The Truth About Compostable Packaging – Is It Really Eco-Friendly?
You’ve probably seen it—“compostable” stamped across food containers, mailers, or utensils. It sounds green and guilt-free, right? But what does compostable really mean, and is it actually better for the planet? In this post, we’ll break it down for you—myth-busting, facts, and everything in between.
🌿 What Does “Compostable” Actually Mean?
Compostable items are designed to break down into non-toxic, organic matter under specific conditions—usually in a commercial composting facility or a home compost bin.
Unlike traditional plastics (which can take hundreds of years to decompose), compostable products leave behind no harmful residue, and many can turn into nutrient-rich soil.
♻️ Compostable vs Biodegradable – What’s the Difference?
They sound similar but are not the same.
Biodegradable means something can break down—eventually. It doesn’t guarantee how long it will take or what’s left behind.
Compostable means it breaks down into natural elements, usually within 90-180 days, leaving zero toxins behind.
So yes, all compostables are biodegradable, but not all biodegradables are compostable.
🧪 What Are Compostable Products Made Of?
Most compostable packaging and utensils are made from materials like:
- PLA (polylactic acid) – derived from corn or sugarcane
- Bagasse – made from sugarcane pulp
- Bamboo fiber
- Starch-based polymers
- Palm leaves & paperboard
These are all plant-based alternatives to petroleum plastics.
🏡 Home Composting vs Industrial Composting
Here’s the catch:
Not all compostable products will break down in your backyard compost.
- Home compostable products degrade in 3–6 months in home compost bins.
- Industrial compostable items need high heat, oxygen, and moisture, and often won’t break down properly if tossed in regular trash or landfill.
📌 Tip: Look for labels like "Home Compostable" or "Certified Compostable (ASTM D6400 or EN 13432)" to know the difference.
🚫 What Happens If You Throw Compostables in the Trash?
If you toss a compostable spoon in a landfill, it may still take years to decompose—or never fully break down—because landfills lack the oxygen and microbes needed for proper composting.
To make compostable packaging actually eco-friendly, it has to be disposed of properly.
🌱 Are Compostables the Best Option?
✅ Pros:
- Reduces reliance on petroleum-based plastic
- Breaks down naturally with proper disposal
- Lower carbon footprint than plastic
- Often made from renewable resources
⚠️ Cons:
- Requires access to composting facilities
- May be more expensive
- Confusing labeling can mislead customers
- Improper disposal can cancel out the benefits
📦 What We Do at Some Eco
At Some Eco, we carefully source compostable products that are:
- Clearly labeled (with home or industrial composting guidance)
- Made from natural, renewable materials
- As low-waste as possible—even in shipping
We’re also working on a composting guide to help you dispose of our products the right way (coming soon!).
💚 Final Thoughts
Compostable packaging can be eco-friendly—but only if used and disposed of properly. Like most things in sustainability, it’s about making informed choices, not perfect ones.
When in doubt, reduce and reuse first—but compostables make a great next step.
🌍 Want to explore our compostable collection?
Shop planet-friendly packaging now at Some Eco.