Compostable Versus Biodegradable - Avoiding Greenwashed Product Packaging

Compostable Versus Biodegradable - Avoiding Greenwashed Product Packaging

By the end of this write-up I would like for you to have taken away one essential point: that the term biodegradable does not necessarily mean the same thing as the label compostable.

To start off, I'm going to walk you through three things: 1) the definition of the word compostable, 2) the definition of "biodegradable", and 3) tips on how you can make sure that when you are purchasing food ware that's labeled compostable or biodegradable, you aren't being greenwashed. Let us begin.

1) The term compostable has a definition that is rigorously governed by the standards ASTM D-6400, ASTM D-6868, and EN 13432. Calling packaging compostable means three things. #1) Biodegradability - this means that sixty to ninety percent of the package will degrade inside of 180 days in a municipal composting environment. #2) Disintegration - this requires that ninety percent of the package is going to degrade into little pieces that are two milimeters in diameter or less. #3) Eco-Toxicity - this means that when the product degrades in a commercial facility it will not leave heavy metals that are toxic to the soil beyond that of a typical set of compost.

2) The word biodegradable however, merely means that the product will break down over a period of time through natural processes. It could stand for virtually any period of time... it could take tens of years, it could mean 1000s of years. Under such a loose definition, even a traditional petroleum based plastic container or product is biodegradable - at some point, sooner or later, it is going to decompose.

3) What does this mean for food ware? Well, you should be looking for food packaging products that are specifically marked compostable. There are manufacturers on the market that are applying the label biodegradable, and they're applying it to disguise their products as eco-friendly and in essence fool you into buying them.

I have done business with restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area who've been alerted by SF Department of the Environment and by the composting center just north of SF that they don't take biodegradable packaging because it won't compost in a commercial composting facility.

You need to be looking for food ware products that specifically state that they're compostable. If it's clear cups, you'll find a green colored ring and the term compostable on that cup. If it is on a spoon, you will see the term compostable imprinted on it. You need to look for the term compostable or you should see if the item is certified by the BPI. The BPI makes sure that food ware products uphold to the standards that we reviewed a moment ago.

So, I trust you now understand the difference between something that's compostable vs biodegradable. Good luck with your eco packaging purchases!

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