As people are becoming more aware of their ecological footprint and how traditional plastic waste impacts the environment, alternative options such as biodegradable and compostable packaging materials are creating a new buzz for consumers and businesses.
However, there is a lot of confusion that arises between the terms ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’. What exactly differentiates the two and which is a better option to purchase?
For the differences between biodegradable and compostable packaging materials, keep reading below.
Biogone was founded by eco-conscious people, Ross & Ramona Headifen and John Mancarella to provide the public with a smarter, and more environmentally safe alternative to traditional disposable plastics.
What is Biodegradable Packaging?
Biodegradable packaging is made to break down into its natural components over time. At Biogone, our plastics have proprietary additives that help them biodegrade naturally in landfills. Once the biodegradable packaging ends up in a landfill, it attracts the necessary microbes that break down the plastic into its natural components – returning to the Earth in a natural and healthy state.
The biggest benefit of biodegradable packaging over compostable materials is that it doesn’t require a specific environment to break down. Even in landfills, our biodegradable products are able to return to its natural components over time.
At Biogone, our landfill biodegradable plastics have the sturdiness and versatility of traditional plastics, but break down in landfills over a period of only a few years – compared to traditional plastics taking up to hundreds of years to break down.
What is Compostable Packaging?
Composting packaging is similar to biodegradable packaging as they return back to the environment to break down. As it breaks down, it also provides nutrients to the environment, which is why you’ll commonly see it used in things such as gardening.
The main difference between compostable and biodegradable packaging is that compostable materials require a specific set of moisture, heat, and oxygen to break down.
Does Compostable Packaging Break Down?
There are two types of compostable materials, home compostable and commercially compostable.
Home compostable products can decompose at home in the right environment, whereas commercially compostable packaging can only break down when sent to a composting facility. These facilities set specific environment settings such as having temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, and lots of oxygen and moisture in the air present.
Unfortunately, most compostable packaging products are commercially compostable only, meaning it won’t break down if it’s not directed to an official composting facility. This is why we strongly recommend choosing landfill-biodegradable products instead.
At Biogone, we stock a range of landfill biodegradable packaging products fit for all types of businesses. Browse through our selection online or call us today for any questions about our products.
