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Biodegradable
Definition
Biodegradable — Capable of being broken down by microorganisms into natural substances — but conditions and timeframes vary widely.
1 min
Read time
Shopping term
Label type
3
Key points
At a glance
Biodegradable means a material can be decomposed by living organisms (bacteria, fungi) into water, carbon dioxide, biomass and other natural substances.
For the term to be meaningful, look for a third-party standard with a defined timeframe and environment: ASTM D6400 / EN 13432 (industrial compostable), ASTM D6868 (paper coatings), or OK Compost HOME (home compostable).
Note: compostable plastics often do NOT biodegrade in home compost or marine environments.
Biodegradable means a material can be decomposed by living organisms (bacteria, fungi) into water, carbon dioxide, biomass and other natural substances. The term is widely abused: nearly anything will biodegrade eventually under the right conditions.
For the term to be meaningful, look for a third-party standard with a defined timeframe and environment: ASTM D6400 / EN 13432 (industrial compostable), ASTM D6868 (paper coatings), or OK Compost HOME (home compostable). "Biodegradable" with no standard cited is marketing.
Note: compostable plastics often do NOT biodegrade in home compost or marine environments. Check the actual certification, not the leaf icon.
How to check this before you buy
1Look for "Biodegradable" on the pack or the Amazon UK listing itself, not just in the brand's marketing.
2Ask whether the claim is backed by a named standard or independent body, or is just a description.
3Check whether the claim covers the exact product and size you're buying, not only the wider brand.
4Compare at least two alternatives on Pickly before deciding.