Are “Compostable” Products Really Compostable? Here’s What You Should Know.

In recent years, there’s been a rise in eco-friendly serviceware products being labeled as "compostable." However, just because something is marketed as, or claims to be compostable doesn't mean it will break down as promised. The truth is, there are no strict regulations on the word "compostable," and many items labeled as such will not actually break down in real-world conditions. Let's dive into what compostable really means, and how to make sure you're choosing products that will truly return to the earth.

The Language of Composting: What Do They Really Mean?

You’ve likely seen a wide array of terms: compostable, biodegradable, industrially compostable, etc. While these words sound good, they don’t always mean what you might think.

Biodegradable: This term is often misunderstood. When a product is labeled biodegradable, it simply means it will eventually break down in the environment. However, this process can take, decades, or even thousands of years, and may leave still behind microplastics or other residues throughout the process that are not earth-friendly at all.

Compostable: True compostable items are made from organic materials such as bamboo, corn, and soy that will fully break down under the right composting conditions. Importantly, they will leave no harmful residues and will contribute to creating nutrient-rich compost in the process.

In short, all compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable items are compostable.

The Problem with “Compostable” Labels

Since there are no regulations on what can be labeled as compostable, anyone can slap the word on their product without proof that it will break down. Terms like “industrially compostable” or “commercially compostable” add to the confusion. These items may require specialized facilities with industrial equipment and specific conditions to compost, which aren't available in many places.

So, how can you be sure the product you're buying is truly compostable?

Certifications Matter

When shopping for compostable products, be sure to look for one or more of these trusted certifications:

BPI Certified

TUV Austria

OK Home Compost

ASTM D6400 Certified

These certifications guarantee that the product has been professionally tested and will completely compost under the right conditions. At our Renuable sites, we’ve put products with all of these certifications to the test in our own composting system—and we’re happy to report that they break down beautifully, leaving behind nutrient-rich compost without harmful residues.

One of these harmful residues that composters must be very weary of is P.F.A.S. which are also known as “forever chemicals.” These are used on many paper products to help prevent grease, water, and oil from saturating the paper cups, plates, or bowls.

While many products may claim to be compostable, not all of them live up to that promise. To ensure you’re making a truly eco-friendly choice, look for certified products and be mindful of vague terms. By choosing wisely, you can help ensure that what goes into your compost pile actually returns to the earth, just as nature intended.