top of page

Understanding Compostables

Not All Packaging Breaks Down the Same – Here’s What You Need to Know

AdobeStock_770786897_edited.jpg

1. What Are Compostables?

Compostable packaging is a plant-based, sustainable alternative to plastic that breaks down into nutrient-rich compost when processed correctly. Unlike traditional packaging, which can take centuries to degrade, compostables decompose within 12 weeks under the right conditions.

​

  • Made from renewable materials like corn-starch, sugarcane, bagasse, and PLA (plant-based plastic).

  • Breaks down fully in industrial composting, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

  • Leaves no toxic residues or microplastics.

​

🚨 However, compostables only work when disposed of correctly.

  • If sent to landfill, they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

  • If mixed with recyclables, they contaminate recycling streams.

  • If put in general waste, they are often incinerated.

 

Proper disposal is key! Learn more in Section 3.

 

2. Compostable vs. Biodegradable vs. Recyclable: The Key Differences

There’s a lot of confusion about what these terms actually mean.

 

🚨 Beware of "biodegradable" claims! Many so-called "biodegradable" plastics can take decades to break down and may not compost at all. Look for trusted certifications instead.

Not sure how to identify real compostables? See Section 4!

 

3. How Compostables Break Down & Why Disposal Matters

Compostables need the right environment to break down properly. The process happens in industrial composting facilities that control temperature, oxygen, and moisture to speed up decomposition.

  • The Composting Process:

  1. Collected Separately in a Composting Bin

  2. Sent to an Industrial Composting Facility

  3. Processed into Nutrient-Rich Compost

  4. Used to Improve Soil Health & Reduce Carbon Emissions

 

🚨 Where NOT to Put Compostables:
❌ General Waste Bin: Will be incinerated or landfilled, losing its composting benefits.
❌ Recycling Bin: Compostables contaminate recycling streams and cannot be processed with plastic or paper.
❌ Food Waste Bin (UK): Most food waste goes to anaerobic digestion (AD), which does NOT process compostables.

Need help setting up compostables collection? Contact Food4Soil today!

  

4. Certification & Trustworthy Logos: Avoiding Greenwashing

With so many "eco-friendly" claims, how do you know if packaging is truly compostable? Look for these official certification logos:

  • Trusted Certifications

  1. EN 13432 (Europe) – The gold standard for industrial composting compliance.

  2. TÜV OK Compost (Industrial & Home) – Indicates if an item is suitable for home or industrial composting.

  3. ASTM D6400 (USA) – Meets strict compostability standards.

                    

🚨 If a product doesn’t have one of these logos (plus a certification number), it may NOT be compostable. Be wary of vague terms like "biodegradable" without proof.

Want to learn how to spot greenwashing? Read our full certification guide!

​

5. Challenges & Misconceptions About Compostables

Despite their benefits, compostables face challenges in the current waste system.

🔹 Myth: Compostables break down anywhere
✔ Fact: They need the right conditions! Compostables won’t degrade properly in landfill, the ocean, or standard recycling.

🔹 Myth: Compostables can go in food waste bins
✔ Fact: In the UK, most food waste bins go to anaerobic digestion (AD), which removes packaging (compostable or not).

🔹 Myth: All compostables are the same
✔ Fact: Some are home-compostable, others require industrial composting. Always check for proper certifications.

​

6. The Future of Compostables & How Businesses Can Adapt

  • The Future of Compostables in the UK

  • More businesses are switching to compostable packaging to meet sustainability targets.

  • Policy changes are on the horizon—compostables may be included in future recycling regulations.

  • The push for decentralised composting is growing, with businesses exploring small-scale composting solutions.

 

What Can Businesses Do Now?

  1. Switch to certified compostable packaging.

  2. Ensure correct bin setup to prevent contamination.

  3. Educate staff & customers on proper disposal.

  4. Work with a specialist composting service like Food4Soil.

 Need help implementing compostables in your business? Contact Food4Soil today!

 

Final Thoughts

Compostables only work when used and disposed of correctly. Businesses that adopt compostable packaging must also ensure proper collection and processing—otherwise, they risk wasting its potential.

Want to take the next step? Download our Composting Implementation Guide or contact Food4Soil to set up a specialist collection service today.

bottom of page