Biodegradable

Definition

Biodegradable — Capable of being broken down by microorganisms into natural substances — but conditions and timeframes vary widely.

Biodegradable means a material can be decomposed by living organisms (bacteria, fungi) into water, carbon dioxide, biomass and other natural substances. The term is widely abused: nearly anything will biodegrade eventually under the right conditions.

For the term to be meaningful, look for a third-party standard with a defined timeframe and environment: ASTM D6400 / EN 13432 (industrial compostable), ASTM D6868 (paper coatings), or OK Compost HOME (home compostable). "Biodegradable" with no standard cited is marketing.

Note: compostable plastics often do NOT biodegrade in home compost or marine environments. Check the actual certification, not the leaf icon.

Related terms

Vegan
Contains no animal-derived ingredients and no animal byproducts.
Cruelty-Free
Neither the finished product nor its ingredients were tested on animals.
B Corp
A for-profit company independently verified to meet high social and environmental standards.
USDA Organic
U.S. federal certification for food and farming free from synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and irradiation.

Using Biodegradable without overreading the claim

Capable of being broken down by microorganisms into natural substances — but conditions and timeframes vary widely.

This term is not, by itself, proof of a certified product. Its meaning may depend on a technical definition, local rules or the boundaries of a particular claim.

Separate the question the term addresses from questions it does not answer. Material sourcing, labour conditions, chemical safety and disposal need different evidence. Catalogue labels are a starting point for checking that evidence, not a substitute for it.

Biodegradable: verification guide

CheckActionLimitation
DefinitionAsk what the term means in this claimTechnical concepts and marketing promises are different
BoundaryIdentify materials, locations and stages coveredA claim about one component cannot describe the whole lifecycle
EvidenceRequest methods, assumptions and dated supporting documentsA claim can need evidence without having a dedicated certifier

Before relying on Biodegradable

  • DefinitionAsk what the term means in this claim
  • BoundaryIdentify materials, locations and stages covered
  • EvidenceRequest methods, assumptions and dated supporting documents

Frequently asked

What does Biodegradable mean?+

Capable of being broken down by microorganisms into natural substances — but conditions and timeframes vary widely.

How can I check a Biodegradable claim?+

Ask what the term means in this claim. Identify materials, locations and stages covered. Request methods, assumptions and dated supporting documents.