Compostable Vs. Biodegradable Packaging

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly the difference is between biodegradable and compostable, you’re not alone. They might seem like the same thing, but they’re actually two different kinds of packaging solutions for those looking to be eco friendly. If you don’t follow how to dispose of these correctly, it’ll cause more issues, and it basically ruins the good that you’re trying to do. In this, we’ll go over the difference between each, and why you should know the difference. 

Compostable packaging 

This is the type of material and packaging that you can put into a compost.  They do need specific situations to degrade though. If they’re not in the correct structure, and they won't degrade properly, you will have packaging that doesn’t degrade.

Most of the time, the packaging that’s compostable is made from natural recycled substrates, organics that are plant-based, and anything natural. So rice compounds, wood pulp, mushrooms, starches, and other kinds of packaging are good. 

These are disposed of in the correct way to get the most from this, and that’s usually your compost piles at home.  You can make your own composting piles by alternating between straw layers, waste that’s compostable, and then manure. It must be maintained through watering, and then, you can use this with gardening and other plant waste.

For those who are using items with compostable packaging, make sure that it’s disposed of based on the instructions that the packaging has.  Some people as well might choose compostable packaging they send to composting locations. Basically, you do have to get some sort of payment rendered to have them take it. Basically, you do it the same way you would regular recycling. Once a week you put those compostable items in there, they collect this, and then, it’s combined with others. 

This is then later on sent to different home and garden areas, in order to improve their plant matter. 

Biodegradable packaging 

This is made from similar makeups to compostable packaging, including plants, and biopolymers. However, they usually have some sort of additive that makes it degrade much faster, and it increases this rate.  The way that this gets disposed of varies based on the brands.

They may need you to dispose of it similar to the compostable types.  Another thing that you have to look at though, is whether or not it can also be composted. Some stuff can be, others, not so much.  For instance, if you put some of those stretch films that are biodegradable into, of course, your compost, it won’t break down, and it’ll ruin it. 

Key differences 

It seems very small in terms of differences, it’s important to note them.  The differences are important to note because while they might seem the same, there are some differences. Some of the differences there then become much more complicated when consumers start to use these interchangeably.  When you have biodegradable packaging in the wrong disposal, such as home composting, it can ruin it.  Composting, when not done correctly, can also impact this.

The best thing for you to do, if you decide that you want to, of course, save the world and engage in more eco-friendly packaging, is to look at the differences between each. 

When you’re able to do this, and know what they are, you’ll be able to not only dispose of them properly, but also, you’ll show to others as a packaging supplier, or even a consumer, the power of being able to dispose of things.

Make sure you know the difference, especially if you’re going to start to do this type of disposal of your packaging.