Biodegradable vs Compostable Packaging: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

According to recent research, only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled, and a staggering 72% of plastic production ends up in landfills or the environment, as reported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2022. Additionally, between 8 million and 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, which the National Academy of Sciences equates to dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. This stark reality underscores the need for effective alternatives to reduce our environmental footprint.

In this blog post, we will explore the enigmas surrounding compostable and biodegradable packaging, their significance, and how to make wise decisions for a more environmentally friendly future.

What Does Biodegradable Food Packaging Mean?

Materials that can be broken down by living microbes like bacteria, fungi, or algae are referred to as "biodegradable." In essence, these microbes consume the material and break it down into elements such as carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter. Depending on the material and surrounding circumstances, this procedure may take several months to several years.

Biodegradable food packaging aims to reduce its long-term adverse effects on the environment and landfills. There's a catch, though. Not every biodegradable substance breaks down entirely. For example, certain biodegradable plastics degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics, which can still cause pollution. Therefore, even while biodegradable materials might aid in trash reduction, there are sometimes hidden environmental benefits.

What Does Compostable Food Packaging Mean?

Contrarily, compostable packaging is intended to decompose under particular circumstances into naturally occurring, non-toxic substances. Compostable materials break down into rich, fertile material called compost, which can be utilized to improve soil quality instead of general biodegradability. To do this, bacteria, humidity, and heat must all be present during composting.

Food packaging designed to be compostable is intended to decompose at a pace similar to that of other organic materials. This indicates that biodegradable materials will become organic matter without releasing toxic residues after a predetermined time, usually 90 to 180 days. Compostable packaging is a better option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and improve soil health.

Curious about the actual differences between biodegradable vs compostable packaging? Click here to read the full article.