Commercially Compostable vs Home Compostable

"Compostable" refers to materials that can break down into natural elements in a compost environment, leaving no toxicity in the soil. This process helps reduce waste and returns nutrients to the earth, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on landfill space.

How to Tell Compostable and Recyclable?

In the UK, some local councils allow packaging to be placed in their Food Waste bins.

Compostable Materials:

• Materials: Commonly made from plant-based materials like corn starch, sugarcane (bagasse), or paper with a biodegradable lining.

• Appearance: Often matte or has a slightly less polished look compared to traditional plastics; may be labeled with a green or brown color coding.

• Disposal Instructions: Usually specify that the item can be composted where industrial facilities are available or can be home composted if labeled appropriately.

Recyclable Materials:

• Recycling Symbols: Look for the recycling triangle with a number inside (1 through 7), which indicates the type of plastic used and its recyclability.

• Materials: Common materials include PET (#1), HDPE (#2), and LDPE (#4) for plastics; aluminum and glass are also widely recycled.

• Appearance: Recyclable plastics are often more rigid and have a clearer or more polished appearance than compostables.

Now we go to the difference between Commercially Compostable vs Home Compostable.

Commercially Compostable vs Home Compostable: In a Nutshell

Commercially compostable items are designed to:

• Break down in industrial composting facilities. These facilities maintain specific conditions, including higher temperatures (between 50°C and 60°C)

• Usually within 60 to 90 days due to optimized conditions

• Items should meet standards such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432

On the other hand, home compostable means:

• products are suited for breaking down in backyard compost bins or heaps.

• Typically within 90 to 180 days

• Mostly organic waste like food scraps, and lighter bioplastics that do not require high temperatures to break down

• May carry labels like TÜV Austria's OK Compost HOME

• Easily managed on a personal or community level

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Photo Source: Reddit

The term "commercially compostable only" refers to products and materials that are designed to break down specifically in commercial or industrial composting facilities, rather than in home composting systems.

Here’s why some products are labeled as "commercially compostable only":

1. Temperature Requirements: Commercial composting facilities can reach and maintain higher temperatures (between 50°C and 60°C) which are essential for breaking down tougher, more resilient materials like certain types of bioplastics.

2. Faster Decomposition: These facilities utilize systems that accelerate the decomposition process, allowing for the breakdown of compostable materials within a timeframe of about 90 to 180 days. This rapid process is necessary to handle the larger volumes of waste typical of commercial operations.

3. Controlled Environment: The controlled settings in commercial facilities ensure that the decomposition process is consistent and complete, reducing the likelihood of partially composted materials ending up in the finished compost, which could be detrimental to the soil and plant health.

4. ASTM Compliance: Products labeled as commercially compostable must meet specific standards such as ASTM D6400 or D6868, which require that materials break down at a rate comparable to other known compostable substances and leave no toxic residue.

5. Specialized Handling of Contaminants: Commercial facilities are better equipped to handle materials that might contain inks, adhesives, and coatings that require specific microbes or conditions to break down completely.

How Do I Know if the Food Packaging is Compostable?

Determining whether the food packaging is compostable involves a few key steps and considerations. These considerations ensure it meets the appropriate standards and is suitable for either home or commercial composting systems.

Here’s how you can identify compostable packaging:

1. Look for Certifications and Labels: The most reliable way to determine if packaging is compostable is to look for specific certification labels that indicate it meets established composting standards. Common certifications include:

   • ASTM D6400: This certification is for products designed to be composted in commercial facilities in the United States.

   • ASTM D6868: This standard covers packaging that incorporates biodegradable plastics as part of a composite material, such as coated paper or cardboard.

   • EN 13432 (Europe): Similar to ASTM D6400, this certification ensures that products are compostable in commercial composting facilities and that they break down within a specific time frame, leaving no toxic residues.

   • TÜV Austria (OK Compost HOME and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL): These labels indicate whether an item is suitable for home composting or requires industrial facilities.

