What is the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between biodegradable and compostable lies in the rate of decomposition and the conditions required for their breakdown. Here are the key differences:
- Biodegradable: These materials can break down over time, but the rate of decomposition is not specified, and they may not leave behind any beneficial residue. Biodegradable materials may take an undetermined time to break down and can sometimes leave toxic residue behind.
- Compostable: These materials break down into natural elements within a specific time frame, typically within 180 days, and require certain conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities, to decompose. Compostable products do not release harmful toxins as they decompose and create healthy compost that enriches the soil.
While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable. Compostable products are made from organic elements or plants that degrade with time, such as corn starch, bagasse, and PVAL/PVOH. Compostable products are considered more environmentally preferable because they use less water, require less energy, and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacturing process.
In summary, compostable products are biodegradable with added benefits, as they break down more quickly and safely, leaving behind valuable nutrients for soil health. It is important for consumers to be aware of the differences between these terms and choose products accordingly to minimize environmental impact.
Comparative Table: Biodegradable vs Compostable
The main differences between biodegradable and compostable are related to their composition, how they decompose, and the residual elements after decomposition. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
| Property | Biodegradable | Compostable |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Can be made from plant-based materials or petroleum-based plastics | Made from organic elements or plants, such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and potato starch |
| Decomposition | Breaks down into microplastics faster than regular plastic in any conditions (compost, landfill, soil) | Breaks down in compostable environments, leaving behind beneficial elements for soil and plants |
| Time to Decompose | Can take several months to break down, and sometimes up to several hundred years in certain situations | Typically decomposes within weeks to a few months under the right conditions |
| Eco-friendliness | Some biodegradable plastics can be harmful to marine animals and the environment | Completely eco-friendly, as they decompose without releasing harmful toxins and create healthy compost that enriches the soil |
All compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. Biodegradable products can sometimes create confusion and misinformation due to a lack of regulatory oversight and varying degradation times. In contrast, compostable products are more eco-friendly and have undergone strict testing to ensure they do not release harmful toxins as they decompose.
- Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable
- Vermicompost vs Compost
- Biodegradation vs Bioremediation
- Fertilizer vs Compost
- Manure vs Compost
- Decomposer vs Detritivore
- Earthworms vs Compost Worms
- Polymer vs Biopolymer
- Biomass vs Biofuel
- Biogas vs Biomethane
- Bioremediation vs Phytoremediation
- Recycle vs Reuse
- Aerobic vs Anaerobic Biodegradation
- Scavenger vs Decomposer
- Biochar vs Charcoal
- Organic vs Bio Fertilizer
- Biofertilizer vs Chemical Fertilizer
- Decomposition vs Combustion
- Combustion vs Incineration