What are biodegradable vs industrially compostable vs home compostable packaging standards (EN 13432)?

Not all eco-friendly claims are equal. Understanding packaging disposal certifications prevents deceptive "greenwashing":

### 1. Biodegradable (Vague Claim)

• Simply means a material breaks down into elements over time, but specifies no timeframe or environmental condition. Some plastics take 50 years to "biodegrade". Avoid vague labels.

### 2. Industrially Compostable (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400 / Seedling Logo)


• Requires commercial composting facilities with managed high temperatures ($55^{\circ}\text{C}–60^{\circ}\text{C}$) to break down within 180 days.


• Will NOT degrade easily in home garden compost piles.

### 3. Certified Home Compostable (OK Compost HOME / TÜV Austria)


• Engineered to break down at ambient garden temperatures ($20^{\circ}\text{C}–30^{\circ}\text{C}$) in standard home garden compost bins within 6–12 months.