If you’ve ever stood in front of a bin, holding a plastic-looking spoon labeled “biodegradable” and wondering if it belongs in the compost, the trash, or recycling, you’re not alone.
Terms like biodegradable and compostable are everywhere now.
They sound green, they sound good… but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how do they impact the environment?
In this article, we’ll break it all down in the simplest, clearest way possible. No fluff. Just facts, real-world examples, and what it means for you as someone who cares about sustainable living.
What Are Biodegradable Plastics?
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that break down over time with the help of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
But here’s the catch: “biodegradable” doesn’t tell us how long it takes or under what conditions it breaks down.
Some biodegradable plastics need high heat or special environments to decompose properly. Without those conditions, they might just sit in a landfill for years.
How Biodegradable Plastics Work
These plastics are made to mimic the look and feel of traditional plastic but with chemical structures that can break down more easily.
When exposed to light, heat, and moisture – and when microbes are present – they slowly start to degrade.
– Types of Biodegradable Plastics:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): Made from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane.
- PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): A fossil-fuel-based plastic that breaks down more easily than traditional plastic.
- PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): Made by microbial fermentation of sugar or lipids.
– Common Uses:
- Disposable cutlery
- Takeout containers
- Agricultural films
- Some plastic bags
These items often get labeled as “eco-friendly plastics” or “sustainable plastic alternatives,” but that doesn’t always mean they’re truly earth-friendly unless disposed of correctly.
What Are Compostable Plastics?
Compostable plastics are a step up from biodegradable plastics. Not only do they break down, but they do so completely and leave behind no toxic residue.
The end result is water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, all the good stuff your compost pile loves.
– Industrial vs. Home Composting:
Not all compostable plastics are created equal. Some require industrial composting facilities with high temperatures and controlled humidity.
Others are suitable for your backyard compost bin.
If something is labeled “compostable” but doesn’t say where or how, that’s a red flag. Always look for certifications.
– Recognized Certifications:
- ASTM D6400 (USA)
- EN 13432 (Europe)
- TÜV Austria OK Compost
These logos tell you the product has been tested and verified to fully decompose under specific composting conditions.
– Common Compostable Products:
- Compostable shopping bags
- Food packaging
- Coffee pods
- Plates and utensils
These fall under categories like “compostable packaging,” “eco-friendly plastics,” and “sustainable products made from plant-based materials.”
Biodegradable vs Compostable: What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s break it down clearly.
| Feature | Biodegradable Plastics | Compostable Plastics |
| Breakdown Time | Can take months to years | Usually within 90-180 days |
| Required Conditions | May need industrial processes | Usually needs industrial or home composting |
| End Product | May leave microplastics | Breaks down into water, CO2, and biomass |
| Certifications | Rarely standardized | Must meet standards like ASTM D6400, EN 13432 |
| Environmental Safety | Can be uncertain | Safe and non-toxic |
Bottom line? Compostable plastics are a safer bet for the environment if you have access to proper composting facilities.
The Problem of Greenwashing and Mislabeling
Here’s where things get messy. A lot of brands throw around words like “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly packaging” without any real standards.
This is called greenwashing.
– Why It’s a Problem:
When consumers think they’re helping the planet by buying “biodegradable” products, they might actually be contributing to plastic pollution if those items end up in landfills or oceans where they don’t break down properly.
According to National Geographic, many biodegradable plastics don’t degrade well in the ocean or regular soil. Mislabeling leads to confusion and improper disposal.
– Real-World Example:
A 2019 report by the UK’s Environmental Audit Committee found that many items labeled “biodegradable” didn’t actually break down under normal conditions and caused contamination in recycling streams.
Environmental Impact: Which One Is Better?
– Biodegradable Plastics:
Pros:
- Better than traditional plastic (sometimes)
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels (if plant-based)
Cons:
- Can leave behind microplastics
- Often ends up in landfills where decomposition is slow
- Misleading labels
– Compostable Plastics:
Pros:
- Breaks down fully under the right conditions
- Leaves no harmful residue
- Reduces landfill waste if composted properly
Cons:
- Needs industrial composting in most cases
- Not recyclable
- Infrastructure is limited
If you’re choosing between the two, compostable plastics are the greener option, but only if they end up in the compost bin, not the trash.
Global Infrastructure Challenges
Here’s the frustrating part: Most places around the world don’t have the right composting infrastructure.
– Composting in Developed vs. Developing Countries
In countries like Germany or the Netherlands, compostable packaging can be processed in municipal compost facilities.
In places like Nigeria, India, or most of Africa, that infrastructure is still growing, if it exists at all.
That means even certified compostable plastics might still end up in a landfill or burned, defeating the purpose.
– What About Recycling?
Neither biodegradable nor compostable plastics belong in the regular recycling bin. They contaminate the recycling stream, causing more harm than good.
What Should You Do as a Consumer?
1. Read the Labels Carefully
Look for certifications like:
- EN 13432
- ASTM D6400
- TÜV Austria OK Compost
Avoid vague terms like “green,” “eco,” or “planet-friendly” unless they’re backed by verified standards.
2. Check Local Disposal Options
Before you buy, ask yourself:
- Can I compost this at home?
- Does my city have a composting program?
- Will this just end up in the trash?
3. Choose Better Alternatives
- Use reusable containers and bags
- Go for glass or metal when possible
- Support companies offering take-back programs
Even better? Choose products that skip plastic altogether.
The Future of Eco-Friendly Plastics
The good news is that change is happening. Bioplastics and compostable materials are improving.
Governments are pushing for clearer labeling and better waste management.
– Promising Innovations:
- Seaweed-based packaging
- Mushroom-based materials
- Recyclable compostables (yes, that’s a thing now!)
Companies like Loop are also redefining reusable packaging with circular systems. The more we demand better options, the more the market responds.
Final Thoughts
Biodegradable and compostable plastics are not the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you make smarter, more sustainable choices.
While biodegradable plastics sound good, they can still harm the environment if not handled properly.
Compostable plastics are a better option when they end up in a proper composting facility.
In the end, the best solution isn’t just switching from one type of plastic to another. It’s reducing our plastic use altogether.