Biodegradable vs Compostable: What is the Difference?

These plastic polymers persist in the environment causing significant threats to nature, humans, and wildlife, and the amount of plastic we're sending to landfills continues to grow.

To counteract this, businesses have started offering biodegradable and compostable products. But, the terms aren't interchangeable. 

In this article, we’ll explore all things compostable and biodegradable. Along the way, we’ll address the following: 

• What does Biodegradable mean?
• What does Compostable mean?
• What is the Difference Between Compostable and Biodegradable?
• How do Compostable Products Compare to Alternatives?
• How to Look out for Greenwashing
• How to Choose the Best Compostable Products
• Final Thoughts on Compostable vs. Biodegradable

Biodegradable Definition

Biodegradable products are those that can be consumed by living microorganisms like fungi or bacteria. This helps to break them down into compounds that are found in nature. 

Compostable Definition

Compostable is used to describe a product that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements. It also does so at a rate consistent with similar organic materials. Compostable products require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product (CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass). 

What is the Difference between Compostable vs. Biodegradable?

You can think of both compostable and biodegradable as recycling organic waste using naturally occurring or biological processes. 

The main difference between the two is that biodegradable material can take an undetermined time to break down. In contrast, Compostable materials will decompose into natural elements within a specific time frame. However, it will require certain conditions like those found in industrial composting facilities to do so.

A biodegradable product will eventually break down into a few organic materials under the right conditions. This could include a product like a plastic-lined paper coffee cup. While the paper will break down, and eventually the plastic, there is still microplastic waste left behind.

On the other hand, the composting process will turn leftover food scraps, yard trimmings, BioBags, and compostable food packaging products like PLA-Lined paper coffee cups into organic matter or humus. This leaves behind no plastics or chemicals of concern.  

To simplify, everything that is compostable is also biodegradable. However, biodegradable does not always mean compostable. 

Alternative Eco-Friendly Definitions

As if distinguishing compostable from biodegradable isn’t tough enough, there are a few other similar terms that we should mention:

Zero Waste

 As defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), Zero Waste can certainly be used to describe a compostable product. It indicates something that can be consumed and recovered “without discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”

Degradable

While sounding nice, this is a highly ambiguous term. It’s important to remember that plastic products along with most other products on our planet are technically degradable. They can be chemically or biologically degraded but this process can take hundreds or thousands of years. In the case of plastic, this degradation is also associated with releasing toxic chemicals and creating microplastics.

Marine Degradable

This specific designation must be supported by a certification like ASTM D6691 or TUV Austria MARINE. These certifications must show breakdown and biodegradation in 3-6 months and pass ecotoxicity. This certification does not imply products are meant to be disposed of in the ocean.

Oxo Degradable

This is a loose claim generally placed on traditional plastics with additives that will allow a product to breakdown when oxygen and light, or oxidation, are applied. Plastics of this type are banned in the EU as this claim is dubious and create microplastics.

How to Look out for Greenwashing

With increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, some manufacturers label products as merely "biodegradable", as this claim requires no certification. Manufacturers may get away with this term even when it takes years or decades to fully break down.

This is known as "Greenwashing". Environmental benefits are implied but the claims don’t match what the consumer believes they’re getting. One of the best definitions of biodegradable in regards to packaging comes from the EPA:

“The term ”biodegradable” when used for marketing purposes includes a time component regarding the length of time it takes for the plastic to fully degrade... It is deceptive to make an unqualified degradable claim for items entering the solid waste stream if the items do not completely decompose within one year after customary disposal.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) produced their Green Guides in an attempt to prevent marketers from making misleading claims. For compostable claims, manufacturers must have scientific evidence demonstrating that all materials become usable compost in a timely manner. 

When we see the terms biodegradable or compostable on a product label, we should look for one more thing: Compostable Certifications. 

How to Choose the Best Compostable Products

Currently, in the U.S., there is no official way for ensuring biodegradability. When it comes to compostable items, however, they must pass testing before being labeled as such:

• Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI): BPI independently verifies the ASTM standards in the US. They ensure that a product can safely contribute to soil after processing at a commercial composting facility.

• Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA): is also independently performs additional real-world tests to ensure compostability. 

• TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost HOME: Certifies that a product can is Home Compostable and can break down in the lower heat of a home composting environment in less than a year. 

• ASTM Standard D6400: For a product to be labeled “industrially compostable” or “commercially compostable,” it must meet standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard D6400 indicates that breakdown occurs within 180 days and that the final product is not toxic to the environment. This is also equivalent to EN13432, which assures the same in Europe and abroad. 
  
  
• ASTM Standard D6868: ASTM D6868 indicates products that can be composted in industrial aerobic composting facilities without negatively affecting the environment. This standard is used for products with a film or coating made with biodegradable plastic.

Final Thoughts on Compostable vs. Biodegradable

Because biodegradable is an unregulated term, it merely implies being eco-friendly while often being the opposite. By comparison, compostable materials are environmentally superior.

When looking for environmentally friendly compostable goods, beware of the misleading term “biodegradable”. Instead, look for the various standards and certifications of compostability or “Meets ASTM D6400 standard.”

Are you looking for compostable food packaging? Good Start Packaging can help you get started on your business' sustainability efforts.Explore our line of takeout containers or reach out to one of our packaging solution experts for assistance.