Some of our products are biocompatible, compostable, or biodegradable. Then there are also biobased and organic materials. But what do all these terms actually mean? And what are the differences between them? Since we frequently receive questions about this and want to be transparent and clear, we explain everything in this blog.
Table of Contents
- What is biodegradable?
- What is compostable?
- What is biobased material?
- What is organic?
- What is biocompatible?
- Conclusion?
What is biodegradable?
Biodegradable is the same as decomposable. If a material is biodegradable, it means that microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) can break it down into CO₂ and water. In nature, this material will decompose, leaving behind nothing but CO₂ and water.
However, the term biodegradable does not specify how long the decomposition process takes. For example, cork is biodegradable, but it takes years to fully break down.
What is compostable?
Compostable goes a step further than biodegradable. While the material must be capable of breaking down in nature, a material can only be called compostable if it also meets the following requirements:
- Within 12 weeks (sometimes 6 weeks), 90% of the material must break down into particles no larger than 2 x 2 mm in an industrial composting facility.
- Within 6 months, 90% of the material must be fully decomposed in an industrial composting facility.
- The material must not have any toxic effects on the compost and must not leave behind heavy metals.
If the material meets these requirements, it falls under the European EN-13432 standard and can officially be labeled as compostable.
Compostable materials are not necessarily natural. Certain plastics are also compostable, meaning the term refers only to how the material breaks down in industrial composting facilities.
Our disposable towels are fully compostable!
What is biobased material?
Biobased material means that it is made entirely from natural materials. However, this does not mean that biobased material is also biodegradable or compostable.
Biobased only describes what the material is made of, not whether it can break down in nature or in composting facilities.
What is organic?
The term organic is legally protected. In Europe, a product can only be labeled as organic if it meets strict European regulations. These regulations include rules on animal welfare and crop production methods.
Some key requirements for an organic product:
- At least 95% of its ingredients must be naturally sourced.
- No chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers can be used in production.
- Animal welfare must be considered in farming practices.
- The origin of ingredients must be clearly traceable.
What is biocompatible?
Then there is biocompatibility. Because of the prefix "bio-", it may seem related to the definitions above, but this is not entirely the case.
The term biocompatibility means that a material can exist safely alongside living cells and tissues without causing harmful effects. This means that the material is safe for use on or inside the human body.
Products used in medicine are generally biocompatible. Examples include: Medical implants, Menstrual cups and Prosthetics.
Biocompatible products do not trigger immune reactions (rejection) or chemical responses in the body, nor do they interfere with the function of cells and tissues.
Conclusion?
There is no single conclusion about which material is the least harmful.
No matter the label a material carries, it’s important to understand what that term actually means and how you intend to use the product. Additionally, factors like production and transportation also impact the environment. Products manufactured locally often have a lower environmental footprint due to reduced transport emissions.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to dispose of materials correctly. For example, our biodegradable towels are great because they don’t leave behind microplastics in nature. However, this doesn’t mean they should be thrown into the environment—proper disposal is always key.
