The Difference Between Compostable, Biodegradable, and Degradable Packaging

Greenwashing is ubiquitous in the packaged goods sector. Companies will do whatever they can to appear environmentally friendly with  the ultimate goal of driving sales. Thus, it is our responsibility to be educated so we can identify these tactics, and ensure we are buying products that use lower impact energy sources. One area that is gravely misunderstood by the general public is the various forms of packaging and associated environmental impacts. I have summarized the three types of degradable packaging below:

Classification 1: Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging has three implications: first, 60 to 90 percent of the packaging will break down within 180 days; second, 90 percent of the packaging will break down into pieces that are less than 2mm; and finally, when the product breaks down in a commercial composting facility, it will not leave toxic heavy metals in the soil. 

Classification 2: Biodegradable Packaging

Many individuals are misled by packaging that is “biodegradable” or “degradable”. Biodegradable simply means the packaging must degrade due to the functioning of living microorganisms. However, biodegradability standards do not address the amount of time the material needs to break down nor whether the material leaves toxic residue. Consequently, when biodegradable waste is buried in landfills with an insufficient supply of bacteria, methane GHG emissions are released. Furthermore, “biodegradable” materials can leave behind toxic residues such as heavy metals.

Classification 3: Degradable Packaging

For a plastic to be considered degradable, it must simply be capable of being broken down through chemical reactions in a manmade environment. These plastics are typically oil based.

This video captures the difference between compostable, biodegradable and degradable succinctly.


By Trevor S.