People often get lost in what is compostable vs biodegradable, because these words often get used interchangeably. But they’re not the same thing, and the difference matters more than you think. Let’s break it down:
Biodegradable
The word sounds nice. But in practice, it often means… not much.
- A biodegradable material can break down through the action of microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi)
- The timeline can vary wildly: from a few weeks to several years, depending on the material and the environment
- Example: A plastic bag labeled “biodegradable” might still take 3–5 years to disappear, often releasing microplastics along the way
Many “biodegradable” plastics are still fossil-based. Some need special conditions or bacteria to even begin to degrade. Technically, that’s biodegradation, but environmentally it’s often a dead end.
At S.Lab, we use the term in its original, natural sense. Our packaging, made only from agricultural waste and mycelium, fully decomposes in soil in 30–45 days. No toxins, fossil inputs or microplastic residue.
That’s what real biodegradability looks like.
Compostable
Now we’re talking. A compostable material meets three key criteria:
- It biodegrades fully
- It leaves behind no toxic residue
- It turns into nutrient-rich compost under the right conditions
Compostable = biodegradable + non-toxic + fast breakdown under the right conditions
And here’s where it gets specific: compostability comes in two types:
Industrial composting happens in special facilities with high temperatures and controlled humidity. These conditions accelerate decomposition but aren’t available in nature or your backyard. Look for labels like EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 — they mean a product is industrially compostable.
On the other hand, home composting works in everyday garden settings or a home compost bin, without added heat or pressure. It is a tougher standard, but we believe it’s the one that really matters: because real sustainability should work where people actually live. That’s why we are currently in the process of obtaining the OK Home Compost certification from TÜV Austria.
Now you know the difference between compostable vs biodegradable
Labels can be misleading, but now you’re one step ahead. Got more eco-terms you want decoded? Drop us a message!
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