Are Biodegradable Bags The Same As Compostable?

All compostable products are biodegradable, but biodegradable products are not always compostable. The main difference is that compostable products have undergone strict testing to ensure that they break down within a specific time frame and do not release anything harmful into the environment.

The decomposition rate of biodegradable products is much faster than other types of products, breaking down into environmentally friendly carbon dioxide, water vapor, and organic matter, and sourced from sustainable materials and plant by-products such as corn starch or sugarcane.

Compostable means that the product will decompose into natural elements, but only in a composting environment. Compostable materials typically come from plants and other organic materials, such as corn starch, CaCo3, sugarcane bagasse, or PLA plastics.

The term biodegradable refers to any material that can be broken down by microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi) and assimilated into the natural environment. Biodegradation is a naturally occurring process; when an object degrades, its original composition degrades into simple components like biomass, carbon dioxide, water. 

The term compostable refers to a product or material that can biodegrade under specific, human-driven circumstances. Unlike biodegradation, which is an entirely natural process, composting requires human intervention.

During composting, microorganisms break down organic matter with the help of humans, who contribute the water, oxygen, and organic matter necessary to optimize conditions. The composting process generally takes between a few months and one to three years. The timing is impacted by variables like oxygen, water, light, and the type of composting environment.

Is biodegradable more eco-friendly than compostable?

No, a biodegradable product is not necessarily better for the environment than a compostable product. That's because biodegradable products can still be made of chemical plastics whereas compostable products are typically made from plants.