Though recycling is high up on everyone’s list as being environmentally responsible, did you know that only 10 percent of all plastic has been recycled? While recycling has made a mountain of difference in curbing consumer waste, “biodegradable” and “compostable” are both seen as possibly being the solution we’re looking for.
Telling the Difference
The terms biodegradable and compostable are sometimes used interchangeably, which isn’t accurate. To add to the confusion, one of the common explanations of the difference between the two is, “All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.”
So you can easily tell the difference, let’s look at both and clear up which is which.
Biodegradable is ascribed to natural products that can be disintegrated into natural elements (carbon dioxide and water vapor) with the assistance of fungi, bacteria, and numerous other biological processes. Just about everything is biodegradable, even some plastic, though it may take these plastic products hundreds of years to break down entirely.
For a product to be considered biodegradable, it must be able to turn into organic matter. Biodegradable products break down faster than compostable products, with the process usually taking between three and six months. To lessen their environmental impact, biodegradables must be disposed of properly and routed to facilities that regulate temperature, moisture, and air levels.
Compostable, in comparison, means something is considered organic waste that can be recycled for reuse. If the process is performed correctly, compostable goods can be broken down in just a few months. This results in healthy soil containing humus, which is nutrient-rich. The composting process also allows organic carbon to return to the earth, reducing greenhouse gases.
Many people compost at home, though it needs to be appropriately managed so nutrient-rich material can return to the earth. Not all products labeled compostable can be effectively composted at home; some products need to be sent to commercial facilities that regulate environmental conditions.
Read It Before You Toss It
Unsuspecting consumers often throw products away that are biodegradable or compostable, assuming that they’ll eventually break down into safe organic matter in the local landfill. In reality, these products get buried underneath trash and are exposed to very little oxygen. This ultimately produces methane and contaminates other items as they decompose.
Compostable and biodegradable products require specific, commercial facilities for a successful breakdown, which are not easy to locate. Because of this, experts caution consumers about buying products just because they’re labeled as being “green.”
Half-a-Dozen Tips for Reducing Waste
Waste reduction is our common goal. We’d like to share some quick tips with you that we’re finding easy-to-do as we make our individual contributions:
- Avoid single-use products, even ones labeled biodegradable or compostable.
- Don’t mix compostable or biodegradable products with recyclables.
- Read product labels carefully before throwing them away or attempting to compost them at home.
- Hold brands accountable by asking how you should dispose of their products and packaging properly.
- Don’t accept plastic utensils or paper napkins when ordering takeout, as well as plastic shopping bags at your favorite retail and grocery stores.
- Go reusable. Buy reusable products like food containers, water bottles, and utensils.
Korpack’s Contribution
Korpack is 100% committed to providing solutions that are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Our corrugated boxes are 100% recyclable, our films are biodegradable, and we’re always looking to provide compostable options.
For more information about our sustainability initiatives, call us at 855.KORPACK. We’d be happy to tell you more about what we’re doing, and we’re always open to new ideas.
