The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Materials: Bio-based vs. Biodegradable vs. Compostable
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to the different types of sustainable materials used in the products you buy. But what if I told you that some materials are better for the environment than others? In this blog post, we will explore the difference between bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable materials. We’ll also take a look at some examples of each type of material. So let’s get started!
Bio-based materials
Bio-based materials are made from renewable plant or animal sources. These materials can be also derived from plants or other renewable biomass sources. Examples of bio-based materials include bamboo, wool, and cotton. Bio-based materials are environmentally friendly because they can be replenished relatively quickly. In addition, bio-based materials often require less energy to produce than non-renewable materials like plastic. Bio-based materials can be used for a variety of purposes, including construction, packaging, and agriculture.
One of the main benefits of bio-based materials is that they are carbon neutral. This means that the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere when the material is used is offset by the carbon dioxide that was absorbed by the plants during growth. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bio-based materials also have other environmental benefits. They can help to reduce water usage, as bio-based plastics require less water to produce than traditional plastics. They can also help to reduce energy consumption, as bio-based polymers can be made with less energy than traditional polymers. Note most Greendish products are made from corn starch which can be classified as a bio-based material.
Bio-based materials are not without their drawbacks, however. One of the main challenges with scaling up bio-based production is ensuring that the crops are grown in a sustainable manner. There is also a higher cost associated with bio-based materials, although this cost is gradually coming down.
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradable materials, on the other hand, are made from both renewable and non-renewable sources. However, unlike bio-based materials, biodegradable materials will eventually break down into natural substances like water and carbon dioxide. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the material. Some examples of biodegradable materials include paper and food waste.
Biodegradable materials can be broken down by natural processes into simpler, organic matter. This process is also known as decomposition or biodeterioration. The time it takes for a material to decompose depends on the type of material, the environment in which it is decomposing, and other factors.
In Canada, there is no legal definition for “biodegradable”. However, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has developed a standard (ISO 14851:2019) that defines three types of biodegradability:
1. Ultimate biodegradability: the ability of a material to completely decompose into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specified period of time and under specified composting conditions.
2. Intermediate biodegradability: the ability of a material to break down into at least two distinct products, one of which is an organic compound that can be used as a food source by microorganisms, within a specified period of time and under specified composting conditions.
3. Limited or no biodegradability: the inability of a material to significantly degrade within the specified period of time and under specified composting conditions.
Some examples of biodegradable materials include, paper, cardboard, wood, food waste, yard waste, sewage sludge, and animal manure.
How can you if a material is biodegradable?
The easiest way to tell if a material is biodegradable is to look for the CSA Standard logo. This logo indicates that the product has been certified to meet the standards set out by the CSA.
Another way to tell if a material is biodegradable is to check the product’s packaging. Many products that are made from biodegradable materials will say so on the packaging.
You can also contact the manufacturer of the product to ask if it is made from biodegradable materials.
Compostable materials
Compostable materials are similar to biodegradable materials in that they will eventually break down into natural substances. However, compostable materials will break down much faster than biodegradable materials. In addition, compostable materials can be used as fertilizer for plants.
Compostable materials can be broken down by microorganisms into CO2, water, and biomass with the help of oxygen. This process is called aerobic decomposition. The end result is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to improve plant growth.
Compostable materials include food scraps, yard waste, paper products, and certain types of plastics. Note not all plastics are compostable, so it’s important to check the labels before adding them to your compost pile. To learn more about composting, check out our ultimate guide to composting.
To wrap up!
Bio-based materials have the least environmental impact of the three types of materials we’ve discussed. This is because bio-based materials are made from renewable plant or animal sources. In addition, bio-based materials often require less energy to produce than non-renewable materials like plastic.
So there you have it! Now that you know the difference between bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable materials, you can make more informed choices about the products you purchase. Your choices can make a big difference and you can help reduce your impact on the environment!