What Are Compostable Plastics? Your Essential Guide to Eco-Friendly Alternatives
- Aishwarya Iyer
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Written by Aishwarya Iyer
Picture this: You just finished a delicious takeout meal and are left with a plastic container and cutlery. You want to dispose of it responsibly, but you’re faced with confusing choices—should it go into the recycling bin, compost, or landfill?
Many of us encounter this uncertainty daily. The reality is, most plastic waste ends up in landfills or the ocean, taking centuries to break down. But what if there was a smarter, eco-friendly alternative? Enter compostable plastics.
What is compostable plastic?
Compostable plastic is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic, designed to break down into natural components like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter when placed in the proper composting environment.
Compostable plastics emerged as a response to the environmental crisis caused by traditional plastic waste. Unlike conventional plastics, which persist in nature for hundreds of years, compostable plastics break down into natural elements under the right conditions, leaving no toxic residue behind.
With approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, scientists and manufacturers have been racing to develop alternatives that don't persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Compostable plastics are not just another green trend—they’re a practical solution to the mounting global plastic waste crisis. With only 9% plastic successfully recycled annually in the US, most end up polluting ecosystems or contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in landfills. The promise is that Compostable plastics, when disposed of correctly in industrial or home composting systems, offer a way to close this loop by turning waste into valuable compost for agriculture.
In simple terms, compostable plastics are a type of biodegradable plastic designed to decompose completely in a composting environment, turning into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are often made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or potato starch.
One common type of compostable plastic is PLA plastic. But what does PLA plastic mean exactly? PLA (polylactic acid) refers to a bioplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, PLA breaks down in industrial composting environments, making it a viable eco-friendly alternative.
Types of compostable plastics
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Made from renewable resources like fermented plant starch. Commonly used for food containers, cups, and utensils.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): Natural, biodegradable polymers produced by microorganisms. Used in packaging and medical applications.
Starch-based/bioplastics: Derived from natural starch. Often blended with other compostable polymers to improve properties. Used in packaging and other applications.
The growing demand and market size
As environmental awareness rises, consumers and corporations are seeking alternatives to traditional plastics. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations against single-use plastics, further driving demand for compostable options.
The numbers tell a compelling story of growth.
According to a Grand View research report, the global compostable plastics market was valued at approximately $2.34 billion. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.01%, reaching nearly $5.12 billion by 2030.
Global production of bioplastics (including compostable varieties) reached approximately 2.8 million tonnes in 2023, with projections suggesting this could reach 7.5 million tonnes by 2030.
Consumer awareness about plastic pollution has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, 60-70% of consumers across the United States and Europe report they would pay more for sustainable packaging.
North America currently leads the market for compostable packaging, followed closely by Europe, where regulations increasingly favor biodegradable alternatives. However, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by expanding middle classes and increasing environmental awareness.
This shift in consumer preference has pushed brands to seek alternatives to conventional plastics. Companies like Starbucks and Whole Foods have already transitioned to compostable packaging, setting an example for corporate responsibility. Major corporations have taken notice. Up-and-coming brands like 787 Coffee, Footprint, Tetra Pak, Loliware and more have all announced commitments to make their packaging more sustainable, with compostable materials playing a significant role in these strategies.
Meanwhile, food service providers face increasing pressure from both consumers and regulations to move away from single-use plastics. Additionally, policies such as the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive are establishing global precedents for sustainability.
Biodegradable vs. compostable plastics: are they the same?
The terms “biodegradable” and “compostable” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Feature | Biodegradable Plastics | Compostable Plastics |
Breakdown Time | Can take years or even decades | Breaks down within months (in proper conditions) |
End Products | May leave behind microplastics | Leaves only water, CO2, and biomass |
Disposal Conditions | Can degrade in varied conditions | Requires industrial or home composting |
Cost | Higher than plastic but lower than compostable plastic | Higher than plastic and biodegradable plastic |
Critical composting considerations
Industrial vs. home composting: Many compostable plastics require industrial composting facilities with high temperatures and specific moisture levels to break down properly. Look for "home compostable" certification if you plan to compost at home.
Proper disposal critical: Compostable plastics sent to landfills may not break down due to lack of oxygen and proper conditions.
Certification labels: Look for certifications like ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or the "Compostable" logo from organizations like BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute).
Not recyclable: Don't mix compostable plastics with regular plastic recycling—they can contaminate the recycling stream.̧
Adopting compostable plastics: Key challenges
Despite their potential, businesses face key challenges when adopting compostable plastics:
Consumer confusion: Without clear labeling and education, consumers often don't know how to properly dispose of compostable items. Many compostable plastics end up in landfills or recycling bins, where they can cause contamination.
Degradation requirements: Most compostable plastics require specific conditions—typically high heat and controlled moisture—to break down properly. These conditions exist in industrial composting facilities but not in home compost piles or natural environments.
Agricultural impacts: The increased demand for crops like corn to produce compostable plastics raises concerns about land use, water consumption, and competition with food production.
Infrastructure gaps: The biggest hurdle is the lack of industrial composting facilities. According to the US Composting Council, only about 5% of food waste is currently composted in the United States, and many facilities don't accept compostable plastics.
Steps to advocate for compostable materials
Despite these challenges, here are some meaningful ways to encourage the use of compostable plastics:
Learn to identify truly compostable products: Look for certification logos from organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or the "OK Compost" certification from TÜV Austria.
Check local facilities: Contact your local waste management authority to find out if they accept compostable plastics in their composting programs.
Support businesses using certified compostable packaging: Your purchasing decisions send powerful signals to the market.
Advocate for better infrastructure: Encourage your local government to invest in composting facilities that can process compostable plastics.
Reduce first, then reuse: Remember that even compostable single-use items have an environmental impact. Prioritize reusable alternatives whenever possible.
Related reading: home composting, restaurant composting, plastic recycling
As we continue to grapple with plastic pollution, compostable alternatives offer a pathway to reducing our environmental impact without sacrificing convenience. While they're not a perfect solution, they represent an important step toward more sustainable packaging systems—provided we develop the infrastructure and knowledge to use them properly.
Whether you're a business looking to upgrade your supplies or an individual reducing your plastic footprint, compostable products make a real difference.
👉 Explore our collection of compostable goods that work with the planet, not against it.
👉 Still unsure? We’ll send you free samples so you can try them out first—no pressure, just progress.
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