Chloe Zhang
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastics, companies are facing pressure to reduce their use of disposable plastics. In response, some companies have replaced regular plastic products with biodegradable or compostable alternatives. However, it is important to understand the differences between these two types of plastics to ensure proper disposal and avoid contributing to the plastic pollution crisis. Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down into smaller molecules and return to nature, but this process can leave behind residues or microplastics that can harm the environment. On the other hand, compostable plastics not only break down into smaller components but also undergo a specific process called composting, which produces nutrient-rich compost that can improve soil health. While compostable and biodegradable plastics can play a role in reducing waste, they should be used selectively and managed properly to ensure they break down as intended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable plastic | Plastic that can break down into substances found in nature within a reasonable time frame. |
| Compostable plastic | Plastic that can break down into compost, i.e., soil-conditioning material under specific conditions. |
| Biodegradable vs Compostable | Biodegradable plastic may not always be compostable, but compostable plastic is always biodegradable. |
| Composting conditions | Composting requires microorganisms, heat, and humidity to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. |
| Industrial composting | Compostable plastic is designed and tested to be processed in industrial composting facilities. |
| Home composting | Compostable plastic can be composted at home, but only if the label specifies it is suitable for home composting. |
| Environmental impact | Compostable and biodegradable plastic can play a role in reducing waste if managed properly, otherwise, they can have the same negative impact as non-biodegradable plastic. |
| Recycling | Compostable and biodegradable plastics can contaminate the recycling stream. Check local guidelines before recycling. |
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What You'll Learn
- Compostable plastic is biodegradable but not all biodegradable plastics are compostable
- Biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability to break down into natural substances within a reasonable time frame
- Compostable plastics are designed to be processed in home or industrial composting facilities
- Biodegradable plastics are often made from bio-based sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants
- Compostable plastics are typically made from renewable resources and are certified to meet specific compostability standards
Compostable plastic is biodegradable but not all biodegradable plastics are compostable
The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications for plastic products. While compostable plastic is biodegradable, not all biodegradable plastics are compostable. This distinction is crucial for understanding the environmental impact and proper disposal of these materials.
Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down into smaller molecules and eventually return to nature through natural processes. However, the breakdown process can be slow and may leave behind residues or microplastics that persist in the environment, causing harm to ecosystems. The term "biodegradable" often includes a time component, with regulations specifying that items labelled as such must completely decompose within one year of customary disposal.
On the other hand, compostable plastics not only break down into smaller components but also undergo a specific process called composting. During composting, organic materials decompose aerobically, producing nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil. Compostable plastics are designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities, fully degrading into natural elements without leaving harmful residues. This distinction sets compostable plastics apart from biodegradable plastics, as they provide a more sustainable alternative by reducing landfill waste and contributing to valuable compost production.
The proper disposal of biodegradable and compostable plastics is essential. Compostable plastics, for example, should only be sent to industrial composting facilities if they are certified as such. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, may be engineered to biodegrade in soil or water, but they can also contaminate other recyclable plastics if not properly sorted. It is important to check local recycling guidelines and only recycle items that are accepted by the local program.
In summary, while compostable plastic is a subset of biodegradable plastic, not all biodegradable plastics are suitable for composting. The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" should not be used interchangeably, as they have distinct definitions and implications for the proper disposal and environmental impact of plastic products.
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Biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability to break down into natural substances within a reasonable time frame
Biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability to break down into natural substances within a reasonable timeframe. This is achieved when microorganisms digest the building blocks that make up the material. Biodegradable plastic can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide, compost, and even edible substances. However, the problem with biodegradable plastic is that it does not have defined conditions for breaking down. While it is tested under controlled conditions in a lab, the natural world does not offer the same guarantees. Therefore, it is uncertain whether biodegradable plastic will actually biodegrade if it is littered.
The demand for biodegradable plastics has increased as consumers become more aware of the negative impact of plastics on the planet and their health. This has led to companies replacing regular plastic products with biodegradable alternatives. Biodegradable plastic is often made from bio-based sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants, instead of fossil fuels.
However, the term "biodegradable" is misleading as it does not always mean the product can be composted. Compostable plastic, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. These facilities enable specific conditions like temperature and moisture to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioners.
It is important to note that biodegradable and compostable plastic should be used alongside other measures to reduce and reuse plastic. They are not a standalone solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Proper waste management and disposal methods are crucial to ensure these materials do not end up contaminating the recycling stream or causing environmental damage.
In summary, while biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability to break down into natural substances, their effectiveness in real-world conditions is uncertain. Proper waste management and a holistic approach to reducing plastic pollution are essential to address the environmental challenges we face.
