastics can take decades to decompose, especially in landfill conditions where oxygen is limited and temperatures remain relatively stable.
Exploring Related Concepts
The world of eco-friendly products comes with a whole vocabulary of terms that sound similar but mean very different things. Getting familiar with these distinctions can help you avoid accidentally choosing products that aren’t as environmentally friendly as they seem.
- Degradable products break down into smaller pieces when exposed to factors such as heat, light, or specific chemicals. While this might sound environmentally friendly, it’s often not. The problem is that these smaller pieces don’t disappear. Instead, they can break down into microplastics that persist in the environment and potentially harm wildlife. It’s like tearing up a plastic bag into confetti and thinking you’ve solved the plastic problem.
- Bio-based products are made from renewable plant sources rather than fossil fuels, which sounds great in theory. But here’s the twist: just because something comes from plants doesn’t mean it will break down naturally. A plastic bottle made from corn might be bio-based, but it could still take just as long to decompose as a regular plastic bottle made from oil. The renewable source is better for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, but it doesn’t automatically make the end product more biodegradable.
- Marine-degradable products are specifically engineered to break down in ocean environments, which is essential since regular composting conditions are significantly different from those of saltwater. This is a relatively new category, and it’s crucial to look for proper certifications, such as TÜV AUSTRIA Marine, rather than just taking a company’s word for it. The ocean has enough plastic problems without adding products that claim to be marine-friendly but aren’t tested in real marine conditions.
- Oxo-degradable products are essentially conventional plastics that have been treated with special additives designed to cause them to fragment more quickly when exposed to oxygen and UV light. This might seem like progress, but it’s creating more problems. These products break apart into tiny plastic fragments that are even harder to clean up than the original item. The environmental impact is so concerning that many countries and regions have banned oxo-degradable plastics entirely.
Let’s clear it up!
Common Misconceptions About Biodegradable Products
There are several common misconceptions about biodegradable products that can result in improper disposal and unrealistic expectations. One frequent misconception is that these products will decompose quickly in any environment, but in reality, they often require specific conditions to break down properly.
“Biodegradable means environmentally harmless.”
Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s automatically eco-friendly. Some biodegradable plastics can break down into tiny fragments, contributing to microplastic pollution, which can harm wildlife and enter food chains.
“It will decompose anywhere I put it.”
Many people believe that biodegradable items will break down no matter where they’re disposed of. However, most biodegradable materials require specific conditions—such as sufficient oxygen, moisture, and microbial activity—to decompose properly. These conditions are often lacking in landfills.
“Biodegradable and compostable mean the same thing.”
Although related, these terms have different definitions. Compostable materials must completely break down within a specified period under composting conditions, leaving no toxic residue. Biodegradable materials are only required to decompose eventually, a process that can take weeks, years, or even decades, depending on the environment.
The main distinction is that compostable materials are intended to become beneficial soil additives. In contrast, biodegradable materials are designed to break down over time, although not necessarily in an environmentally beneficial manner.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Which Option Is More Eco-Friendly?
Understanding these nuances can help you make more informed choices about the products you buy and how you dispose of them. While biodegradation is a natural process, it’s not an environmental cure-all. Knowing the details can help us aim for solutions supporting a healthier planet.
Carbon Footprint of Both Options
Biodegradable Items: Biodegradable items can release carbon dioxide (CO2) as they break down. In landfills, where oxygen is limited, they may also produce methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher global warming potential than CO2.
Compostable Materials: Compostable materials break down in aerobic (oxygen-rich) conditions, such as composting environments. This process typically results in lower methane emissions compared to landfills, and composting can help sequester carbon in the soil, further reducing their overall carbon footprint.
Soil Health and Ecosystem Effects
Biodegradable Items: Biodegradable materials may leave harmful chemicals or microplastics in the soil if they don’t break down fully. This can negatively affect plant growth and disrupt the ecosystem.
Compostable Materials: Compostable materials break down into organic matter that improves soil health, boosts nutrients, and supports a healthier ecosystem.
