Recyclable, Biodegradable and Compostable: What’s The Difference

As society becomes more and more environmentally conscious, it’s no surprise that ‘green living’ initiatives are becoming popular. With the increase in popularity, consumers seek a much greener solution regarding packaging and other related products. And that is why many known corporations are adapting to eco-friendly ways to save the planet from harmful plastic usage and to be more sustainable.

But why is this such an important issue for consumers? And how do recyclable, biodegradable and compostable differ from each other?

The Difference Amongst the Three

Understanding the difference among recyclable, biodegradable and compostable materials is essential because how you dispose of them dramatically impacts the environment.

Recyclable materials can be recycled and turned into new products, biodegradable materials will break down over time and compostable materials can be broken down and used as fertiliser. 

So, which one should you use? It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Let’s take a closer look.

• Recyclable

Whether a can of soup or a new pair of shoes, people tend to be confused about what can be recycled and what can’t. And whilst there are some general guidelines, the answer often depends on your local recycling facility. So, what exactly is recyclable packaging? 

Recyclable packaging is any type of packaging that can be reprocessed and reused. This includes glass bottles, metal cans, plastic containers and paperboard boxes.

The recycling process begins with sorting the different materials into separate bins. The next step is cleaning the materials to remove any food or contaminants. Once the materials are cleaned, they are crushed or shredded into small pieces. Next, they are melted down and formed into new materials. Finally, the new materials are tested to ensure they meet quality standards. 

Recycling is a meaningful way to reduce waste and conserve resources. It is also a great way to engage people in environmental protection. By recycling our packaging, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations. 

• Biodegradable

When most people think about biodegradable packaging, they picture items made from natural materials like paper or cardboard. However, biodegradable packaging can also be made from plastic. 

Biodegradable packaging is designed to break down into smaller pieces over time; but how long? Well, it depends on what type of biodegradable material is used. If it is a biodegradable plastic, it will require a specific environmental condition to break it down into smaller pieces that may produce harmful carbon emissions. 

The breakdown process of biodegradable packaging typically happens in landfill conditions, where the material is exposed to high temperatures and large amounts of moisture. However, some companies are developing home composting solutions for biodegradable packaging, allowing consumers to break down the material in their own backyard.

Either way, biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendlier option than traditional packaging materials, and its use will likely continue to grow.

• Compostable

Compostable products are made from plant-based materials that microbes can break down into compost that will likely be used as fertiliser. This type of packaging is designed to decompose in a closed commercial composting facility, where it will be exposed to high temperatures and adequate aeration. 

Most compostable packaging is made from plant-based materials, such as paper, cardboard, PLA (polylactic acid from starchy plants) and more. Once the packaging is no longer needed, it can be placed in a compost bin. Microorganisms will break down the organic matter and release nutrients that can help plants grow.

Compostable packaging breakdown should not produce harmful substances or greenhouse gases. Products identified as compostable should meet the Australian standard AS 4736-2006 for Industrial Compostability or AS 5810-2010 for Home Compostability. 

 

Which Is the Better Choice?

As society becomes more and more environmentally conscious, it’s no surprise that ‘green living’ initiatives are becoming popular. With the increase in popularity, consumers seek a much greener solution regarding packaging and other related products. And that is why many known corporations are adapting to eco-friendly ways to save the planet from harmful plastic usage and to be more sustainable.

But why is this such an important issue for consumers? And how do recyclable, biodegradable and compostable differ from each other?

The Difference Amongst the Three

Understanding the difference among recyclable, biodegradable and compostable materials is essential because how you dispose of them dramatically impacts the environment.

Recyclable materials can be recycled and turned into new products, biodegradable materials will break down over time and compostable materials can be broken down and used as fertiliser. 

So, which one should you use? It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Let’s take a closer look.

• Recyclable

Whether a can of soup or a new pair of shoes, people tend to be confused about what can be recycled and what can’t. And whilst there are some general guidelines, the answer often depends on your local recycling facility. So, what exactly is recyclable packaging? 

Recyclable packaging is any type of packaging that can be reprocessed and reused. This includes glass bottles, metal cans, plastic containers and paperboard boxes.

The recycling process begins with sorting the different materials into separate bins. The next step is cleaning the materials to remove any food or contaminants. Once the materials are cleaned, they are crushed or shredded into small pieces. Next, they are melted down and formed into new materials. Finally, the new materials are tested to ensure they meet quality standards. 

Recycling is a meaningful way to reduce waste and conserve resources. It is also a great way to engage people in environmental protection. By recycling our packaging, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations. 

• Biodegradable

When most people think about biodegradable packaging, they picture items made from natural materials like paper or cardboard. However, biodegradable packaging can also be made from plastic. 

Biodegradable packaging is designed to break down into smaller pieces over time; but how long? Well, it depends on what type of biodegradable material is used. If it is a biodegradable plastic, it will require a specific environmental condition to break it down into smaller pieces that may produce harmful carbon emissions. 

The breakdown process of biodegradable packaging typically happens in landfill conditions, where the material is exposed to high temperatures and large amounts of moisture. However, some companies are developing home composting solutions for biodegradable packaging, allowing consumers to break down the material in their own backyard.

Either way, biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendlier option than traditional packaging materials, and its use will likely continue to grow.

• Compostable

Compostable products are made from plant-based materials that microbes can break down into compost that will likely be used as fertiliser. This type of packaging is designed to decompose in a closed commercial composting facility, where it will be exposed to high temperatures and adequate aeration. 

Most compostable packaging is made from plant-based materials, such as paper, cardboard, PLA (polylactic acid from starchy plants) and more. Once the packaging is no longer needed, it can be placed in a compost bin. Microorganisms will break down the organic matter and release nutrients that can help plants grow.

Compostable packaging breakdown should not produce harmful substances or greenhouse gases. Products identified as compostable should meet the Australian standard AS 4736-2006 for Industrial Compostability or AS 5810-2010 for Home Compostability. 

 

Which Is the Better Choice?

Whilst recyclable and biodegradable both help reduce our environmental impact, here are just a few reasons why compostable packaging is the best choice for you: 

1. It is made from natural materials like plant cellulose and starch, which means it will break down quickly and safely in a compost heap. 
2. It is much better for your health. It doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals, so you can be sure your food is safe. 
3. Compostable packaging can be composted.

 

Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia

If you are becoming eco-conscious about compostable products, Bonnie Bio is the best way to start living green. With our variety of products, from disposable gloves to compostable rubbish bags and bin liners, we provide certified compostable products that are sustainable, toxin-free and environmentally kind.

There is no better time to start making the right choice in saving the planet than now. Contact us today and learn more about our products.

Whilst recyclable and biodegradable both help reduce our environmental impact, here are just a few reasons why compostable packaging is the best choice for you: 

1. It is made from natural materials like plant cellulose and starch, which means it will break down quickly and safely in a compost heap. 
2. It is much better for your health. It doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals, so you can be sure your food is safe. 
3. Compostable packaging can be composted.

 

Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia

If you are becoming eco-conscious about compostable products, Bonnie Bio is the best way to start living green. With our variety of products, from disposable gloves to compostable rubbish bags and bin liners, we provide certified compostable products that are sustainable, toxin-free and environmentally kind.

There is no better time to start making the right choice in saving the planet than now. Contact us today and learn more about our products.