Biodegradable Vs. Compostable Products (Hidden Truth)

Are you confused about biodegradable vs. compostable products? In summary, compostable products take a specific time frame to break down into compost, while biodegradable products take longer (even years) to decompose.

Do you want to learn more about how they differ? Read ahead!

What Are Compostable Products?

Compostable products can be further broken down entirely into smaller or primary particles. Moreover, these products are broken down into compounds found in nature.

They take some time to break into smaller materials but do not release any harmful substances, residue, or toxins. Hence, these products turn into nutrient-rich compost, causing zero harm to the environment or plants.

So, here's how these products are tested to ensure compostable:

• Products must be tested to meet US industrial composting standards ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868.
• These standards ensure that products labeled as “Compostable” tend to disintegrate within 90 days. While they also cannot leave any harmful residue.
• During the testing, the compost is also tested in a seed germination trial to ensure it is not harmful to plants.

The following are some examples of compostable products:

• Compostable plates
• Compostable cutlery
• Compostable cups
• Compostable food containers
• Compostable trash bags
• Compostable straws

What Are Biodegradable Products?

Just like compostable products, biodegradable products also disintegrate into more minor elements. However, it takes longer, years or centuries, to break down and decompose as natural elements.

Also, these products require humidity, microorganisms, and heat to turn to compost.

So, here's how biodegradable products are regulated:

• Biodegradable products are not regulated.
• Biodegradable products cannot be regulated as they don't have a specific time frame for biodegradation.
• No testing is conducted to ensure the biodegradation process or to ensure the compost does not contain harmful toxins.

The following are some examples of biodegradable products:

• Biodegradable trash bags
• Biodegradable utensils
• Biodegradable plates
• Biodegradable food packaging
• Biodegradable phone cases
• Biodegradable cleaning products

Note: Remember, every product indicated as ‘biodegradable’ does not meet the criteria because the testing process cannot be conducted.

What Is The Difference Between Biodegradable And Compostable Products?

The following are the critical differences between biodegradable and compostable products:

• Compostable products decompose in a specific time frame, while biodegradable products take longer or an undetermined time to decompose into elements.
• Compostable products or packages do not release harmful toxins during or after decomposition, while biodegradable products may.
• Compostable products produce healthy compost, which is even suitable for plants. At the same time, biodegradable products may not be able to ensure this.

For example, let's take a compostable product like compostable food packagers. It would turn to humus or any organic substance but does not leave any remains of chemicals or harmful substances.

Next, consider a biodegradable product like a plastic-lined paper coffee cup. The paper and plastic will break down, but microplastic will remain.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, all compostable products are also biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. Is that clear now?

We hope this guide helped you understand the differences between biodegradable vs compostable products!