The material itself is not the solution; what matters is the waste management system it integrates into.
Eliminating plastics from everyday life is not only difficult but unnecessary. These versatile materials have made human activities safer, more efficient, and more sanitary. At the same time, poor waste management has led to a significant environmental problem. This is why “compostable” and “biodegradable” plastic options are increasingly common, but which is the best option?
The answer depends on the context, but scientific and technical evidence suggests that, in many cases, compostable plastics offer clearer and more verifiable advantages.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable
Let’s start by defining biodegradable plastics, as those that can be broken down by the action of microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. These types of plastics in commercial applications, however, do not always specify how long they will degrade, nor under what conditions.
This means that a plastic labeled as biodegradable could take years to degrade if it ends up in a landfill or the ocean, even generating persistent microplastics.
Meanwhile, the term compostable plastic refers to a type of biodegradable material with stricter requirements. According to European standard EN 13432, a compostable plastic must:
- Degrade at least 90% in a maximum of 180 days
- Leave no visible residue
- Release no toxic substances
- Enable the resulting compost to be suitable for agricultural use
So, which one should you choose?
Due to their characteristics, many consider compostable plastics to be generally preferable to generic biodegradable plastics, but only in cases where adequate collection and composting systems are in place.
In other words: the material alone is not the solution; what matters is the waste management system it is integrated into.
Compostable plastics represent a step toward more sustainable management compared to conventional biodegradable plastics, thanks to their certification, lower risk of microplastic contamination, and compostability. However, they should not be seen as a universal substitute for plastic or as an excuse to maintain excessive consumption.