The terms biodegradable, compostable and degradable all create the impression that they offer better environmental outcomes to conventional plastics and that they disappear harmlessly into the environment, right?
No, this is not the case.
As the world moves to ban single-use plastics, biodegradable plastics are increasingly in focus as an environmentally friendly alternative. However, some plastics degrade into microplastics, others take a very long time to disappear from the environment, and in certain conditions they produce powerful greenhouse gases.
The interchangeable use of these terms can be very confusing and even subject to what is referred to as “green-washing”, where products labeled as eco, enviro, or bio claim to be better for the environment but are in fact not.
It’s important to understand the basic differences between these commonly used terms to make informed decisions on product purchases and understand the environmental impact.
The bottom line is that both biodegradable (including oxo-degradable) and degradable are still made with harmful plastics, and though designed to break down faster will merely break down to smaller plastics that will exist and pollute our environment indefinitely.
Compostable is the only option that breaks down into natural components and does not leave harmful microplastics in the environment and food chain.
Sources and further reading:
https://ecos.csiro.au/biodegradable-versus-compostable-knowing-your-eco-plastics/
Biodegradable versus compostable – knowing your eco-plastics – ECOS
As the world moves to ban single-use plastics, biodegradable plastics are increasingly in focus as an environmentally friendly alternative. However, some plastics degrade into microplastics, others take ages to disappear from the environment, and in certain conditions they produce powerful greenhouse gases.
ecos.csiro.au
https://www.onyalife.com/degradable-vs-biodegradable-vs-certified-compostable/
Felicity Maher
Sustainability Officer
