Biodegradable vs compostable materialsBiodegradable and compostable materials are gaining traction in the label, but understanding their diferences is essential, writes sustainability columnist Rosalyn Bandyith the Federal Trade Commission updating its Green Guides, which were introduced in 1992 and last revised in 2012, it’s time for label suppliers and converters to W“Claiming that an item is understand the accuracy of their environmental marketing claims. The terms ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ are often biodegradable is tricky business, used to describe materials that break down in a specifc environment and consumers often equate those terms with an and puts your company at risk environmentally-friendly product. However, the terms are often used inappropriately, and therefore a growing number of states, for being accused of making including and many municipalities around the US, have legislation deceptive claims”about using those terms. For example, in California, Maryland and Washington, it is illegal to use the term ‘biodegradable’ in any marketing terms associated confusion about under what conditions it occurs. Compostable with plastic. This is because ‘biodegradable’ is often interpreted as products require a commercial or industrial composting facility to ‘compostable’ and can cause contamination for composters. break down, and, rarely, a home composting environment. ASTM International has specifc tests for compostability - ASTM D6400 Biodegradable and ASTM D6868. These tests require a complete breakdown of Let’s look at the terminology and what the Green Guides want you materials into soil-enhancing compost in 90 to 180 days. to know about marketing. From the Green Guides: ‘Marketers who claim a product is ‘Biodegradable’ means that an item can be consumed by compostable need competent and reliable scientifc evidence that organisms like bacteria or fungi that will help break the item down all materials in the product or package will break down into — or into some compounds found in nature. The term doesn’t reference become part of — usable compost safely and in about the same any specifc conditions required for the item to break down nor time as the materials with which it is composted. Marketers should does it refer to the extent of the degradation or anything that qualify compostable claims if the product can’t be composted at might be left behind once the item degrades. home safely or in a timely way. If you are claiming that a product is biodegradable, you’ll need to Marketers also should qualify a claim that a product can be have testing data that shows under what specifc conditions it will composted in a municipal or institutional facility if the facilities break down (Aerobic? Anaerobic? Marine? Sunlight? Heat?) and aren’t available to a substantial majority of consumers.’that the entire package (including inks, adhesives and labels) will That last paragraph is important because the US does not have break down within a year. an abundance of composting facilities. Many products qualify their The current Green Guides also mention the term ‘after compostability claims with a statement such as ‘This package customary disposal.’ This is important. If the customary disposal of meets ASTM D6400 Standard and can be composted where an item is landfll, incineration or recycling, a biodegradable claim municipal or industrial composting facilities exist. Appropriate would be considered deceptive unless there is clear and prominent facilities may not exist in your area. Check with your local data that shows the rate and extent of the degradation in that community as to availability.’customary disposal environment. Obviously, that’s not possible Everything that is compostable is also biodegradable, but the in an incinerator or recycling facility and nothing breaks down in a opposite is not true. If you are developing a compostable label, landfll in one year. the entire construction: substrate, adhesive, inks, topcoats and any Claiming that an item is biodegradable is tricky business, and varnishes must all compost at about the same time as the item puts your company at risk of being accused of making deceptive to which it is adhered. The ASTM tests, along with a third-party claims. testing certifcation, will provide customers, and, ultimately, consumers (and the FTC) that the product is legit without any risk Compostable of deceptive environmental claims.Now let’s look at the term ‘compostable.’ The term, by defnition, is used to describe products that disintegrate in a composting Rosalyn Bandy is VP of sustainability for TLMI. facility via microorganisms, humidity and heat into natural, For more information about TLMI sustainability, soil-enhancing material that is nontoxic. The fnished compost please contact Rosalyn.bandy@tlmi.com. For product is comprised of CO2, water, biomass and inorganic information about TLMI membership, please (non-carbon) compounds. contact Engagement Director, dale.coates@tlmi.comWhen you claim that an item is compostable, there is no Jul - Sep 2023