Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Understanding the Difference

When selecting sustainable dinnerware for your workplace, you'll often encounter the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable." While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent distinct properties that can significantly impact both environmental outcomes and practical usefulness.

With the growing emphasis on sustainable business practices, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions that align with your organization's environmental goals and waste management capabilities.

What Does "Biodegradable" Really Mean?

Biodegradation is the process by which materials break down naturally through the action of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae. A product labeled as "biodegradable" will eventually decompose into natural elements (primarily water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) when exposed to the appropriate environment.

Key characteristics of biodegradable products include:

No Time Specification

The term "biodegradable" by itself does not specify a timeframe for decomposition. Without additional qualifications, a biodegradable item might take anywhere from a few weeks to several hundred years to break down completely.

Environmental Conditions Matter

The biodegradation process is highly dependent on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of specific microorganisms. A product that biodegrades readily in one environment may break down very slowly or not at all in another.

Residual Impact

Some biodegradable materials may leave behind residues or break down into components that, while "natural," could potentially impact soil or water quality. The mere fact that something biodegrades doesn't guarantee it's environmentally harmless.

For example, a plastic product labeled only as "biodegradable" might require industrial composting facilities with sustained high temperatures to actually break down—conditions not found in standard landfills or home composting systems.

Understanding Compostable Materials

Compostable materials take the concept of biodegradation a step further. For a product to be truly compostable, it must:

Break Down in a Specific Timeframe

Compostable materials decompose within a defined period (typically around 90-180 days) under composting conditions. This faster decomposition makes them more practical for waste management systems.

Leave No Toxic Residue

True compostable materials break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass that is indistinguishable from regular compost. They leave no toxic residues or persistent microplastics that might harm the environment.

Support Plant Growth

The resulting compost should be able to support plant growth and contribute positively to soil health. This distinguishes compostable materials from those that simply disintegrate without adding value to the ecosystem.

Compostable products often carry certifications like the European EN 13432 standard or the American ASTM D6400 standard, which verify these properties through standardized testing.

Industrial vs. Home Compostable: Another Important Distinction

Within the category of compostable materials, there's a further important distinction:

Industrial Compostable

Products certified as industrially compostable will break down in commercial composting facilities that maintain high temperatures (55-60°C) and specific humidity levels. Most compostable dinnerware falls into this category. These items will not decompose effectively in a backyard compost pile or if sent to landfill.

Home Compostable

A smaller subset of compostable products are certified for home composting, meaning they'll break down in typical backyard compost conditions with lower temperatures (20-30°C). These products meet even stricter environmental standards and often carry specific "home compostable" certification.

This distinction is particularly important for workplace settings. If your office has access to commercial composting collection, industrially compostable products may be appropriate. Without such access, home compostable items might be a better choice if employees take compost home, or you might need to consider other end-of-life scenarios.

Practical Implications for Workplace Dinnerware

How do these distinctions affect your choices for workplace dinnerware? Consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Office with Commercial Compost Collection

If your workplace has access to commercial composting services, industrially compostable dinnerware is an excellent choice. These products can be collected together with food waste and will properly decompose in the composting facility.

In this scenario, look for products certified to standards like EN 13432 or ASTM D6400, which verify industrial compostability.

Scenario 2: Office Without Composting Access

If your office waste goes to landfill, neither biodegradable nor compostable disposables will break down properly, as landfills lack the necessary conditions for effective decomposition. In this case, reusable dinnerware is typically the more sustainable choice.

If disposables are necessary, consider the full lifecycle impact of different materials, including production resources and transportation footprint, rather than focusing solely on end-of-life properties.

Scenario 3: Hybrid or Flexible Working Arrangements

For workplaces where employees may take items home or use them in various settings, home compostable products offer the most flexibility. These items can decompose in more diverse environments, including home compost systems.

Look for specific "home compostable" certification on these products.

Common Materials and Their Classifications

Material	Classification	Typical Decomposition Time	Special Considerations
Bamboo	Biodegradable & Home Compostable	4-6 months	Check for binding agents which may affect compostability
Bagasse (Sugarcane)	Biodegradable & Industrially Compostable	1-3 months in industrial composting	Excellent heat resistance, suitable for hot foods
PLA (Corn-based plastic)	Biodegradable & Industrially Compostable	3-6 months in industrial composting	Looks like plastic but requires industrial composting
Wheat Straw	Biodegradable & Home Compostable	2-4 months	Naturally grease-resistant
"Biodegradable" Plastic	Biodegradable (sometimes)	Varies widely, often years	May leave microplastic residues

How to Verify Claims and Avoid Greenwashing

With increasing market demand for sustainable products, some manufacturers make misleading environmental claims. To ensure you're making truly sustainable choices:

Look for Certifications

Reputable compostable products will carry recognized certifications. Common standards include:

• EN 13432 (European standard for compostability)
• ASTM D6400 (US standard for compostability)
• BPI Certification (Biodegradable Products Institute)
• TÜV Austria's "OK Compost HOME" (for home compostability)

Be Wary of Vague Terms

Terms like "eco-friendly," "green," or "natural" have no standardized definitions. Similarly, "biodegradable" without timeframe specifications or testing standards may indicate greenwashing.

Ask for Testing Data

Reputable manufacturers should be able to provide data demonstrating their products' compostability or biodegradability under specific conditions.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Understanding the distinction between biodegradable and compostable materials is essential for making genuinely sustainable dinnerware choices for your workplace. The best option depends on your specific waste management infrastructure, organizational needs, and environmental priorities.

Remember that the most sustainable choice is often reusable dinnerware that eliminates waste entirely. However, when disposable options are necessary, properly certified compostable products—matched with appropriate disposal methods—represent the next best alternative.

By choosing truly compostable products and ensuring they reach appropriate processing facilities, your organization can minimize environmental impact while demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability.