Alexei Volkov
With the growing demand for green products, compostable plastic is increasingly becoming a more frequent option on store shelves. However, it is important to understand how these materials help or hurt the environment. Compostable plastic is made from renewable materials such as plant sugars and fibres, and it breaks down through composting. While some compostable plastics can be composted at home, others are designed for industrial facilities. Proper waste management is crucial, as compostable plastics must be recovered through either home or commercial composting. Biodegradable plastic, which is not the same as compostable plastic, breaks down under controlled conditions but may not always biodegrade in nature. To ensure proper disposal, it is essential to check local recycling guidelines and only recycle items accepted by the program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Compostable plastic material | Corn starch, sugar cane, bamboo, seaweed, sugar beets, other plants, etc. |
| Plastic type | Bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics, bio-based plastics, etc. |
| Compostable plastic decomposition | Carbon dioxide, water, biomass |
| Biodegradable plastic decomposition | Water, carbon dioxide, biomass |
| Compostable plastic use cases | Foodservice ware, take-out containers, utensils, bowls, etc. |
| Compostable plastic limitations | Requires industrial composting facilities with specific conditions, e.g., temperature and microorganisms |
| Biodegradable plastic limitations | No defined conditions for breakdown, may not break down in nature |
| Compostable plastic standards | ASTM Standards D6400 and D6868, AS 5810 (Australia), NF T 51-800 (France) |
| Biodegradable plastic standards | ASTM standard definition |
| Compostable plastic sustainability | More sustainable than traditional plastic, reduces waste, non-toxic |
| Biodegradable plastic sustainability | May not be more sustainable, can cause environmental damage if not managed properly |
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What You'll Learn
Compostable plastic is not always biodegradable
The growing demand for "green" products has led to an increase in the availability of biodegradable and compostable plastics. However, it is important to note that compostable plastic is not always biodegradable. The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are not synonymous. While compostable plastic is designed to break down under specific conditions, typically in industrial composting facilities, it may not biodegrade in natural environments.
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to completely decompose into substances found in nature, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, within a reasonable timeframe. On the other hand, compostable plastic is designed for processing in either home or industrial composting facilities, where specific conditions like temperature and moisture are controlled to facilitate decomposition.
The distinction between biodegradable and compostable plastic lies in their degradation processes. Biodegradable plastic is tested under controlled laboratory conditions, simulating factors such as oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperatures. However, nature presents unpredictable and uncontrolled conditions, making it uncertain if biodegradable plastic will actually biodegrade as intended when littered. This uncertainty also applies to compostable plastic, which requires specific composting facilities for proper decomposition.
The lack of standardization and regulation in the compostable plastic industry further complicates the issue. Terms like "bioplastics" and "compostable" lack clear definitions, leading to consumer confusion. Manufacturers can label products as biodegradable or compostable without meeting established standards, and the chemical additives used in these products may have unknown toxicological profiles. Additionally, the infrastructure for composting varies across regions, with many commercial composters and industrial facilities reluctant to accept compostable plastic items due to contamination concerns.
In conclusion, while compostable plastic has the potential to reduce waste, it is not always biodegradable, especially in natural environments. Proper waste management and recovery systems are crucial to ensuring that compostable plastic stays out of nature and is processed correctly. As consumers, it is important to understand the limitations and specific requirements of compostable plastics to make informed choices and contribute effectively to environmental sustainability.
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Compostable plastic must be sent to a commercial composting facility
Compostable plastic is not the same as biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable, or bio-based conventional plastics. It is made from renewable materials and breaks down through composting. However, it will not fully break down on its own, as litter, or in marine environments. Therefore, compostable plastic must be sent to a commercial composting facility.
Commercial composting facilities have the equipment to grind up and compost compostable materials for a longer period, as it can take up to 180 days for compostable plastics to break down. These facilities have higher temperatures and different breakdown conditions than those found in a typical homeowner’s compost bin.
There are over 85 facilities in the United States that openly accept compostable plastics, and more that accept it on a case-by-case basis. If your local facility doesn't accept certified compostable plastics, reach out to them to express your interest in composting these products. With enough interest, they may start to accept these materials.
It is important to note that compostable and biodegradable plastic can contaminate the recycling stream, so it is crucial to check your local recycling guidelines and only recycle items that your program accepts.
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Biodegradable plastic is tested under lab conditions
The ASTM standard definition describes biodegradable plastic as "a degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae." Biodegradable plastic is tested under controlled conditions in a lab, including factors such as oxygen levels, UV exposure, temperatures, and other variables.
One test method for determining the degradation of plastics involves placing a plastic sample inside bioreactors containing mature compost and monitoring the evolution of CO2 as proof of biodegradation. This method can provide data on the physical degradation of a product, but it does not reveal if the fragments will continue to biodegrade or persist in the compost.
Another test method involves simulating a composting process in a reactor by mixing the plastic product under analysis with synthetic organic waste. After three months, the level of disintegration is determined by sieving the obtained compost. If the plastic has degraded, its particles will pass through the sieve along with the compost and will not be distinguishable from it.
It is important to note that the biodegradation rate of bioplastics depends on external environmental factors, the intrinsic physicochemical properties of the biopolymer, and the characteristics of the filler in blends or composites. Therefore, specific indexes are used to quantitatively estimate the degree of degradation.
While lab testing plays a crucial role in assessing the biodegradability of plastics, it is challenging to fully replicate the complex and dynamic conditions of natural environments.
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Compostable plastic is made from renewable materials
The creation of compostable plastic typically involves chemically manipulating plant sugars from sources such as corn starch, sugar cane, seaweed, sugar beets, bamboo, and other plant fibers. By processing these plant-based materials, manufacturers can create products with similar functionality to traditional plastics, but that are intended to degrade more naturally.
However, it is important to note that compostable plastics are not simply biodegradable. They require specific conditions to break down effectively. These materials are designed to be composted in either industrial or commercial composting facilities, which have the necessary equipment and conditions, such as higher temperatures, to facilitate the breakdown process. This distinction is crucial, as improper disposal can lead to the same environmental issues caused by traditional plastics.
While compostable plastics have the potential to reduce plastic pollution, the current infrastructure for composting these materials is lacking. Many commercial composters do not accept compostable plastics, and even when compost bins are available, the waste often ends up in landfills due to a lack of proper processing facilities.
To ensure the proper disposal of compostable plastics, individuals should refer to their local guidelines and only include items accepted by their community's composting program. Additionally, it is important to distinguish between compostable and biodegradable plastics, as the terms are not synonymous. Biodegradable plastics may break down under controlled lab conditions but may not necessarily do so in natural environments.
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Compostable plastic is non-toxic
The demand for "green" products is increasing, and with it, the availability of biodegradable and compostable plastic. However, it is important to note that compostable plastic is not necessarily a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. While compostable plastic does biodegrade, it is designed to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. These facilities enable specific conditions, such as temperature and moisture, to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioners.
Compostable plastic must be certified and engineered to fully decompose within a certain timeframe, usually around six months, at a commercial composting facility. This process involves breaking the plastic down with the help of microorganisms, heat, and humidity to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. It is important to note that not all plastics that are biodegradable are compostable, and vice versa.
The term "biodegradable" refers to the ability of a material to break down completely into substances found in nature, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, within a reasonable timeframe. Biodegradable plastic is tested under controlled conditions in a lab to ensure it breaks down with factors like oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperature. However, nature does not provide these controlled conditions, so it is uncertain if biodegradable plastic will biodegrade as intended if it ends up as litter.
Compostable plastic, on the other hand, is specifically designed for either home or industrial composting. If you have a home compost pile, it is important to only use certified "home compostable" materials. Many commercial composters do not accept compostable plastic items, even if they are certified, due to concerns about contamination from non-biodegradable items and chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to check local recycling guidelines before disposing of compostable plastic.
In summary, compostable plastic is intended to be non-toxic, as it should not leave any toxic residue that could adversely impact the ability of the finished compost to support plant growth. However, the effectiveness of compostable plastic in reducing environmental harm depends on proper waste management and access to appropriate composting facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
If a plastic product is labelled 'compostable', it is intended to be sent to an industrial or commercial composting facility. It should not be composted at home unless the label specifically indicates that it is suitable for home composting.
Check the label for a "home compostable" certification. If it is not certified, it is unlikely to break down as intended.
Compostable and biodegradable plastic can contaminate the recycling stream, so it's important to check your local recycling guidelines and only recycle items that your program accepts.
