Packaging waste is one of the biggest contributors to landfill volume worldwide, and more brands are turning to eco-friendly alternatives. But two words get used interchangeably — and incorrectly - more than any others: biodegradable and compostable. They are not the same thing, and mixing them up can mislead customers or even get a brand accused of greenwashing. Here's a clear breakdown of biodegradable vs compostable packaging, what each term actually means, and how to choose the right one.
What Is Biodegradable?
Biodegradable means a material can be broken down naturally by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi into basic organic compounds. Almost everything is biodegradable given enough time - even plastic, though it may take hundreds of years and leave behind microplastics. The term itself carries no guarantee of speed or safety.
What Is Compostable?
Compostable means a material can fully break down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, at a rate similar to other organic matter, without leaving toxic residue behind. Unlike biodegradable this term is backed by testing standards - compostable products must pass strict criteria before they can legally carry the label.
Biodegradable Waste and Why It Matters
Biodegradable waste includes anything organic that microorganisms can break down — food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and certain packaging materials. It matters because it's the raw material for composting and, when managed properly, keeps organic matter out of landfills where it would otherwise produce methane. Understanding biodegradable waste is the first step toward reducing a business's overall environmental footprint, since not all biodegradable materials break down cleanly or quickly enough to be genuinely useful for this purpose.
Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable
The core difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging comes down to regulation, time, and outcome. All compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.
| Factor | Biodegradable | Compostable |
| Time frame | No fixed limit - can take years or decades | Must break down within 90–180 days |
| Regulated standard | None | ASTM D6400, D6868, EN13432 |
| Toxic residue | Not tested - may leave microplastics or chemicals | Must leave no harmful residue |
| Disposal method | Landfill (not safe for compost) | Compost bin (home or industrial) |
| Certification required | No | Yes (BPI, CMA, TÜV Austria) |
Advantages and Benefits of Biodegradable Products
- Reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics
- Break down faster than conventional plastic over the long term
- Often made from renewable or plant-based materials
- Lower long-term landfill burden compared to non-biodegradable waste
- Support brand positioning around sustainability
The caveat: these benefits only hold up when a biodegradable product is genuinely designed to break down safely. Not all biodegradable claims meet this bar, which is why compostable certification exists.
Other Related Terms
Degradable
A broad, unregulated term. Nearly everything is technically degradable given enough time - including plastic - with no guarantee of a safe or timely breakdown.
Oxo-Degradable
Conventional plastic with an additive that makes it fragment faster. It doesn't fully decompose — it breaks into microplastics, making it arguably worse than standard plastic. Banned in the EU for this reason.
Marine Degradable
A specific certification (ASTM D6691 or TÜV Austria MARINE) showing a product breaks down in marine environments within 3–6 months without harming marine life. Not a license to dispose of packaging in the ocean.
Also Read:- Difference Between Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable Packaging
How to Spot Greenwashing
Because biodegradable isn't a regulated term, some brands use it to imply eco-friendliness without backing it up. The FTC's Green Guides and the EPA both warn that an unqualified "biodegradable" claim is deceptive if the product doesn't fully decompose within about a year of typical disposal. Red flags include vague labels with no certification logo, no disposal instructions, and no reference to a testing standard like ASTM D6400.
Certifications to Look For
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): Verifies ASTM compostability standards in the US
- CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance): Runs additional real-world composting tests
- TÜV Austria OK Compost (Home/Industrial): Confirms breakdown in home or industrial composting conditions
- ASTM D6400 / D6868: The baseline US standards for industrial compostability
Which Is Better for the Environment?
Compostable packaging is the more reliable environmental choice. It's tested, time-bound, and guaranteed non-toxic. Biodegradable packaging can be a good option, but only when it's specific about how and when it breaks down — otherwise it risks contaminating compost streams or simply sitting in a landfill like ordinary plastic.
How to Choose Sustainable Packaging for Your Business
- Look for a recognized certification (BPI, CMA, TÜV Austria), not just a label claim
- Confirm your customers have access to composting facilities (home vs. industrial)
- Weigh material cost against your sustainability goals and customer expectations
- Choose materials suited to your product (rigid containers, films, bags all vary)
Final Thoughts
Biodegradable and compostable both describe natural breakdown, but only compostable comes with the testing and certification to back it up. When choosing packaging, look past the label - check for a certification like BPI, CMA, or ASTM D6400 to know you're making a genuinely sustainable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is compostable?
Compostable means a material fully breaks down into non-toxic, natural elements within a set timeframe, meeting official testing standards.
2. What's the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
Compostable is a regulated, time-bound subset of biodegradable. All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable items are compostable.
3. Why is biodegradable material important?
It reduces dependence on materials that never break down, lowering long-term landfill and pollution impact — provided the material is genuinely safe and timely in its breakdown.
4. What are the benefits of biodegradable products?
They reduce plastic waste, often use renewable resources, and support sustainability goals - though the benefit depends on how quickly and safely the product actually decomposes.
5. Is biodegradable packaging better than compostable?
No. Compostable is the stricter, more verified standard. Biodegradable claims alone don't guarantee an eco-friendly outcome.
