Why Choose Compostable Products?
Helping to reduce plastic waste is a lot easier than you’d think. In fact, simply changing a few everyday habits can have a big impact over time.
Let’s start in your kitchen!
We all use paper or plastic plates, bowls, cups and plastic utensils. Choosing to buy and use certified compostable products can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Many disposable products are already certified compostable and may already be in your home.
So - what makes a product compostable?
“Compostable” is a subcategory of biodegradable, meaning compostable products are also biodegradable. The primary differences are that, to be considered compostable, products must:
- Break down naturally within a specific timeframe
- Biodegrade under specific aerobic environmental conditions
- Result in compost, which is a nutrient-rich soil that can serve as plant fertilizer
So - why buy and use certified compostable products?
Buy products that have official compostable certifications from either the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or TUV Austria. Both certify products for commercial or home compostability. Match the certification to your composting method; if you are composting at home, choose a product that is home certified, if commercial or industrial composting is available in your area, select the matching certification. This will ensure that your product is really compostable.
But how do I know it’s really compostable?
TUV Austria and BPI are globally recognized independent companies that ensure the products they certify break down safely. Products undergo rigorous lab testing by accredited labs to confirm they disintegrate within a specific time and leave nothing behind but nutrient-rich compost.
So - how do I get started using certified compostable products?
Purchase certified compostable plates, bowls, and cups that match your disposal method, home or commercial compostable, and use these as you normally would and dispose of properly. Perfect for everyday use, parties and special events, or a family barbeque, compostable products help make celebrating easy and help reduce waste.
Sources: BPI Certified Compostable, U.S. Composting Council, Elevate Packaging July 2023,
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