Biodegradable vs. Compostable: What’s the Difference?

The simplest way to remember it is: Everything compostable is biodegradable, but not everything biodegradable is compostable.

1. Biodegradable: Nature’s Slow Burn

Biodegradation is the natural process where organic substances are broken down into simpler compounds by microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi).

  • The Catch: This term is a bit broad. It doesn’t specify a timeframe or the environment needed. Technically, even a plastic bottle is “biodegradable” if you’re willing to wait 450 years.

2. Compostable: The High Standard

A product is compostable if it can biodegrade under specific conditions (heat, moisture, and oxygen) within a fixed timeframe—usually about 90 days.

  • The Goal: Unlike simple biodegradation, composting ensures that the material leaves no toxic residue behind, turning instead into nutrient-rich “humus” that helps plants grow.


Compostable 4P TRAY

ESPECIFICACIONES

  • Maíz: a base de almidón (TPS)
  • Límites de temperatura: -10°C – 120°C
  • No absorbe líquidos ni aceite
  • Lote maestro blanco (seguro para el contacto con alimentos)
  • Resistencia máxima al peso: 3 k

MATERIALES

  • Maíz: almidón + portador PBAT

CARACTERISTICAS

  • Tamaño: 237x180x40 mm
  • Unidades por Caja: 250 unidades


Compostable 14H TRAY

SPECS

  • Corn: starch-based (TPS)
  • Temperature limits: -10°C – 120°C
  • Does not absorb liquids or oil.
  • White Master Batch (Food Contact Safe)
  • Maximum Weight Strength: 5kg

MATERIALS

  • 40% Corn starch + 60% PBAT carrier + calcium carbonate

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Size: 312 length x 258 width x 38 mm depth


Compostable 8H TRAY

SPECS

  • Corn: starch-based (TPS)
  • Temperature limits: -10°C – 120°C
  • Does not absorb liquids or oil.
  • White Master Batch (Food Contact Safe)
  • Maximum Weight Strength: 3kg

MATERIALS

  • 40% Corn starch + 60% PBAT carrier + calcium carbonate

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Size: 237 length x 180 width x 40 mm depth