The Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging?
If you’re considering eco-friendly packaging options for your Grab & Go food containers, you need to understand the difference between biodegradable packaging and compostable packaging. So, what’s the difference, and what’s the best option for your foodservice application?
What is “Biodegradable Packaging?”
Biodegradable packaging can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and natural biomass (the result of composting). What’s important to understand about biodegradable packaging is that they do not specify a time that is required for degradation. The process could potentially take years to biodegrade. Over time, all things will degrade but will likely leave behind harsh toxins and chemicals and are therefore not compostable.
Having biodegradable take-out containers offers restaurants a more environmentally friendly alternative to Styrofoam packing. The life of styrofoam is estimated between 500 years to forever.
Main points to consider with biodegradable packaging:
- Potentially takes years to biodegrade
- Some biodegradable packaging leaves behind harsh toxins and chemicals when it breaks down
- Preferable to styrofoam take out packaging
What is “Compostable Packaging?”
Compostable packaging is similar to biodegradable packaging as they are both intended to return back into the earth safely. The term compostable refers to products that break down consistently with other natural materials. It is an accelerated and managed form of biodegradation. Compostable materials take an added step and provide the earth with nutrients once the product has fully degraded. Again, this also has to happen in a accommodating compostable environment. There must be an abundance of heat and moisture with the appropriate level of oxygen.
For the packaging items to be 100% compostable, it usually breaks down within 90-180 days with no residue left behind. The biomass turns into a toxin free nutrient rich soil with no trace of the product left behind.
Main points to consider with compostable packaging:
- Takes 90-180 days to degrade to be considered compostable
- Biomass of compostable packaging is toxin-free
- All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable items are compostable
An important note to consider is that all compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable items are compostable.
Where does Planglow stand?
- Planglow USA products are sustainably sourced, 100% biodegradable, and made from plant- based compostable materials – even the bio laminate film lining the windowed bags
- Plant-based laminate improves product freshness, and prevents grease marks and unsightly leakage
- Environmental packaging is becoming an increasingly important selling point, enabling you to make a statement about your environmental stance as well as appealing to increasingly ethical customers
Most of our compostable take-out products are home compostable, so should they end up at a customer’s home they can be composted along with the usual garden and vegetable peelings waste. This applies to the following Planglow USA products.
• All film lined packaging (sandwich boxes, salad packs and wrap packs)
• Windowed bags
To learn more about our eco-friendly packaging options, contact us or visit us online here.