See "compostable" on a package? Feels like a win for the planet. But not all compostable products are created equal. The difference between home compostable and industrial compostable matters more than most people realize.
The Reality of Compostability
A compostable product is designed to break down into nutrient-rich soil. But where it composts makes all the difference. The conditions for decomposition vary dramatically, making home compostability a far higher standard than industrial compostability.
The Impact
Consumer Confusion: Many people assume all compostable products break down at home, leading to improper disposal and landfill waste.
Environmental Misdirection: Industrially compostable products that don’t reach a proper facility act like traditional plastic, causing pollution.
Waste Management Issues: Cities struggle to manage compostable products that require industrial conditions but end up in regular trash.
What You Can Do
Always check for reliable certifications such as:
BPI Compostable (Biodegradable Products Institute) – Ensures industrial compostability, but not home compostable.
Seedling Logo – European certification for industrial compostability.
DIN CERTCO Home Compostable – Another trusted home compost certification.
TÜV Austria OK Compost Home certification.
Read the fine print—labels often state whether industrial facilities are required.
Check the material composition:
Prefer natural fiber-based materials like bagasse, bamboo, palm leaves, or molded fiber.
Avoid bioplastics (PLA, PHA, etc.) unless explicitly certified for home composting.
Test it yourself:
If unsure, try composting small pieces of the product in your own backyard compost pile.
If it hasn’t decomposed in 6–12 months, it’s likely not truly home compostable.
Support brands with transparent sustainability practices:
Look for companies that provide detailed breakdowns of their compostability standards.
Prioritize brands that align with circular economy principles and minimize synthetic additives.
Industrial Compostability: A Limited Solution
Products labeled "industrially compostable" only break down in controlled facilities with:
High Heat: 131°F–170°F (55°C–77°C) to accelerate breakdown.
Aeration & Moisture Control: Carefully managed conditions to optimize decomposition.
Without these conditions, these products may persist—just like traditional plastics.
The Impact
Limited Access: Many regions lack industrial composting infrastructure.
Curb side Confusion: Not all programs accept compostable packaging.
Landfill Contamination: If these products end up in landfills, they won’t break down properly, contributing to methane emissions.
What You Can Do
Find out if your area has industrial composting facilities before purchasing.
Push for better municipal composting programs.
Choose home compostable products when possible.
Home Compostability: The Real Deal
Home compostable products must break down in natural backyard compost settings. This means:
Lower temperatures (50°F–113°F, or 10°C–45°C).
Less aeration and moisture control.
Longer decomposition times—typically within 12 months.
The Impact
True Sustainability: Breaks down anywhere, without specialized conditions.
Lower Emissions: No need for transport to industrial facilities.
Better Consumer Awareness: Educates people on sustainable waste practices.
What You Can Do
Set up a home compost bin for food scraps and compostable packaging.
Support brands offering truly home compostable products.
Educate others on the importance of composting correctly.
Why Home Compostability Matters
At SoGreenPack, we champion home compostability because:
It’s widely accessible—anyone with a backyard or community compost can use it.
It reduces emissions—no need for waste transport to industrial facilities.
It ensures true sustainability—breaks down naturally, without specialized conditions.
SoGreenPack’s Commitment to Home Compostability
Our tableware meets the highest home compostability standards. Made from bagasse (sugarcane byproduct), our products are:
Certified home compostable.
Free from toxic chemicals.
Designed to decompose naturally in backyard compost bins.
Know the Difference, Make the Difference
"Compostable" can be misleading. Now you know better. Home compostability is the real benchmark for sustainability. At SoGreenPack, we don’t just follow trends—we set the standard. Choose better. Choose compostability that works.
At SoGreenPack, we help businesses transition from using plastics to eco-friendly, compostable and biodegradable tableware seamlessly. And we deliver from within the United States, so no worries about tariffs of any kind. Contact sales@sogreenpack.com for a quote.
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