Differences Between Biodegradable and Compostable

The terms biodegradable and compostable mean different things when taken into consideration. While many people use these terms interchangeably, it’s essential to note they have different meanings. The primary goals of either are sustainability and eco-conscious movements, but let’s take a closer look at their purposes and how they differ.

What Does It Mean To Be Biodegradable?

With many businesses doing their best to become more sustainable and seek new ways of doing so, it’s vital to understand what biodegradable means and how this simple tactic affects businesses and consumers. Biodegradable simplified means breaking down into Earth matter or blending back into Earth.

A larger component, such as our star-shaped biodegradable packing peanuts, uses a series of microorganisms or other degrading matter that becomes one with the ground again, leaving toxic waste behind and seamlessly mingling with existing organisms. For businesses, this means limiting the amount of waste created. At the consumer end, this means controlling the amount of toxins cycled back into the environment.

A Closer Look at Compostable Matter

In contrast, compostable matter uses only organic materials. This type of matter can marry and break down into the environment over time while also providing additional features and nutrients to sustain.

Many people compost to add value to their soil to produce, create, or generate. With this in mind, note that compostable matter is also biodegradable, but not all biodegradable matter is compostable.

The Core Differences Between the Two Process

The materials matter significantly when it comes to the differences between biodegradable and compostable processes. While both result in an environmental breakdown, each source holds significant power.

Compostable materials are completely organic and typically range in their sources. Common sources include corn starch, untreated wood, uncoated papers, and potato starch. The difference with biodegradable matter is the microorganism structure is typically a bacteria, algae, or fungi, and they do not rely on environmental factors for degradation. With the right mix of moisture, time, and temperature, biodegradable matters break down accordingly.

How To Determine Suitable Sustainability

A business can contribute to sustainability efforts by investing in biodegradable materials for shipping, packaging, and consumer-facing waste products. Anything that could become toxic waste is worth converting to a green stamp of approval.

To transition your current supplies, partner with FunPak today! We carry a wide range of biodegradable materials to help your business achieve increased sustainability and reduce consumer waste habits.