As brands work to reduce their environmental impact, terms like biodegradable, compostable and recyclable appear everywhere; on packaging, products and sustainability reports. But while these labels sound similar, they mean very different things. Misunderstanding these terms can lead to poor material choices, confusing messaging, or even unintentional greenwashing. 

In this article, we break down the key differences between biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials, explain why these distinctions matter, and explore how rapid biodegradability screening tools such as those offered by Impact-Bio™ can help companies make evidence-based decisions. 

 

What Does Biodegradable Mean? 

A biodegradable material is one that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. However, the speed and conditions required for this breakdown can vary dramatically. 

This is where confusion often begins. 

"Biodegradable" does not automatically mean environmentally friendly. A material might biodegrade under certain conditions, such as industrial composting temperatures, but not in the natural environment, soil, freshwater, or marine settings. Without testing, it's impossible to know where biodegradation actually occurs, or how long it takes. 

Key points about biodegradable materials: 

  • They break down through natural biological processes 
  • They may require specific temperatures, moisture levels or environments 
  • There is no universally defined timeframe, biodegradation could take weeks or years 
  • Claims must be supported by credible testing 

Because the term is often misused, many regulators and certifiers now require scientific evidence before "biodegradable" can be advertised. 

 

What Does Compostable Mean? 

Compostable materials are a specific subset of biodegradable materials. The key difference is that compostable products must break down under controlled composting conditions, leaving behind non-toxic residues that support soil health. 

There are two main types: 

Industrial Compostable 

These materials require the high heat, oxygen flow and microbial activity found in industrial composting facilities. They may not break down in home compost bins or in the natural environment. 

Home Compostable 

These materials are designed to break down in cooler, less controlled home compost environments. 

To be labelled compostable, materials must usually meet specific standards. These standards define: 

  • Maximum decomposition time 
  • Disintegration requirements 
  • Residue quality 
  • Absence of harmful substances 

In short:
All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. 

 

What Does Recyclable Mean? 

Recyclable materials can be collected, processed and turned into new products. They do not biodegrade; instead, they follow a circular economic model that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. 

Common examples include: 

  • Glass 
  • Metals 
  • Paper 
  • Many plastics 

However, whether a material is technically recyclable and whether it is actually recycled are two different things. Some packaging may be labelled recyclable yet rarely processed due to infrastructure limitations. 

For brands selecting materials, it's important to understand the recycling capabilities of the regions where products will be sold. 

 

Why These Differences Matter 

Using the wrong terminology can result in: 

  • Misleading sustainability claims 
  • Consumer confusion 
  • Regulatory non-compliance 
  • Materials failing to perform as intended 

Bioplastics, for example, are often assumed to be biodegradable or compostable simply because they come from biological sources. In reality, many bio-based plastics behave similarly to conventional plastics and require proper testing to understand their end-of-life behaviour. 

This is where rapid screening technologies such as those offered by Impact-Bio™ play a vital role. 

 

How Impact-Bio™ Supports Material Decisions 

Impact-Bio™ is Impact Solutions' new comprehensive biodegradability testing capability, designed to give companies fast, early insights into how their materials break down. This helps teams: 

  • Understand whether materials show biodegradation potential 
  • Compare multiple materials early in development 
  • Reduce the risk of incorrect claims 
  • Select the most appropriate end-of-life pathway (recycling, composting, biodegradation) 

By generating reliable data quickly, Impact-Bio™ supports better product design, clearer communication and more credible sustainability strategies. 

Visit Impact-Bio™ to find out more about the services we offer. 

 

FAQ

Are biodegradable and compostable the same thing?

No. Compostable materials must meet specific standards and break down under controlled composting conditions. Biodegradable materials may degrade, but not necessarily in composting environments, and often with no defined timeframe.

Do all bioplastics biodegrade?

No. Being bio-based does not guarantee biodegradability. Some bioplastics behave like traditional plastics and may last for decades without degrading. Testing is essential to determine their actual performance.

How can companies verify biodegradability claims?

The most reliable approach is scientific testing. Rapid screening tools like those offered by Impact-Bio™ allow companies to assess biodegradation potential early in development, reducing the risk of inaccurate or non-compliant claims.