Biodegradable vs. Compostable
What is the Difference?

Striving for Sustainability

Global warming, carbon footprints and eco-friendly products are terms we encounter everywhere. With our planet changing rapidly, many of us want to understand how we can help slow down the warming process affecting our world.

With nearly 8 billion people on the planet, waste generation has become an enormous problem, with plastic and styrofoam clogging our waterways. In response, many companies are exploring eco-friendly alternatives to plastic for everyday items.

Ideally, these products are made from plant-based materials and free from harmful chemicals. As a consumer, you’ll often see labels like “biodegradable” and “compostable.” Both terms sound promising. Let’s take a closer look at each to get down to the nitty-gritty of earth-friendly waste disposal.

What does biodegradable mean?

When something is discarded and left to decompose, it eventually breaks down into tiny pieces. For a product to be truly biodegradable, those pieces must be natural so they can be absorbed back into the earth without leaving harmful chemicals behind.

Clothing made from natural fibers is a great example. Wool or cotton clothing may be biodegradable, but if synthetic dyes are used, they could leave chemicals behind [1]. That’s why we’re continually working on our natural color line, using dyes sourced directly from nature that leave no trace when biodegrading [2,3].

Biodegradation occurs when natural microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down an object [4]. Some materials decompose quickly, while others take months or even years.

However, an item’s ability to fully decompose depends on its environment. Landfills, crammed with various types of waste, are not ideal for natural decomposition. Many biodegradable products don’t break down properly in landfills and may even release methane gas—a potent greenhouse gas—during partial decomposition [5]. Yikes!

Eco-word play

Since the “green” movement began in the 1960s-70s, consumers and producers alike have been navigating appropriate terminology [6]. Without concrete rules and regulations, many products were incorrectly labeled as 'biodegradable' when they were actually just 'degradable' [7].

In 2015, National Geographic conducted a study on how different types of plastic bags degrade over time. One researcher buried a bag labeled as “biodegradable” into soil for three years. When excavated, the bag could still hold groceries. Although labeled as "biodegradable," the bag was simply breaking down into microplastics, which have since spread across the planet. Additionally, as plastic bags degrade, they can release harmful chemicals. This study highlights the unclear terminology and misleading packaging often used with these products.

Recently, the code of federal regulations has tightened the rules defining and labeling biodegradable products. According to the updated guidelines, a product can only be labeled as “biodegradable” if it will fully decompose into a natural state within a year of its “customary disposal” [8].

What does compostable mean?

Composting is a process that involves mixing dry and wet natural waste to create nutrient-rich soil for fertilizing [9]. To compost effectively specific guidelines should be followed, and the organic materials used must be free of chemical residues [10].

Incorporating composting into daily life is a great way to reduce your ecological footprint. There are generally two main methods for composting household waste: industrial composting and at-home composting [11].

Industrial composting

Many cities have composting facilities that accept organic waste where special machinery speeds up the natural decomposition process, allowing for a broader range of materials to be composted efficiently.

Fun fact: many 'eco-friendly plastic' products are only truly eco-friendly if sent to an industrial composting facility. They won’t properly decompose in a landfill or home compost system. Find your local composting facility in your area to ensure proper disposal of your organic waste.

Composting at home

Starting a home compost can feel intimidating, but it’s a fantastic way to give back to the earth, even on a small scale. By combining “green” and “brown” organic materials with water, you can create nutrient-rich fertilizer soil in your backyard. Numerous online resources can help you get started.

However, home composting has limitations. To avoid attracting animals, it’s best not to include animal products, and only small amounts of oil should be added to your compost pile.

In conclusion: biodegradable vs. compostable

Digging into this topic shows that well-intentioned waste disposal is more complex than it seems. This complexity stems partly from a lack of clear regulations over the years and partly from the intricate chemical makeup of many “eco-friendly” products.

On the bright side, lawmakers are working internationally to establish clearer labeling guidelines for eco-friendly products. This will help eliminate guesswork when purchasing and disposing of these items.

The takeaway: biodegradable products should break down naturally, even in a landfill, within approximately one year. Compostable products, however, are best sent to an industrial composting facility, though some may be suitable for disposal in a backyard compost pile.

How can I live a more sustainable life?

In short: try to generate less waste. Biodegradable and compostable products are design to make our world a little cleaner, but it’s important to know how to dispose of them properly.

Arms of Andes is proud to partner with Better Packaging Co., a company that creates 100% biodegradable and home-compostable packaging.

At Arms of Andes, we’ve developed a line of garments that can return to the earth at the end of their life cycle. Our naturally dyed and natural white shirts, beanies, and neck gaiters are specially made to be biodegradable, leaving no trace behind.

Our commitment to alpaca wool and love for nature inspire us to continuously use planet-friendly materials, dyes, and processes. Our line of naturally dyed garments marks just the beginning of our sustainable journey. Once worn and cherished, these items can return to the earth and continue the natural cycle.

Alpaca wool is fully biodegradable and decomposes in warm, moist environments. To compost your alpaca garment, we recommend removing any zippers, cutting it into smaller pieces, and burying them in the soil. As the alpaca wool breaks down, it releases keratin, adding nitrogen to the soil and helping nearby plants grow.

From earth-friendly alpaca clothing to a low carbon footprint, Arms of Andes is dedicated to creating sustainable garments that are good for our planet.