You’ve seen the claims: “eco-friendly”, “green”, “biodegradable”. But what do they actually mean?
For those sourcing food packaging or managing sustainability goals, understanding the difference between compostable and biodegradable is essential—not just technical. Misunderstanding these terms can lead to poor purchasing decisions, regulatory risks, and potential brand damage.
Let’s clear the air.
Biodegradable ≠ Compostable
Here’s the key distinction:
- Biodegradable means eventually breaks down. But this process could take years—or even decades—and may leave behind microplastics or toxins.
- Compostable means it breaks down into non-toxic, organic matter within a set time frame, under the right conditions. And it must leave no harmful residue behind.
Simply put, all compostables are biodegradable, but not all biodegradables are compostable.
If that distinction isn’t clearly stated, consider it a red flag.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Many suppliers label products as “biodegradable” because it sounds green. However, unless your packaging is certified compostable, it might:
- End up in landfills for decades
- Break down into harmful chemicals or microplastics
- Fail compliance audits in cities with strict waste laws
- Mislead your customers—and damage your sustainability claims
This confusion can be costly, especially for food services, franchises, and theaters transitioning away from plastic.
What to Look For: The Certifications That Matter
Genuine compostable products are verified by credible third-party standards. Here are the three essential certifications:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): The gold standard for North America. Proves a product breaks down in industrial composting without toxins or residue.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Verifies the material is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
- ISO Certifications (like ISO 17088): Global proof of compostability and environmental compliance.
These certifications aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re proof your packaging meets real standards, not marketing fluff.
Let’s Talk Materials
When it comes to sustainable packaging, materials matter. We work with:
- Bagasse: A fibrous byproduct of sugarcane processing. It’s sturdy, heat-resistant, and decomposes quickly.
- Water-based (aqueous) coatings: Unlike PE or PLA linings, these won’t interfere with composting or recycling.
- Plastic-free, toxin-free glues and fibers: Because even the smallest parts matter.
These details determine whether your packaging truly supports your sustainability claims—or merely pretends to.
What We Offer
At SoGreenPack, we make compostable food packaging products that meet strict environmental standards and are designed for real-world use. Our solutions include:
- High-quality disposable tableware and paper goods
- Compostable cups with water-based linings
- Food containers and versatile bowls made from bagasse
- FSC-certified paper packaging
Everything is thick, durable, and ready for real service—no flimsy feel, no guessing games.
Don’t get greenwashed.
We’ll help you navigate the difference between “sounds green” and actually is green. Let’s talk certifications, specs, and next steps that make sense for your operation.