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Compostable plastics are designed to be processed in home or industrial composting facilities
However, it is important to note that not all compostable plastics are suitable for home composting. Some are designed for industrial composting facilities, where they are broken down by biological treatment under specific conditions of heat and humidity. These conditions allow compostable plastics to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, which are then used to enrich the soil.
When looking to compost plastic materials at home, it is essential to ensure that the items are certified as "home compostable." This distinction is crucial because there are currently no ASTM standard test methods to evaluate the ability of plastic to compost in a home environment. Therefore, only items specifically labeled as "home compostable" should be placed in a home compost pile.
The proper management of compostable plastics is vital. If not managed properly, these materials may not break down as intended, leading to the same environmental consequences as their non-biodegradable counterparts. Additionally, compostable plastics can contaminate the recycling stream, so it is important to check local recycling guidelines to ensure proper disposal.
While compostable plastics offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, they should be used judiciously. They should only be utilized when they add value, make sense for the product's use, and work within the systems that can recover them.
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Biodegradable plastics are often made from bio-based sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants
Biodegradable and compostable plastics are not necessarily better for the environment than regular plastics. They are made to have the same properties as petroleum-based plastics and will last for the same amount of time unless specifically engineered to be compostable or biodegradable. When they do not break down, they have the same polluting effects on the environment as non-biodegradable plastics.
In 2022, a company in Japan began commercially producing 'bacterial nanocellulose' using a microbial fermentation process. The company, Kusano Sakko, based in Hokkaido, launched the country's first and only commercial-scale bacterial nanocellulose factory in collaboration with Hokkaido University. The product, called Fibnano, is a gel that is synthesized by fermenting sugar beet molasses, a byproduct of sugar production. Fibnano is combined with cellulose acetate, a common plant-derived, biodegradable plastic, to create Fibnano Resin, which can be used to produce eating utensils, containers, and automobile parts.
Fibnano Resin is comparable to common petroleum-based plastics in terms of strength, heat resistance, and ease of processing. It is also easier to recycle than other major biodegradable plastics, as it can be shredded and remoulded without significantly reducing its strength. The development of Fibnano Resin could lead to the creation of bioplastics from other crops, such as banana plants.
While biodegradable and compostable plastics may play a helpful role in reducing waste in specific applications, they should only be used when they add value, make sense for the product's use, and work with the systems that can recover them.
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Compostable plastics are typically made from renewable resources and are certified to meet specific compostability standards
The emergence of plastic pollution as a significant societal concern has led to the development of compostable plastics. These are typically made from renewable resources, such as plants like seaweed, sugar beets, or other biobased sources, instead of fossil fuels. However, it is important to note that just because compostable plastics are made from plants does not automatically mean that they can biodegrade or be composted.
Compostable plastics are designed to have similar properties to petroleum-based plastics, but with the added benefit of being able to break down under specific conditions. To be certified as compostable, these plastics must meet strict standards to ensure clean and safe decomposition. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) sets the definitions and standards for compostable plastics in the United States, with similar organizations in other countries, such as Germany, France, Australia, and Austria, developing their own standards.
In the US, the ASTM D6400 and D6868 standards outline the specifications that a plastic must meet to be labelled as commercially "compostable". This includes being able to break down through biological treatment at a commercial or industrial composting facility, utilizing microorganisms, heat, and humidity to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. The process must occur within a similar timeframe as the other composted materials (within 6 months) and leave no toxic residue that could harm plant growth.
It is important to note that the "compostable" label only refers to commercial composting, and there is currently no ASTM standard test for decomposition in a home environment in the US. Therefore, consumers should only compost plastics at home if the label specifically indicates that it is suitable for home composting. Similarly, compostable plastics are not intended for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream if mixed with non-compostable plastics. Proper disposal methods are crucial to ensure that compostable plastics break down as intended and do not contribute to pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Compostable plastic is a type of biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic can be engineered to biodegrade in soil or water, but it may not be suitable for composting due to the potential for soil or food contamination. Compostable plastic, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. It fully degrades into natural elements, leaving no harmful residues behind.
It is not straightforward. Compostable and biodegradable plastics can play a helpful role in reducing waste, but they are not a silver bullet solution to the plastic pollution problem. They can contaminate the recycling stream, and when they do not break down, they have the same consequences as their non-biodegradable counterparts.
Check the labels. Look for certifications from trusted sources. If you have a home compost pile, only put certified "home compostable" materials in it. If you live in an area with a commercial composting facility, look for ASTM D6400 or D6868 on the label to ensure that the product can be commercially composted.
