Published March 29, 2022

We’re seeing more and more “biodegradable” and “compostable” products replacing traditional packaging and one-time use items. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t actually mean the same thing.

While “biodegradable” describes a material returning to its basic elements (ideally without leaving toxins), use of this term doesn’t specify how long it takes for the substance to break down. Materials can take as little as a few days to thousands of years to decompose.

Compostable products, often made from bioplastics, corn, bamboo, and sugar cane, are also able to completely break down, but when properly disposed of in a controlled environment. When you see “compostable” on a product, it actually means the substance is commercially compostable…in an industrial composting facility. An industrial composting facility is able to create the best environment of heat, moisture, and oxygen for compostable materials to decompose faster than normal and turn into compost. Compost can be used to add beneficial microorganisms and minerals to fertilize, condition, and regenerate soil. This is important to know because compostable materials do not always naturally biodegrade in a landfill.

Greenwashing Alert:

It is important to understand these terms as regulation for "compostable" and "biodegradable" products differ per state. Some companies will exploit this lack of regulation to deceivingly present themselves as eco-friendly businesses.