What does biodegradable mean?

Many companies are now looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. One of the common ways they’re doing this is by using green alternatives like bioplastic or biodegradable packaging. But what exactly does that mean and can it really help end the plastic crisis?

In the world of sustainability, the term 'biodegradable' is a phrase that's often used—but what does it really mean? Biodegradable materials play a vital role in reducing waste and promoting an eco-friendly planet. In this blog, we'll explore what "biodegradable" means, how it works, and why it’s such a critical part of the sustainability movement.

What does biodegradable mean?

Biodegradable materials are substances that can naturally break down and decompose over time through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This process transforms the material into natural compounds like water, carbon dioxide, and compost, which are easily absorbed back into the earth. The key characteristic of biodegradable materials is that they return to the environment without causing harm.

For example

• A biodegradable paper bag decomposes and returns to soil without leaving behind toxins.
• In contrast, a plastic bag that isn't biodegradable can persist in the environment for centuries, causing waste and pollution.

How do biodegradable materials work?

Biodegradable materials are designed to be broken down by microorganisms over time, replicating natural decay processes found in the environment. The timeline can range from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the type of material and its surrounding conditions.

Factors that affect biodegradability

• Material Type: Organic materials like food waste decompose faster than synthetic ones.
• Temperature: Warm environments speed up decomposition.
• Moisture Levels: Materials break down faster in damp conditions.
• Oxygen Levels: Aerobic (oxygen-rich) conditions allow for quicker breakdown compared to anaerobic conditions.

Why biodegradable materials matter

Biodegradable materials are an essential part of the fight against environmental pollution. By replacing conventional materials with biodegradable options, we can help:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
• Protect wildlife and ecosystems affected by non-biodegradable waste.
• Support a cleaner, greener future for the planet.

By making simple swaps like choosing biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly products, and sustainable waste disposal practices, we can all play a role in reducing environmental harm.

What Is Biodegradable Packaging?

Biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials. It is designed to decompose naturally without harming the planet. This type of packaging is often made from renewable resources like plant-based plastics, paper, or materials like cornstarch.

Benefits of Biodegradable Packaging

• Reduces Waste: Less waste goes into landfills or the ocean.
• Protects Soil and Water: Prevents harmful toxic leaching.
• Minimizes Pollution: Biodegradable materials break down into harmless components.
• Saves Resources: Often made from sustainable, plant-based materials.

Examples of biodegradable packaging include

• Compostable food containers
• Paper-based wrapping
• Plant-derived plastic alternatives

Benefits of using biodegradable products

Switching to biodegradable products is a simple yet impactful way to protect the environment. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: These products decompose naturally, reducing environmental impact.
• Reduces Carbon Footprint: Many biodegradable options are made using renewable energy or minimal emissions.
• Encourages a Circular Economy: Biodegradable materials return to the Earth, encouraging sustainability.
• Every time we choose biodegradable options, we reduce the amount of waste that lingers in landfills or pollutes ecosystems.

Biodegradable vs compostable

Biodegradable products will break down over time provided they are exposed to the right environment (exposed to oxygen, moisture and heat). Compostable materials break down quite quickly in a compostable environment and leave behind nutrient-rich organic material, creating healthy soil for the environment and plant growth. 

Sow 'n Sow compostable gift cards are a perfect example of compostable material. Nowadays, many brands are packaging their products in compostable packaging, which is packaging that’s made from organic matter like corn-starch, sugarcane, potato starch and others.

Bioplastic and biodegradable plastics explained

The trend towards more sustainable living has seen the rise of biodegradable packaging. Biodegradable packaging is packaging that’s made from material that breaks down naturally and without leaking pollution. Plastic remains an important material for packaging purposes, which is why surprising biodegradable plastic is now being used instead.

Biodegradable plastic is made from natural plant materials such as corn starch. On average, a bag made of biodegradable plastic takes about 3-6 months to decompose, a huge contrast to the conventional plastic bag which take up to 1,000 years. Biodegradable plastic is an easy substitute where you still want convenience without the environmental impact.

For example, you can use biodegradable bin liners instead of regular plastic ones or you can opt for biodegradable baby wipes instead of the usual ones. Sometimes biodegradable plastic can be made from the same fossil fuels as regular plastic, only with certain chemicals that have been added to make sure the packaging decomposes after a certain period.

When shopping for bioplastic, compostable or biodegradable packaging, just be mindful of misleading labels.

How to dispose of biodegradable plastic

Although biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendly option, this largely depends on how it’s disposed of. When biodegradable packaging or biodegradable plastic is thrown in with regular rubbish and sent to landfills, it often gets buried.

Beneficial bacteria and other living organisms can’t survive in a huge landfill or dump, which means the biodegradable packaging doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to break down. Without this oxygen, the biodegradable plastic will break down anaerobically (without oxygen) which causes a harmful greenhouse gas called methane.

