By the end of this message, I would like you to understand one key point: a label that is biodegradable does not aggravate the same thing as the word compostable.
To get started, I'm going to explain three things: 1) the value of compostable, 2) the definition of “biodegradable” and 3) how can you be sure that when you buy food packaging that is marked as compostable or biodegradable, you are not misled. Like this.
1) The term “compostable” definition is strictly regulated by ASTM D-6400, ASTM D-6868 and EN 13432. Calling something compostable means three things.
No. 1) Biodegradability — This requires sixty to ninety percent of the product to decompose in one hundred and eighty days when they are placed in an industrial organic processing facility.
# 2) Disintegration - this means that ninety percent of the product will degrade into tiny pieces with a diameter of 2 mm or less.
No. 3) Ecotoxicity - this indicates that after a package disintegrates at a commercial facility, it is not going to precipitate heavy metals that are toxic to soil above the level of the control group.
2) However, the term biodegradable simply indicates that the product will break down over a certain period of time through natural processes. It can mean any period of time ... it can mean tens of years, it can mean 1000 years. Literally even a normal oil plastic container or package is biodegradable — at some point it will indeed decompose.
3) What does this mean for food? In essence, you should look for products for packaging products marked with a compostable label. There are manufacturers who use the word “biodegradable”, and they use it for environmentally friendly products that are suitable for the environment, and basically fool you when you buy.
I worked with food retailers in the San Francisco Bay area who were alerted to SF Environment and the recycling center for organizations outside of SF that they did not take biodegradable dishes because they would not be composted in commercial composting.
You need to look for products that specifically mention that they are composted. If these are cups, you will see a green ring and the word composted on the cup. If it is on the knife, you will see the word compostable on it. You need to find the term “compostable”, or you should see if the service product is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. BPI ensures that these products meet the standards we discussed a bit ago.
So, I hope you now understand the difference between compostable and biodegradable. Good luck to all your purchases in the field of environmentally friendly packaging!
