Composting / Compostability

A process that breaks down organic matter through the use of fungi, bacteria, insects, worms and other organisms to create a nutrient-dense ‘compost’. This compost can then be used as a powerful fertilizer and soil conditioner.

Compostability refers to a material’s ability to biologically decompose under specific composting conditions typically involving controlled temperature, humidity and microbial activity. Compostable material breaks down without leaving toxic residue.

Importantly, biodegradable does not mean compostable. While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials will break down safely or completely in a composting environment.

Criteria for determining if a product is compostable are defined by regional standards, including:

• ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 (United States)
• EN 13432 (European Union)
• AS 4736-2006 (Australia)

Composting and compostable materials play a key role in reducing landfill waste and supporting circular economy goals. In the plastics industry, compostability has become an increasingly important property for packaging, food service products and agricultural films, where controlled degradation and safe reintegration into the environment are desirable outcomes.