Biodegradable vs. Compostable Packaging: What’s the Difference?

With so many eco-friendly packaging options on the market, it can be difficult to understand the distinctions between terms like “biodegradable” and “compostable.” While both types of packaging break down naturally, there are important differences that impact how each material should be disposed of.

Biodegradable Packaging: Naturally Decomposing Materials

Biodegradable packaging is designed to break down in natural environments over time, thanks to microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. When disposed of in the right conditions, biodegradable packaging decomposes into natural elements, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, the timeframe for this process can vary. Some biodegradable plastics can take years or even decades to fully decompose, depending on environmental factors like sunlight, moisture, and temperature.

Compostable Packaging: A Step Further in Sustainability

Compostable packaging is a specific type of biodegradable packaging that breaks down under composting conditions, which are typically controlled environments with higher temperatures and specific moisture levels. Compostable packaging is designed to decompose more quickly than regular biodegradable materials, usually within a few months, leaving behind nutrient-rich soil. However, compostable packaging often requires industrial composting facilities to break down fully, as standard home composting may not provide the necessary conditions.

Key Distinctions and Practical Applications

The key difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging is the disposal method. All compostable packaging is biodegradable, but not all biodegradable packaging is compostable. Biodegradable packaging can end up in landfills and still decompose over time, whereas compostable packaging is best suited for environments that promote its rapid decomposition into organic material. Understanding these distinctions helps companies choose the most appropriate materials for their sustainability goals and ensure that consumers are correctly informed about disposal methods.