Biodegradable and Compostable What's the Difference?

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Biodegradable & Compostable Bags | Torise Environmental Solutions

Welcome to the world of Torise environmental solutions!This article delves into the differences between biodegradable and compostable bags to help you understand how to identify truly eco-friendly products. Learn about key differences like smell, texture, color, certification, and decomposition conditions. With these insights, you’ll be able to choose sustainable solutions and join Torise in its commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting the planet.

Torise Biomaterials: Professional manufacturer of compostable bags

Support the environment: Every Torise bag you choose helps reduce plastic pollution.

Torise Biomaterials is committed to environmental protection and has a team of R&D, design and production experts. Since establishment in 2010, we have been developing a range of alternatives to traditional plastics. Our biodegradable and compostable bags have had a significant positive impact around the world and played an important role in solving the problem of plastic bag pollution.

Our biodegradable and compostable bags have the International authorized certifcatlons includes DINplus and EN13432 (Din Certco), OK Compost, OK Compost HOME (TUV Austria), ASTM D6400 (BPI), AS4736 and AS5810 (ABA).

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Torise team working on real-life photos, committed to developing and producing high-quality environmentally friendly products and promoting green living

Biodegradable bags vs. compostable bags: What is the difference?

The table compares biodegradable and compostable bags in key aspects: definition, decomposition process, end product after degradation, decomposition time, certification (e.g. EN13432, ASTM D6400), suitable bins for disposal, shelf life and environmental impact

Difference between compostable and biodegradable: what you need to know

What does biodegradable mean?
A biodegradable material is one that is able to decompose naturally in the environment under the action of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. However, this term is broad and does not specify how long it takes to decompose or the type of waste produced. So even if something is biodegradable, it may not be sustainable if the process takes years or leaves toxic residues.

What does compostable mean?
Compostable materials, on the other hand, are not only biodegradable, but they meet stricter criteria:
●They decompose within a specific time.
●They produce environmentally safe byproducts, such as compost or natural fertilizer.
●They require controlled conditions, such as those found in a factory or home composter.

Main differences between biodegradable and compostable bags

Although biodegradable and compostable bags are usually made from similar raw materials, they are not the same.

✔First, biodegradable bags degrade under natural conditions, while compostable bags need to be artificially composted under specific conditions.
✔The decomposition time of biodegradable bags in the natural environment is unpredictable, while compostable bags usually decompose within 6 months in industrial composting facilities or 12 months in home composting.
✔In addition, the certification standards are different: biodegradable bags do not need to prove that they are completely harmless after degradation, while compostable bags must prove that they are non-toxic after decomposition.
✔The term "compostable" is usually regulated and ensures that the material decomposes within a specified time and conditions, while "biodegradable" is less specific and can be interpreted more broadly.

Conclusion
While biodegradability ensures that the material will decompose naturally, composting goes a step further and ensures that the process is quick and beneficial to the environment. In situations where the necessary conditions for composting can be met, choosing compostable materials is a more sustainable choice.

Certifications for compostable bags

A more authoritative way to distinguish is to see if these bags have relevant certifications.Here are some details of authoritative certifications for compostable bags:

The table shows the certification body, certification name, certification conditions, certification content and applicable countries for compostable bags, including OK Compost, OK Compost HOME and other certifications, highlighting composting conditions and environmental suitability.

Worried about buying fake compostable bags?

Here are some ways to tell if your compostable bags are genuine:

Smell: Genuine biodegradable and compostable bags are usually odorless or have a light grain smell.
Feel: These bags are usually silky smooth, but if PBAT is added, they may feel slightly harder.
Color: Due to the characteristics of bio-based materials, it is difficult to make these bags completely transparent, so they usually look translucent or milky.

Have questions about how to identify truly compostable bags? Contact us and our team of experts will help you choose truly sustainable products.

fake or real biodegradable and compostable bags

Torise Biomaterials: A Trustworthy Partner in Environmental Protection

To ensure your composting efforts are truly environmentally friendly, it is essential to use truly compostable and certified products. Our biodegradable and compostable bags are certified according to DINplus, EN 13432, ASTM D6400, OK Compost Industrial, OK Compost Home, BPI and ABAP. By choosing our certified compostable products, you are not only making composting easier, you are also making a positive contribution to a healthier planet.