They all sound positive—but they do not necessarily mean the same thing.
Two terms that are regularly confused are biodegradable and compostable. Understanding the difference can help you make more informed choices and avoid products that sound environmentally responsible but may not perform as expected.
What does biodegradable mean?
A biodegradable material can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
However, the word “biodegradable” does not always tell you:
- How long the material will take to break down
- What conditions are required
- Whether it will leave behind harmful residue
- Whether it is suitable for home or commercial composting
Technically, many materials will biodegrade eventually—but “eventually” could mean months, years or considerably longer.
This is why the word biodegradable on its own may not give consumers enough information.
What does compostable mean?
Compostable products are designed to break down under composting conditions and return to organic matter.
Certified compostable products are generally tested against specific standards. These tests assess factors such as how quickly the material breaks apart, whether it biodegrades and whether the resulting compost is safe for plants and the environment.
In simple terms:
All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not everything described as biodegradable is compostable.
Home compostable and commercially compostable
There are also different composting environments.
Home compostable products are designed to break down in the lower and less controlled temperatures normally found in a household compost system.
Commercially compostable products generally require the higher temperatures and controlled conditions provided by an industrial composting facility.
Always check the packaging and disposal instructions before placing a product in your compost or council food and garden organics bin.
Why certification matters
Words such as “green” and “eco-friendly” can be used broadly. Recognised compostability standards provide more useful information because the product has been assessed against defined requirements.
In Australia, AS 5810 relates to home-compostable materials, while AS 4736 applies to materials intended for industrial composting facilities.
Bonnie Bio’s corn-starch compostable alternatives are designed to provide the convenience people expect from traditional plastic products while offering a more responsible end-of-life option.
The Bonnie Bio range includes compostable bin liners, rubbish bags, dog waste bags, food storage products and other everyday alternatives.
Making a better choice
Choosing environmentally responsible products does not have to be complicated.
Start by looking beyond general claims. Check whether the product identifies a recognised composting standard, follow the disposal instructions and confirm what your local council accepts.
A small change—such as replacing a conventional plastic bin liner with a certified compostable alternative—can become part of a much bigger shift in the way we manage everyday waste.
Explore the Bonnie Bio range to discover practical compostable alternatives for your home, workplace and business.
