The most efficient way to make sure your product is actually eco is to look for 3rd party certifications like BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) to validate claims.
If something is 3rd party certified, it is legally required to have the certifications printed on the box.
BIODEGRADABLE, WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Thick products (like razors) are often labelled as biodegradable, which implies that the product will decompose on their own - that is false.
🚩 Thick bioplastics require industrial composting
🚩 To avoid greenwashing, Look for proof behind the words. Sometimes products have a natural look but are still made from regular plastic.
“Biodegradable” is not an appropriate marketing term because it lacks specificity on the timeframe and environmental conditions needed for decomposition. More importantly, the term is often used to describe non-compostable products intentionally made to look eco. This is a common tool of “greenwashing” and is the leading cause of contamination at compost facilities.
WHY WE CHAMPION CERTIFIED HOME COMPOSTABLE PRODUCTS:
Using the word ‘compostable’ implies a timeline and circumstances for decomposition to take place has been established. Compostable products are unique from biodegradable products because they consider their end of life cycle and what is required of their environment to break down.
🌿 When a product is certified home compostable it means that it can breakdown in ambient conditions:
- AKA they DO NOT require specific conditions to breakdown
- AKA they DO NOT need to be sent to a composting facility to breakdown
🌿 To ensure your product is CERTIFIED home compostable, look for 3rd party certification on the box.
- If a product is 3rd party certified, it is legally required to be printed on the box.
"Home Compostable" can be a bit of a confusing term, as it may call to mind your beloved compost in your backyard. While technically certified home compostable products can breakdown in your compost, you likely do not have the equipment required to monitor the sustained temperature levels required to safely compost biohazards. It is not recommended that you compost used tattoo supplies in your home compost.
