The Differences Between Recyclable, Compostable, and Biodegradable Packaging.
From nutrition facts to washing instructions, packaging can teach you a lot about a product – including information about its disposal. Properly discarding an item and its packaging is a crucial step in the life cycle of a purchase. Whether something is recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable, buyers and brands must be aware of these commonly used terms. There are many phrases to keep track of, so it’s important to understand exactly what’s being communicated. Is biodegradable just another word for compostable? Can compostable items be recycled? Spoiler alert – these words aren’t interchangeable, and each one has a distinct meaning. Familiarizing ourselves with these three terms can help us make more informed purchases as consumers and design smarter packaging for brands and businesses.