2. Check the Materials: Packaging that is typically compostable includesuncoated paper, cardboard, and some plant-based plastics. Be wary of plastics labeled as “biodegradable” without any specific compostability certifications, as these might not decompose in a composting environment.

3. Understand Local Composting Regulations: Local regulations can impact what materials are accepted for composting. Contact your local waste management services to find out what types of compostable materials they accept and whether they have commercial composting facilities.

4. Beware of Greenwashing: Some products may claim to be environmentally friendly or use vague terms like "green" or "eco-friendly" without having the certifications to back those claims. Always look for specific, verifiable composting certifications.

Examples of Greenwashing

In this instance, a company has created its own ‘certified compostable logo.’ This practice, known as greenwashing, has not been authenticated by the ABA.

In this case, the company displays the seedling logo without a certification number underneath. This omission can leave consumers unsure of how to properly dispose of the product.

What is Home Composting

On the flip side, home composting is something you can do on your own turf.

It can involve various methods, including traditional compost bins, worm farms, or simply a dedicated space in the ground.

Typical compostable food packaging, such as paper plates or vegetable scraps, is perfect for this method.

Home composting is accessible and cost-effective, promoting waste reduction right from your backyard. However, it requires patience and regular maintenance to ensure successful decomposition.

Is bagasse home compostable?

Yes, bagasse is generally considered home compostable. Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane processing and is commonly used to make disposable tableware such as plates, bowls, and containers. Because it is made from natural plant fibers, bagasse breaks down relatively easily under the right composting conditions.

Characteristics of Bagasse Making it Suitable for Home Composting:

1. Natural Material: Bagasse is derived from sugarcane fibers that are left over after the juice has been extracted. This natural origin makes it biodegradable and compostable.

2. Decomposition Rate: In a home composting environment, bagasse products typically break down within a few months, depending on the conditions like moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. This is relatively quick compared to synthetic or non-compostable materials.

3. Non-toxic: When bagasse decomposes, it does not release toxins into the compost. This makes the resulting compost safe to use in gardens and for growing plants.

How long does bagasse take to decompose?

• In Composting Facilities: In industrial or commercial composting facilities, bagasse can break down within 60 to 90 days. These facilities maintain the high temperatures needed to accelerate the composting process.

• In Home Composting Systems: The decomposition rate can vary when bagasse is composted at home, depending on the specific conditions of the compost system. Factors that influence the rate include temperature, microbial activity, moisture levels, and how frequently the compost is turned. In a well-maintained home compost, bagasse can still decompose within a few months, but it might take longer than in commercial settings.

Can you compost sugarcane packaging?

• When added to a home compost system, sugarcane packaging generally biodegrades within 30 to 90 days, provided the environmental conditions are favorable.

• In commercial facilities, sugarcane packaging can typically decompose, breaking down completely within about 60 days.

Key Considerations: Commercially Compostable vs Home Compostable Packaging

Both commercially and home compostable materials provide a more sustainable option compared to traditional packaging materials, significantly reducing environmental impact. For food service businesses, such as restaurants and caterers, choosing compostable packaging is particularly crucial.

Even if you can't ensure correct disposal by every customer, choosing compostable packaging guarantees it won't harm the environment, no matter where it ends up.

Choosing the Right Compostable Packaging

For businesses in the food service industry, the choice between home and commercially compostable products can hinge on several factors, including:

• Availability and Convenience: Whether the customer opts for commercial or home compostable products can depend largely on your local infrastructure and personal capability to manage a compost system.

• Environmental Impact: Both methods support waste reduction and help reduce landfill use, but commercially compostable options can handle more types of materials and do so faster, thanks to controlled conditions.

• End Use of Compost: The quality of compost generated from both processes can vary, with industrial facilities often producing more consistent and widely usable compost outputs.

In a nutshell, the choice between commercial and home compostable depends on specific needs, available facilities, and environmental goals. Both play significant roles in the broader context of sustainable waste management and resource recovery.