FAQs

All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. A notable difference between the two is that biodegradable products break down into a few natural elements, while compostable products leave behind a single organic material called humus. The term biodegradable is assigned to natural products that can be disintegrated into natural elements (such as carbon dioxide and water vapor) with the help of fungi, bacteria, and other biological processes. Almost everything is biodegradable, even some plastic, though it may take these products centuries to break down entirely. “All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.” Composting, in comparison, is the process of recycling organic waste for reuse. When carried out correctly, goods can be broken down in just a few months. The result is a healthy soil containing humus, which has a nutrient-rich makeup. The composting process allows organic carbon to return to the earth and reduces methane emissions (aka greenhouse gases). “Composting is the process of recycling organic waste for reuse.”The great thing about composting is that it can be done at home, though it must be properly managed so that the nutrient-rich material can return to the earth. Just because something is labeled compostable doesn’t mean consumers can successfully compost it. Instead, some products need to be sent to commercial facilities that regulate the environmental conditions necessary for composting. This is why it’s imperative to read product labels carefully.There is no product in India which is approved biodegradable as of July 2023 Any oxo biodegradable products that are in market are non approved by CPCB and CIPET and have to qualify for regular norms like Plastic. It may leave micro plastics in the environment and can enter blood stream. Degradable The term degradable defines a broad category of things that are capable of breaking down and disintegrating. There is no standard for how it breaks down, how long it will take, or what it will break down into. Oxo-Degradable The term Oxo-Degradable is simple greenwashing. Oxo-degradable products are conventional plastic mixed with an additive. Once disposed of, the plastic becomes brittle and quickly fragments into smaller and smaller pieces. Oxo-degradable products produce harmful microplastics by design! Both degradable and oxo-degradable products are not compostable and are not suitable for recycling. They should be disposed of in a landfill. Which is Better, Compostable or Biodegradable? Compostable products have undergone strict testing to ensure that they break down within a specific time frame and do not release anything harmful into the environment. Biodegradable products have no such requirements, meaning that they may not be as beneficial as they first appear. Compostable packaging products will: •Break down within the time needed by the composting environment •Not release harmful residue as they decompose •Create healthy compost that to enrich the soil Compostable packaging must adhere to strict standards and has been rigorously tested. Packaging labeled only as biodegradable cannot be composted and must therefore be sent to a landfill. Composting is Good for Our Planet! It reduces landfill waste and restores nutrients to the soil.