Microplastic Concerns in Biodegradable Products
Biodegradable Items: Many biodegradable plastics still contain plastic-based polymers that fragment into microplastics. These tiny particles can persist in the environment, entering food chains and potentially harming wildlife.
Compostable Materials: Compostable products are designed to break down into non-toxic, organic components, reducing the risk of microplastic contamination in the soil and ecosystem.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Option
Biodegradable Items: While biodegradable materials may reduce waste compared to traditional plastics, they often break down slowly and incompletely, especially in landfills. They can contribute to microplastic pollution if not fully decomposed.
Compostable Materials: Compostable products generally break down quickly and improve soil health. However, they require the right conditions to compost properly. If disposed of improperly, they may fail to decompose, reducing their environmental benefits.
What to Look for on Labels
Shopping for eco-friendly products can feel like trying to decode a secret language, especially when every package seems to have a different green claim plastered on it. The key is knowing which certifications truly hold value and which ones are merely marketing fluff.
Trustworthy Compostable Certifications
When you spot the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) seal on a product, it means the item has passed strict tests to confirm it will break down in industrial composting facilities. These facilities utilize carefully managed conditions, such as high heat and regular turning, to handle materials that home composting can’t. If you’re putting something in your city’s compost bin, check for the BPI mark.
TÜV Austria OK Compost offers two types of certification, and the difference is essential. The Industrial certification works similarly to BPI, intended for commercial composting sites. The Home certification, though, is great for people who compost at home. Products with this label will break down in a typical backyard compost pile, without needing special equipment or conditions.
EN 13432 is the European standard for compostable materials, and it’s widely respected around the world. If you see this certification, you can be assured that the product meets the strict European Union requirements for industrial composting.
3 Things to Watch Out For
- The marketplace is full of products making vague “biodegradable” claims without any certification backing them up or a timeline for when they’ll break down. These are essentially meaningless promises. Anyone can slap “biodegradable” on a package, but without third-party testing and certification, there’s no guarantee it means anything.
- Generic “eco-friendly” or “green” labels are another red flag. These terms sound appealing, but don’t provide specific information about how the product will behave in the environment. They’re often used as marketing tools to make you feel better about a purchase without giving any real environmental benefit.
- Plant-based claims can be particularly misleading because they sound so wholesome. While a product might be made entirely from plants, that doesn’t guarantee it will break down quickly or safely. For instance, a product made from plants (e.g., PLA bioplastic) may still behave like conventional plastic in landfills or oceans unless it’s certified compostable under industrial or home conditions. Unless the label explicitly mentions composability and includes reputable third-party certification, assume that “plant-based” doesn’t automatically equal “eco-friendly” when it comes to disposal.
Related Article: Composting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Black Gold
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How to Dispose of These Products
- Biodegradable Items: Your best option is to take these to a composting facility if possible. Tossing them in regular trash means they’ll likely end up in a landfill, where they’ll break down painfully slowly and release methane, which is a particularly potent greenhouse gas. Not precisely the eco-friendly outcome you were probably hoping for.
- Compostable Items: These are the easy ones. Chuck them into your compost bin at home if they’re certified for home composting, or drop them off at an industrial composting facility if that’s what the certification requires. Do it right, and you’ll end up with rich soil instead of pollution. It’s one of those rare situations where doing the right thing works out exactly like it’s supposed to.
- Tips for Reducing Waste: The key to managing biodegradable and compostable products is simple: try to use them less often. No matter how eco-friendly a disposable item is, it still becomes waste. Before choosing a compostable cup or a biodegradable bag, consider whether you truly need it or if a reusable alternative would be better. Often, the most sustainable option is the one that doesn’t need to be thrown away at all.
This Has Been About Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Key Differences Explained
Knowing the difference between biodegradable and compostable isn’t just about definitions; it’s about making choices that truly help the planet. Look for clear certifications, understand disposal options, and prioritize reusables whenever possible. By staying informed, you can reduce waste and contribute to a healthier environment.
References
- Scheuchzer, J. (2023, July 18). U.S. consumers confused about compostable and biodegradable
food packaging labels. Food Packaging Forum. Retrieved from U.S. consumers confused about compostable and biodegradable food packaging labels
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