Biodegradable and compostable – what do these terms really mean? If you find yourself confused, you’re not alone! These words are often used interchangeably and incorrectly, leading to understandable uncertainty when trying to select the right foodservice products for your establishments.
So, let's clarify with help from the Dart Container Corporation!
Biodegradable means a package is capable of being decomposed by microorganisms such as bacteria. While it’s technically true that almost every package will break down eventually, the critical question is how quickly this happens. If a product takes 500 years to biodegrade, the benefit is negligible in the context of environmental responsibility. Currently, there’s no standard or universally recognized timeframe that defines how fast an item must break down to be called biodegradable. As a result, states like California and other governing bodies have moved to strictly regulate - and, in some cases, ban - the labeling of plastic products as biodegradable, degradable or decomposable in order to prevent misleading claims.
Compostable, on the other hand, refers to a product’s ability to break down in an environment specifically designed for microbes to thrive. This environment requires heat, moisture and airflow. So, just tossing them on the ground won’t do the trick. The vast majority of commercially available compostable products actually need to be processed in a specialized commercial composting facility, where controlled conditions including set levels of heat, water and light are maintained to ensure the material breaks down within a designated timeframe, typically around 90 days.
To create a clear and credible standard, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed rigorous protocols for assessing compostable products. At Martin Bros., we rely on ASTM standards to evaluate our products, like Dart Solo Paper Portion Containers, to ensure that each one meets recognized performance criteria. In addition, we use certifications from organizations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), which independently verifies how compostable products are through ASTM-approved testing. These certifications can help you choose products with confidence, knowing that they meet high standards for environmental stewardship.
Click here if you would like to know which Dart products are ASMT or BPI certified.
