The circular economy is based on the principle of reducing, reusing, recycling and restoring materials and resources, rather than following a linear model of production and consumption. In this context, the adoption of sustainable materials and recycling practices is becoming increasingly crucial in industry.
Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing the environmental impact of their activities and promoting more eco-friendly solutions. In this perspective, recycled biopolymers are emerging as a promising choice for compounders and end-users wishing to adopt sustainable materials in their production.
In this guide, we will focus on the fundamental difference between biodegradable and compostable materials, offering detailed information and clarification to help compounders and end-users make informed decisions.
Biodegradability and compostability are measured through standardised and specific tests. These tests determine the speed and extent of decomposition of materials under certain environmental conditions.
For biodegradability, the most common test is the aerobic or anaerobic biodegradation test, which evaluates the decomposition of the material in the presence of oxygen or in the absence of oxygen, respectively. Biodegradation tests can be performed in the laboratory or in controlled environments, following the guidelines of international standards.
With regard to compostability, compostable materials must undergo composting tests, which simulate the conditions of an industrial or domestic composting plant. These tests assess the speed and efficiency of material decomposition, as well as the quality of the compost produced.
The advantages of biodegradable and compostable materials include:
-Reduction of waste to landfill and dependence on virgin resources
-Lower environmental impact during the degradation process
-Potential for energy recovery during decomposition
However, it is also important to consider the limitations of these options:
-Biodegradation may take a long time, making specific conditions necessary for effective degradation
-Compostable materials require adequate composting facilities and proper disposal to degrade effectively
-The cost and availability of biodegradable and compostable materials may be higher than for traditional materials
In conclusion, both biodegradable and compostable materials offer sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. The choice between the two depends on specific needs, environmental conditions and available disposal systems.
Recognised certifications: Look for materials that have been certified by internationally recognised certification bodies, such as those mentioned above.
Labels and markings: Check whether the materials have labels or markings indicating compliance with specific compostability and biodegradability standards.
Documentation and declarations: Request suppliers to provide official documentation such as certificates of compliance, test reports or manufacturer's declarations attesting to the quality and compliance of the materials.
Assessment of characteristics: Assess the technical characteristics and performance of biodegradable and compostable materials according to your specific production needs.
It is important to emphasise that compliance with regulations and certifications is not the only factor to consider when choosing biodegradable and compostable materials. It is equally important to evaluate material properties according to specific application needs, such as strength, durability and processing requirements.
A biodegradable waste degrades naturally in about 6 months, but is not harmless to the environment. Consequently, we cannot put biodegradable materials in the wet waste, but they must be disposed of properly.
Compostable waste, on the other hand, degrades in much less time (less than 3 months), resulting in a natural, inert by-product, which also has its uses in organic farming. For this reason, we can (and should) dispose of compostable material in wet waste without any problems.
In conclusion, a compostable product is also biodegradable, but the reverse is not true.
Therefore, if 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' is indicated on the label of the product purchased, it should not be understood as synonymous and should not be handled in the same way.
We have therefore realised that biodegradable is recyclable and therefore to be preferred in view of a circular economy. We therefore suggest opting for recycled bioplastics such as PLA recycled by Gianeco, 100% biodegradable through industrial composting.
Gianeco is an Italian company at the forefront of the recovery and recycling of biopolymers and polyurethanes, and the distribution of recycled bioplastics and thermoplastic elastomers.
Gianeco is committed to providing sustainable, high quality solutions for industry, promoting the adoption of recycled and biodegradable materials. Through innovative recovery and recycling processes, Gianeco is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, thus reducing dependence on virgin materials and contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
Recycled biopolymers are obtained through the process of recovering and recycling plastics and polymers from different sources, such as packaging, disposables and post-industrial waste.
Recycled biopolymers offer a wide range of characteristics and performance that make them suitable for various industrial applications. They may exhibit properties similar to those of virgin materials, such as mechanical strength, flexibility, transparency and chemical resistance. However, it is important to consider that the properties of recycled biopolymers may vary depending on the recycled plastic sources used and the recycling processes employed.
Many companies have embraced the use of recycled biopolymers in their production, demonstrating the success and effectiveness of these sustainable solutions. For example:
Dell, a well-known company in the IT sector, uses recycled biopolymers derived from post-consumer plastic bottles in the manufacture of some of its products, thus reducing the use of virgin materials and contributing to waste reduction.
LEGO, a famous toy company, introduced LEGO bricks made from recycled biopolymers derived from recycled plastic bottles. This initiative has reduced the environmental impact of traditional plastic toys.
Interface, a leading modular flooring company, has developed the 'Net-Works' product line, which uses recycled biopolymers derived from discarded fishing nets. This initiative contributes to the cleanliness of the oceans and promotes the conservation of marine resources.
These examples demonstrate that the adoption of recycled biopolymers offers both environmental and economic benefits for companies, promoting more sustainable production and contributing to the circular economy.
