News

Biodegradable vs Compostable Labels: What's The Difference?

3rd May 2018

Our eco-range of packaging and product labels at Paramount Labels focuses on being environmentally-friendly, these benefits are marketed as "biodegradable" and "compostable" materials in our product range yet many clients still don't know the difference to get exactly which type of label they need.

Here we break down exactly what these terms mean and what is the real difference is between them.

What Does Biodegradable Mean?

Biodegradable refers to the ability of materials to break down and return to nature.

In order for packaging products or materials to qualify as biodegradable, they must completely break down and decompose into natural elements within a short time after disposal - typically six to nine months.

The ability to biodegrade within landfills helps to reduce the buildup of waste for a safer, cleaner and greener environment. Materials that are biodegradable include untreated papers, corrugated cardboards and even some PET plastics.

Most plastics are not biodegradable unless stated - meaning they cannot break down easily after disposal and can remain on the planet as waste for up to 400 years.

What Does Compostable Mean?

Compostable materials are similar to biodegradable materials as they are both intended to return to the earth safely.

The difference being compostable materials will go one step further by decomposing providing nutrients to mother earth once the material has completely broken down.

These materials can be added to compost piles, which are designated sites with specific conditions dependent on wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors.

While biodegradable materials are designed to break down naturally within landfills, compostable materials require special composting conditions.