The Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable

Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, degradable... so many different terms, but what do they all mean? One label says biodegradable, another product's packaging says compostable, but how do we know what the difference actually is?

So many different terms exist when it comes to recycling. Everyone seems to have a different definition for these terms and furthermore, it varies from one country to another always supported by different laws. No single understanding of Biodegradable definition seems to exist. The term itself conveys a lot of different meanings. On packaging, we will sometimes find biodegradable, degradable or even compostable. Very hard to know what’s behind and also what is the best choice to make for our planet. Let’s have a look and try to elucidate how we should orientate our choices. This article is based on common Australian use and definitions but once again, some industrials and key players in the industry may still use other definitions. For this topic more than ever, I will try to give you some key information but please try to adopt the most critical consumer attitude you may have!

Biodegradable vs compostable
Something which is "biodegradable" will break down naturally, thanks to bacteria and environmental conditions. How quickly something biodegrades can depend on its exposure to bacteria, water, light and wind. The length of time to biodegrade can differ depending on the item ’ a natural material may take days, while "biodegradable plastics" may take a lot longer.



The biodegradability propriety certifies the item is able to receive an exterior help to break down. Biodegradability needs to be encouraged by good environmental conditions: bacteria, water, light, wind to occur properly.

Be careful though, we can find the biodegradable mention on two different products and even if they have the same label, their impact on the environment can be significatively different: the time. Indeed, some biodegradable products will take longer to disappear (certain types of plastics) while others will break down more easily.

While a biodegradable product breaks down with the help of micro elements but without any guarantee of time or even complete disapparition,

Something which is "compostable" is meant to break down under certain conditions. Composting requires

a very specific biological process that requires the presence of a certain amount of water, biomass and CO2 and won’t leave any toxicity in the soil. A compostable product is often made of organics composants.

Conclusion: every compostable item is biodegradable but the reverse is not true.

Biodegradable vs degradable
As seen before, we now know that a biodegradable product will break down naturally thanks to bacterias and optimal conditions. The biodegradability propriety certifies the item is able to receive an exterior help to break down.
A degradable product may have been modified to increase its disaggregation capacity. It is made to break down at one point but the time it takes and the environmental conditions required for are not specified. Also, it does not certify anything on the way it’s gonna be destroyed and as many of us sadly know, ’degradation" is sometimes done by marine animals or birds. Following that definition, we could even say that a large majority of products are actually degradable since almost everything takes 10 000 years to disappear"¦

As a conclusion for this article, I would say that facing all this confusing naming and very controversial topic, the best label seems to be ’compostable". Nevertheless, the best solution would certainly be to simply try living a plastic-free life. Taking the problem from the source is often the best way to resolve it.

BioBag Biodegradable Bin Liners
These bags are a great alternative to the classic plastic bags. They are 100% made from Mater-Bi. This innovative new material contains starches, cellulose, vegetable oils which make this bag completely biodegradable AND compostable while guaranteeing the same properties as the usual ones of a classic plastic bag.

Onya Dog Waste Disposable Bags & Carry Pouch
If you care about plastic bags and try to avoid them while doing your groceries you have to also think about the plastic bags you use for your dog waste. As the Biobag biodegradable bin liners, these disposable bags are also 100% made from Mater-Bi which guarantee you can compost them and so avoid any kind of toxicity to be left on the soil.

Ethique Heali Kiwi - Shampoo for Dandruff or Scalp Problems
Ethique is famous for ticking all the boxes when it comes to recycling and environmental concerns. Its famous hair bars are covered with compostable packaging and the bars themselves are biodegradable.
If you are looking for a plastic-free lifestyle, this hair solution is an absolute GO-TO since it is the equivalent of three bottles of liquid shampoo.

Life Basics Konjac Sponge - Pink Clay
Konjac has been used for ages in Japan to help clean the face and remove dead cells. To be used on its own or with a cleanser. This Life Basics Konjac Sponge is biodegradable and plastic free. Indeed, the sponge is made of organic materials: konjac potato fibre and clay which is a mineral rich in iron oxyde and silica which almost guarantee an easy disaggregation.

Natural Family Co. Bio Brush & Stand - Rivermint This toothbrush handle is made of cornstarch which can be put in the compost. The packaging is also made of cornstarch which makes it biodegradable. Be careful though to snap off the head before throwing the rest in the compost. To recycle the head, you can reach out to the Oral Care Recycling Program which enable you to send the head to Terracycle for them to recycle it.