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Biodegradable and Compostable –
What Does that Mean?
Many products contain raw materials of natural origin. But what exactly does it mean when a material is biodegradable or compostable?
These terms describe natural degradation processes. However, they are subject to certain conditions and are not synonymous with a general disposal recommendation.
Forests and Renewable Resources
Forests are complex ecosystems. Plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms interact constantly within them. Organic materials are gradually broken down through natural processes, and their components can once again become part of natural cycles.
Wood is a natural, renewable raw material. Wood consists of a natural polymer composite that can be broken down by specialized organisms as part of nature’s cycle. In this process, its components can be converted into basic elements such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water. The durability of wood, particularly due to lignin, can delay this process.
Source: Fengel, D. & Wegener, G. (1984 / Nachdruck 2003): Wood: Chemistry, Ultrastructure, Reactions.
Wood Fibers as a Raw Material
Wood can be processed in various ways, such as into wood fibers. This background page explains the general aspects of this raw material and its biological degradation processes.
The properties and characteristics specific to individual products are explained on the respective product pages.
What Does "Biodegradable" Mean?
Biodegradability refers to the ability of organic materials to be broken down by microorganisms and natural processes under suitable conditions.
How quickly and to what extent this occurs depends, among other things, on moisture, temperature, oxygen, time, and the properties of the material. “Biodegradable” therefore does not mean that a material behaves the same way immediately or under all conditions.
What Does "Compostable" Mean?
Composting is a biological process in which organic materials are broken down by microorganisms under suitable conditions. Air supply, moisture, temperature, and the composition of the compost all play a role in this process.
Compostability thus describes a material property under specific conditions. It should not automatically be equated with a general disposal recommendation.
Home Composting and Industrial Composting
In home or garden compost, temperature, moisture, and air supply can fluctuate. As a result, decomposition can vary and is often slower.
Industrial composting facilities can operate at consistently high temperatures. Temperatures above 60 °C are cited as a general guideline. Garden compost lacks such consistently high temperatures; wood decomposition therefore proceeds much more slowly and is primarily driven by fungi.
For garden composting, it is recommended to mix woody material with nitrogen-rich, green yard waste and to ensure sufficient moisture. Horn meal or manure are cited as possible accelerators. Dry conditions can inhibit the activity of wood-decomposing fungi.
The NF T 51-800 (2015) standard (which was actually written for plastics) describes the reference method for horticultural composting: It requires at least 85% degradation within 12 months at room temperature. Untreated wood in the form of thin chips or sawdust easily meets these criteria, unlike solid pieces.
See also:
- Götte, R. (2019): Composting in the Garden: Biological Principles and a Practical Handbook. Ulmer Verlag.
- Joergensen, R. G. (2015): Organic Farming: “Material Dynamics in the Composting of Wood-Rich Substrates.”
- Thomé-Kozmiensky, K. J. & Beckmann, M. (Eds.) (2015): Handbook of Composting: Volume 4 – Biological Waste Management. TK Verlag.
- NF T 51-800 (2015): Plastics – Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting;
Disposal:
Local Regulations Apply
Disposal requirements for organic materials may vary from one municipality to another. Depending on local regulations, disposal may be designated for the organic waste bin, general waste, or other disposal methods.
A statement regarding biodegradability or compostability
therefore does not replace regional disposal guidelines. The guidelines issued by the responsible municipal waste management authority always apply to specific disposal procedures.
Natural
Material Cycle
Natural raw materials and biological degradation processes are part of a material cycle. Wood is a natural polymer composite that can be broken down by specialized organisms after the tree dies. In this process, the organic components are gradually converted; lignin can delay this degradation.
Source: Fengel, D. & Wegener, G. (1984 / Nachdruck 2003): Wood: Chemistry, Ultrastructure, Reactions.