| Biodegradable, Compostable, Recyclable…What’s the Difference? |
 November 5, 2009 – Azusa, Ca – Biodegradable, compostable, recyclable – what do they all mean? Today terms like these are constantly thrown in our faces everywhere we go. Some might know what they mean, but most of us are at a loss. Remember the days when all you could do was recycle? Well those days are long gone, and its time to catch up! So here’s the skinny on the differences between all these “green” terms. Biodegradable means that the product will break down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in a reasonable amount of time. “Biodegradable” has no legal definition or enforcement, so many manufacturers use the term loosely. Biodegradable products can be thrown in the garbage, but remember that landfills lack the microorganisms needed to help break down these products, so keep waste at a minimum as much as possible. Compostable products are biodegradable, but better! When compostable products break down, they release rich nutrients into the soil. These products break down within several months in a composting facility. In order to break down properly, compostable products must go to a composting facility or a home composter. Compostable products should NOT be placed in recycling bins, as they will taint the recycling process. Compostability is a desirable feature in disposable tableware and cutlery, and compostable products like this are commonly made from bagasse and PLA (polylactic acid). Recyclable products can be collected, reprocessed, and reused to make new products. Some common recyclable materials are plastic, aluminum, cardboard, glass, and paper. PrimeWare’s line of disposable tableware is both compostable and biodegradable. Our line of plates, platters, bowls, cup carriers, and hinged-lid containers is made from bagasse (sugarcane fiber) and some are lined with PLA, which are both planet friendly. So now you know, and going green just got a little easier. |