With growing concerns about plastic pollution and environmental responsibility, many businesses and consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional plastics. Labels like "degradable" and "biodegradable" appear on packaging, trash bags, and products - but what do they really mean?
In this guide, we'll explore the key differences between degradable and biodegradable materials, how each breaks down, their impact on the environment, and which option is better for your needs.
What Does Degradable Meaning?
Degradable materials are designed to break down into smaller fragments over time. This process is usually triggered by external forces such as sunlight (UV rays), heat, or chemical additives, not by biological activity alone.
Types of Degradable Materials:
- Oxo-degradable plastics: Plastics with additives that accelerate fragmentation.
- Photo-degradable plastics: Materials that break down under UV light exposure.
- Hydro-degradable materials: Break down in the presence of water.
Key Characteristics:
- Not compostable or truly eco-friendly unless properly managed.
- Decompose faster than traditional plastics physically, not biologically.
- Often leave behind microplastics, which remain in the environment.
What Does Biodegradable Meaning?
Biodegradable materials are substances that can be broken down by natural microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and enzymes, into water, carbon dioxide (or methane), and biomass—without leaving harmful residue.
Biodegradable Products:
- Paper, cotton, natural rubber
- Plant-based plastics like PLA (polylactic acid)
- Compostable trash bags, cutlery, food packaging
Key Characteristics:
- Decompose biologically, not just physically.
- Require specific environmental conditions (moisture, heat, microbes).
- May break down faster in industrial composting than in landfills or nature.
Degradable vs Biodegradable: Key Differences
| Feature | Degradable | Biodegradable |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown Process | Chemical or physical (light, heat, additives) | Microbial (bacteria, fungi, enzymes) |
| End Result | Microplastics and small fragments | Biomass, CO₂, water |
| Time to Degrade | Months to years | Weeks to months (in proper conditions) |
| Environmental Impact | May pollute soil and water | Minimal if composted correctly |
| Compostability | Not compostable | Often compostable (check for certification) |
| Common Materials | Oxo-degradable PE, photo-degradable films | PLA, starch-based bioplastics, organic matter |
Environmental Impact
Degradable Materials:
- Often misleadingly labeled as “green” options.
- Can fragment into microplastics that persist in oceans and soil.
- Require UV, heat, or oxygen—conditions not available in landfills.
Biodegradable Materials:
- Environmentally friendly if certified and disposed of correctly.
- Can reduce landfill volume when composted properly.
- May still cause methane emissions if decomposed anaerobically in landfills.
Certifications
| Certification | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BPI Certified (US) | Meets ASTM D6400 standards for compostability |
| OK Compost (EU) | Safe for industrial composting environments |
| Home Compost (TÜV Austria) | Degrades in a home compost setting |
| EN 13432 | European standard for packaging recoverable via composting |
Conclusion:
If you're choosing between degradable vs biodegradable, here's the takeaway:
- Biodegradable materials, especially those certified compostable, are better for the environment when disposed of correctly.
- Degradable plastics may be useful in specific situations but often fail to fully break down and contribute to microplastic pollution.
✅ Always look for certified biodegradable or compostable products to ensure your choice supports sustainability.
FAQ:
Are degradable plastics better than regular plastics?
They break down faster but can still leave harmful microplastics behind.
Can biodegradable products go in a regular trash bin?
They can, but for environmental benefit, they should go to composting facilities.
Are compostable and biodegradable the same?
All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable.
Do biodegradable plastics break down in the ocean?
Not effectively—lack of heat and microbes limits decomposition in marine environments.
