What's the different between Biodegradable and Compostable?
Biodegradable means breakdown over an open-ended timeline (months to centuries). Compostable is stricter: breakdown into CO2, water, and biomass within ~90 days under managed conditions, no toxic residue (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400). Every compostable item is biodegradable, not vice versa — for tableware, "compostable" is the safer claim. Need verified compostable tableware? See the range or request certification documents.Short Answer
Key Differences
Factor
Biodegradable
Compostable
Timeline
Months to years, unspecified
~90 days, defined
Conditions
Any natural environment
Managed composting
Certification
No single standard
EN 13432 / ASTM D6400
Which to Choose