What is the difference between recyclable, biodegradable and compostable packaging?

Confused by green packaging terms? You’re not alone.

Recyclable, biodegradable¹, and compostable² packaging all sound eco-friendly—but they work in very different ways. Knowing the difference helps brands make better choices.

Last year, one of my clients ordered "biodegradable¹" pouches, assuming they were recyclable. The bags ended up in landfills, unable to decompose properly—hurting both his brand and the planet.

What is the difference between recyclable, biodegradable¹ and compostable²?

Aren’t all of them “environmentally friendly”?

Not exactly. Recyclable packaging can be reused as raw material. Biodegradable breaks down with the help of microbes. Compostable turns into non-toxic compost under certain conditions.

Each has different disposal methods³, decomposition rates⁴, and environmental impacts⁵.

Dive Deeper: Let’s break down each term

Only compostable² packaging turns into something useful—soil-enriching compost—under specific heat and humidity.

Dive Deeper: Why does it matter for food and supplement brands?

Many food and supplement products require packaging that meets strict hygiene, moisture, and oxygen barrier standards. This limits which eco-materials can be used.

For example:

• Recyclable pouches (like mono-PE) are widely accepted, but have medium barrier properties.
• Compostable films are great for snacks or tea, but not ideal for high-oil or moisture-sensitive products.
• Biodegradable materials sound promising but can behave unpredictably in real-world landfills.

That’s why understanding the real meaning behind each term is critical.

What is biodegradable¹ and compostable² packaging?

Aren’t these basically the same?

Not quite. Biodegradable means a material can be broken down by microbes. Compostable is more specific—it must break down under composting conditions into safe, usable compost.

All compostable² materials are biodegradable¹, but not all biodegradable¹ materials are compostable².

Dive Deeper: How does compostable² packaging work?

Compostable packaging needs heat, moisture, and oxygen to fully break down. That means most compostable² films must go to industrial composting⁶ facilities.

For example, PLA (a compostable² bioplastic made from cornstarch) looks like regular plastic but:

• Needs 58°C+ temperature to compost
• Leaves no toxic residue
• Breaks down in 6–12 weeks under the right conditions

If thrown in the trash or left in nature, it may act like plastic for years.

Dive Deeper: What about biodegradable¹ bags?

Biodegradable packaging can break down anywhere microbes are present, including soil or landfills—but:

• The timeline is uncertain (weeks to decades)
• Conditions like oxygen, heat, or moisture may be missing
• It can leave harmful residue depending on the material

So while it sounds eco-friendly, biodegradable¹ alone is not always a good solution without proper disposal systems.

What is recyclable packaging⁷?

Recyclable packaging can enter a closed-loop system?

Yes. Recyclable materials like mono-layer PE, PET, or paper can be collected, processed, and reused as raw materials for new products.

It reduces the need for virgin plastic and can be part of a circular economy⁸—if done right.

Dive Deeper: How does recycling work in real life?

Recycling depends on local infrastructure. Even if a pouch is technically recyclable, it might be rejected if:

• It’s laminated (multi-material like PET/AL/PE)
• It’s dirty or food-contaminated
• The region lacks proper sorting facilities

So brands often switch to mono-material packaging⁹ (like mono-PE or mono-PP) to increase recyclability. These materials:

• Are easier to recycle
• Still offer moderate barrier protection
• Can support zip locks, valves, and printing

Recyclable doesn’t mean biodegradable¹. It means the material stays in use longer before final disposal.

Dive Deeper: What are common recyclable packaging⁷g types](https://www.paramountglobal.com/knowledge/types-of-packaging/)[^10]?

What's better, biodegradable¹ or compostable²?

Which one should I choose for my packaging?

Compostable is better if you have access to composting systems and want a guaranteed safe breakdown. Biodegradable is broader and less controlled.

Choose compostable² when you want a clean, soil-safe end product. Choose biodegradable¹ when conditions may vary but plastic avoidance is your goal.

Dive Deeper: Which works better for different products?

It depends on your product type, brand image, and end-user behavior.

Dive Deeper: How do consumers know what to do?

This is the biggest challenge. Many consumers:

• Confuse compostable² with recyclable
• Throw biodegradable¹ items in the trash
• Lack access to compost or recycling facilities

That’s why clear labeling, education, and choosing the right material for the right disposal stream is key. I ofte