In the never-ending search for green products and solutions, two words come up often: Compostable and Biodegradable. But what do they mean? Is one better than the other? What do you need to know?
Compostable: Made from certified compostable natural plant materials in the form of fermented plant starch derived from corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp, these are often waste materials sourced from farming and vegetable industries, and are commonly referred to as PLA (Polylactic acid or polylactide) which is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester made from renewable biomass. As these products are free from plastics such as Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene and PVC, they break down to their natural cellulose beginnings, leave virtually undetectable levels in the soil, and are deemed “worm safe” with no micro plastic residues left behind.
Biodegrada: Biodegradable usually means that the bags are made from a mixture of bioplastics (PLA) and plastics such as Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene and PVC. However the plastic they are made from may be thinner than regular bags, may have some kind of additive that aids in degradation, and may also be aided in the breakdown process by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This means that microplastics will be left in the environment and most likely find their way into the food chain.
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.
Are you looking for compostable packaging? Stonepack can help you get started on your business' sustainability efforts. Explore our compostable product or reach out to one of our packaging solution experts for assistance.