If you’re here, you’re likely looking for a biodegradable packaging solution that will suit your brand’s commitments to environmental consciousness. Many believe “biodegradable” and “compostable” to be interchangeable concepts, with the same kinds of materials, processes, and degradation results. However, when looking at environmental impact, these terms are far from the same. While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable.
“Biodegradable packaging” is a term frequently used to promote a brand’s eco-friendliness to consumers – and, more often than not, is a very misleading descriptor. We’re here to dive into the specifics and share why compostable packaging is what you’re really looking for.
“Biodegradable” is a catch-all term that can have deceptive implications, which is why we prefer to avoid it altogether when describing our packaging. Technically, any product will eventually degrade – even batteries, glass bottles, and ink cartridges. However, this might take place over a very long period. Some products, such as glass bottles, even take up to a million years to degrade!
Biodegradable packaging includes products that can be degraded to their smallest component over time – however, they leave behind harmful residues and microplastics. Take some kinds of bioplastic, for example; technically, it’s biodegradable, but even in its smallest degraded form, it’s plastic and will not break down into a natural material.
Many biodegradable pouches are made from petroleum-based plastics with enzyme additives that accelerate their degradation. While they may break down faster than traditional plastics, they aren’t truly decomposing. Their smaller and smaller pieces become those terrible microplastics that pollute our water and food, harming both humans and wildlife.
While “biodegradable packaging” might imply a full decomposition back into the Earth, this is often untrue. Don’t greenwash your products with misleading eco-friendliness – instead, impress your customers by opting for the genuine alternative.
Go for Compostable
True compostable packaging fully decomposes back into the Earth and causes no harm to the environment. There are no harmful residues or microplastics left behind—just organic matter. Microorganisms consume the decaying material, leaving behind carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. Composting (whether home or industrial) provides the right conditions (including a warm temperature, moisture, oxygen, and nutrients) for these microorganisms to thrive and help the matter return to the Earth. Besides a full decomposition, compost can also be used to improve soil health and to fertilize, among other beneficial functions – what could be better?
Our Rootree Compostable™ packaging is made of natural components, such as wood pulp and cornstarch. Each component is verified by a third party to be home compostable, industrial compostable, or both, decomposing fully in about 8 to 12 months.
The best part is, you’re leaving the Earth exactly as you found it.
Take the Next Step Forward
Have we convinced you that compostable beats biodegradable? We’re so proud of the packaging we’ve developed, and we’d love to share it with you. Got more questions about the composting process or our product? Check out our “What to Expect” page on compostable packaging to learn more about this amazing alternative!