Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging: What’s the Difference?

Materials & Certification · Packaging Knowledge

Biodegradable and compostable are often used interchangeably on packaging, but they describe different things. BPI explains that certified compostable products biodegrade under specified composting conditions, while a biodegradable claim alone does not establish compostability.

Biodegradation involves microorganisms breaking down a material. The term alone does not tell us which environment is required or how long the process takes. It therefore does not mean that a package can be placed in any compost bin.

Compostability certification checks a product against defined requirements. Suitable breakdown conditions and timeframes, together with the quality of the resulting compost, matter alongside the material itself.

For packaging buyers, checking product-specific certification and disposal instructions helps turn broad environmental descriptions into practical purchasing decisions. Clear labels also help users sort packaging correctly.

Adapted from BPI’s article published on August 3, 2026. Read the original: Biodegradable vs. Compostable: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter? →