As eco-consciousness rises in the foodservice industry, Restaurants and other businesses are embracing greener alternatives to traditional plastic. But with labels like biodegradable and compostable used interchangeably, many business owners — and their customers — are left confused.
Though both options sound planet-friendly, there are crucial differences between the two. Understanding these can help your business make more sustainable, responsible packaging choices — and avoid greenwashing.
What Does Biodegradable Mean?
Biodegradable refers to materials that break down naturally through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
✅ Quick facts:
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The term is not regulated in many countries — meaning almost anything that eventually breaks down can be labeled biodegradable.
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Some plastics marketed as "biodegradable" still take up to 5 years to break down — and only under ideal conditions.
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Biodegradable materials can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, when decomposing in landfills without oxygen.
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Over 60% of U.S. consumers believe “biodegradable” means a product is automatically good for the environment — but that’s not always true. (Source: Environmental Research & Education Foundation)
Why it's misleading:
Many biodegradable materials don’t break down properly in landfills, which are anaerobic (low oxygen) environments. Worse, some biodegradable plastics fragment into microplastics, polluting waterways and ecosystems — without ever fully disappearing.
Takeaway: Biodegradable ≠ harmless or fast-degrading. Without clear standards, this term can be more marketing than meaningful.
What Does Compostable Mean?
Compostable materials are designed to break down fully and safely into nutrient-rich compost within a controlled composting environment.
✅ Quick facts:
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Certified compostable products must meet strict standards (like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432) — ensuring they leave no toxic residue.
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Compostable packaging can break down in as little as 90 days under industrial conditions.
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Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling organic waste.
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Compostable packaging is often made from renewable materials like cornstarch, PLA (plant-based plastic), bagasse (sugarcane fiber), and bamboo.
🌎 Did you know? Composting just 1 ton of food waste saves the equivalent of 0.25 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, compared to landfilling it. (Source: EPA)
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: A Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature |
Biodegradable |
Compostable |
| Natural decomposition |
Yes |
Yes |
| Timeframe |
Can take months to years |
Typically 90–180 days (with proper composting) |
| Toxic byproducts |
Sometimes |
No |
| Requires specific conditions |
Often no, but degradation is slow |
Yes – needs industrial composting facility |
| Certification standards |
Often none |
Yes (ASTM, EN, BPI) |
| Final product |
Fragments or biomass |
Organic compost |
| Eco-friendly? |
It depends — not always sustainable |
✅ Yes, when properly disposed
|
Why This Matters for Takeout Packaging
As a food business owner, you want packaging that’s not just good-looking, but truly sustainable.
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Biodegradable options can mislead well-meaning customers into thinking they're doing the right thing — when that packaging may sit in a landfill for years.
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Compostable packaging, on the other hand, supports a circular system: waste turns into soil, not pollution.
But there’s a catch: compostable materials only break down if disposed of correctly, often in industrial composting facilities — which aren’t available everywhere. That’s why education and labeling are just as important as choosing the right material.
So, Which Should You Choose?
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Use compostable packaging where municipal composting is available and your customers are likely to follow proper disposal.
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Choose certified compostable products to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.
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Avoid vague “biodegradable” claims unless backed by transparent breakdown data and disposal guidance.
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Provide clear instructions on how your packaging should be discarded — signage, labels, and customer education go a long way.
Final Thoughts
While biodegradable and compostable packaging both aim to reduce waste, only one supports a truly sustainable end-of-life process. Compostable packaging, when properly disposed of, becomes part of a regenerative cycle — enriching soil instead of polluting our planet.
At This Element, we offer certified compostable packaging solutions made from renewable materials. Let us help your business go green the right way — contact us for a consultation today.
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