The best way to dispose of your biodegradable products is in a commercial compost heap or send them to a recycling plant. If you don’t have a compost of your own, there is likely to be a community or commercial compost in your local area.

How to dispose of compostable packaging

The other type of eco-friendly packaging is compostable packaging. The best, and really only, way to dispose of compostable packaging is in a compost heap. Compost heaps are rich in microorganisms and have high temperatures that helped the packaging break down easily.

Compostable packaging, unlike biodegradable plastic, won’t break down in landfills. Compostable packaging can look like plastic or cardboard, but it shouldn’t be recycled. Compostable packaging can contaminate the recycling process.
 

Oxo degradable plastic

This class of plastic is broken down more slowly than biodegradable plastic. It is not completely dissolved in nature, meaning it leaves behind microplastics in the soil. Examples of oxo-degradable plastics are degradable plastic cutlery and straws, degradable plastic bottles and plastic wrap. 

Pearlbar Floss Picks handle, for example, is made with oxo-biodegradable plastic, which uses technology that converts products into biodegradable materials once they’re ready to be returned to the earth.

Are bioplastics better for the environment than other plastics?

It depends. When disposed of correctly, then biodegradable plastic is better than choosing regular plastic as you can be sure it’s not contributing to pollution and waste. That said, not everyone disposes of bioplastics properly, which means they can just as easily contribute to landfill.

While choosing biodegradable packaging is a great way to do your bit, the amount of packaging our societies use as a whole remains a complex problem. That’s why it’s important to remain realistic when trying to live a sustainable life – do what you can. And if that’s switching out single-use plastic for biodegradable packaging, then great!  

Common myths about biodegradable materials

1. Biodegradable means it disappears instantly.
False! Biodegradable items may take weeks, months, or even years to fully decompose, depending on environmental conditions.

2. Biodegradable and compostable are the same.
Not quite. All compostable items are biodegradable, but compostable materials break down under specific conditions in composting facilities, whereas biodegradable items can break down in natural environments.

3. It’s okay to litter with biodegradable materials.
Not true. Even biodegradable materials take time to decompose, and improper disposal can still harm wildlife or ecosystems.

FAQ: Your biodegradability questions answered

Is everything biodegradable?

No. Materials like plastics, glass, and certain metals are not biodegradable. They persist in the environment indefinitely without breaking down naturally.

What’s the difference between biodegradable and recyclable?

Biodegradable products break down naturally into non-toxic compounds, while recyclable products can be reprocessed into new materials but may not decompose.

How can I dispose of biodegradable items?

For best results, dispose of biodegradable items in green waste bins or composting systems. Avoid throwing them in regular landfills, where decomposition is slower due to lower oxygen levels.

Is paper biodegradable?

Paper is biodegradable because it is made from plant materials (wood), however, a paper that goes to landfills may not always fully decompose if it is not exposed to the right conditions. Paper can be recycled up to 6-7 times before the fibres break down too much to be turned into paper.

Is cardboard biodegradable?

Cardboard is a natural material made from trees and takes about 2 months to biodegrade. Opting for a cardboard box to transport your groceries instead of plastic bags is a better use of biodegradable packaging since it can be composted or recycled.  If the cardboard is covered in wax it will take longer to decompose.

Is cotton biodegradable?

As cotton is a natural fibre it is biodegradable, taking around 2-5 months to decompose. A cotton blend material however may take longer depending on what the material is blended with. For example, a polyester-cotton mix material may take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to biodegrade. Choosing 100% natural organic fibres make the fabric an eco-friendly choice. 

More eco-friendly convenience items

Switching to reusable items is a great way to reduce waste and the need to produce new materials. However, they often require a level of organisation, and while we may have the best of intentions, sometimes a busy schedule can see us opting for convenience over sustainability. This is where biodegradable products shine.

There are just some plastic products that are hard to replace – any sort of plastic bag is one of them. That’s where biodegradable dog poop bags and biodegradable bin liners come in.

You also might find there are biodegradable swaps for some of your favourite reusable products like biodegradable coffee cups. Using biodegradable coffee cups means you can enjoy café-quality coffee without environmental harm.

While there are lots of biodegradable options for plastic products, there are also biodegradable alternatives for toiletries. Biodegradable baby wipes, for example, are a great option for eco-friendly mum. Biodegradable baby wipes let you have all the convenience of wet ones but without the landfill.

Final thoughts

As we’ve explored in this blog, biodegradable materials are an eco-friendly alternative that offers a sustainable solution to today’s waste crisis. From packaging to personal care products, making thoughtful choices can lead to a significant positive impact on the environment. By understanding what biodegradable truly means and the benefits it offers, we are one step closer to living more sustainably.

Looking for sustainable, biodegradable products? Check out our eco-friendly lineup here!