Schedule an initial consultation call with Gianeco today.
email: info@gianeco.com
phone: +39 0119370420The circular economy is based on the principle of reducing, reusing, recycling and restoring materials and resources, rather than following a linear model of production and consumption. In this context, the adoption of sustainable materials and recycling practices is becoming increasingly crucial in industry.
Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing the environmental impact of their activities and promoting more eco-friendly solutions. In this perspective, recycled biopolymers are emerging as a promising choice for compounders and end-users wishing to adopt sustainable materials in their production.
In this guide, we will focus on the fundamental difference between biodegradable and compostable materials, offering detailed information and clarification to help compounders and end-users make informed decisions.
Biodegradability and compostability are measured through standardised and specific tests. These tests determine the speed and extent of decomposition of materials under certain environmental conditions.
For biodegradability, the most common test is the aerobic or anaerobic biodegradation test, which evaluates the decomposition of the material in the presence of oxygen or in the absence of oxygen, respectively. Biodegradation tests can be performed in the laboratory or in controlled environments, following the guidelines of international standards.
With regard to compostability, compostable materials must undergo composting tests, which simulate the conditions of an industrial or domestic composting plant. These tests assess the speed and efficiency of material decomposition, as well as the quality of the compost produced.
The advantages of biodegradable and compostable materials include:
-Reduction of waste to landfill and dependence on virgin resources
-Lower environmental impact during the degradation process
-Potential for energy recovery during decomposition
However, it is also important to consider the limitations of these options:
-Biodegradation may take a long time, making specific conditions necessary for effective degradation
-Compostable materials require adequate composting facilities and proper disposal to degrade effectively
-The cost and availability of biodegradable and compostable materials may be higher than for traditional materials
In conclusion, both biodegradable and compostable materials offer sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. The choice between the two depends on specific needs, environmental conditions and available disposal systems.
Recognised certifications: Look for materials that have been certified by internationally recognised certification bodies, such as those mentioned above.
Labels and markings: Check whether the materials have labels or markings indicating compliance with specific compostability and biodegradability standards.
Documentation and declarations: Request suppliers to provide official documentation such as certificates of compliance, test reports or manufacturer's declarations attesting to the quality and compliance of the materials.
Assessment of characteristics: Assess the technical characteristics and performance of biodegradable and compostable materials according to your specific production needs.
It is important to emphasise that compliance with regulations and certifications is not the only factor to consider when choosing biodegradable and compostable materials. It is equally important to evaluate material properties according to specific application needs, such as strength, durability and processing requirements.
A biodegradable waste degrades naturally in about 6 months, but is not harmless to the environment. Consequently, we cannot put biodegradable materials in the wet waste, but they must be disposed of properly.
Compostable waste, on the other hand, degrades in much less time (less than 3 months), resulting in a natural, inert by-product, which also has its uses in organic farming. For this reason, we can (and should) dispose of compostable material in wet waste without any problems.
In conclusion, a compostable product is also biodegradable, but the reverse is not true.
Therefore, if 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' is indicated on the label of the product purchased, it should not be understood as synonymous and should not be handled in the same way.
We have therefore realised that biodegradable is recyclable and therefore to be preferred in view of a circular economy. We therefore suggest opting for recycled bioplastics such as PLA recycled by Gianeco, 100% biodegradable through industrial composting.
Gianeco is an Italian company at the forefront of the recovery and recycling of biopolymers and polyurethanes, and the distribution of recycled bioplastics and thermoplastic elastomers.
Gianeco is committed to providing sustainable, high quality solutions for industry, promoting the adoption of recycled and biodegradable materials. Through innovative recovery and recycling processes, Gianeco is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, thus reducing dependence on virgin materials and contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
Recycled biopolymers are obtained through the process of recovering and recycling plastics and polymers from different sources, such as packaging, disposables and post-industrial waste.
Recycled biopolymers offer a wide range of characteristics and performance that make them suitable for various industrial applications. They may exhibit properties similar to those of virgin materials, such as mechanical strength, flexibility, transparency and chemical resistance. However, it is important to consider that the properties of recycled biopolymers may vary depending on the recycled plastic sources used and the recycling processes employed.
Many companies have embraced the use of recycled biopolymers in their production, demonstrating the success and effectiveness of these sustainable solutions. For example:
Dell, a well-known company in the IT sector, uses recycled biopolymers derived from post-consumer plastic bottles in the manufacture of some of its products, thus reducing the use of virgin materials and contributing to waste reduction.
LEGO, a famous toy company, introduced LEGO bricks made from recycled biopolymers derived from recycled plastic bottles. This initiative has reduced the environmental impact of traditional plastic toys.
Interface, a leading modular flooring company, has developed the 'Net-Works' product line, which uses recycled biopolymers derived from discarded fishing nets. This initiative contributes to the cleanliness of the oceans and promotes the conservation of marine resources.
These examples demonstrate that the adoption of recycled biopolymers offers both environmental and economic benefits for companies, promoting more sustainable production and contributing to the circular economy.
Schedule an initial consultation call with Gianeco today.
email: info@gianeco.com
phone: +39 0119370420
