What Does “Biodegradable” Really Mean and How Are Products Measured?
Many companies manufacture goods to help the environment and advertise to consumers. You may hear buzzwords in commercials like sustainable, eco-friendly and green. Some brands say their products are biodegradable and good for the planet, but what does this word mean?
Advertising teams must be careful when using this term because it could lead to trouble. Here’s more on biodegradability in marketing and how regulators test products.
What Does Biodegradable Really Mean?
Biodegradability is how something decomposes biologically and returns to basic substances, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4). You’ll know if a product is biodegradable if organic matter — such as fungi and bacteria — breaks down the material and helps the soil absorb it. Everyday items like fruits and vegetables are easily biodegradable. Other objects in your house might have trouble breaking down.
An item is less biodegradable if it has synthetic materials in its composition, thus making biological breakdown more challenging. For example, plastic products take much longer to decompose because they contain polymers with strong bonds, meaning the enzymes have a harder time decomposing. Scientists say plastic requires hundreds of years to degrade at the cost of the environment through harmful chemical releases.
What Biodegradable Criteria Must Products Meet?
Companies can’t simply say their products are biodegradable — they must meet standards or risk investigations and fines. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs advertising and what marketers can legally say. FTC guidelines say you can’t make broad and unqualified claims about environmental benefits, such as eco-friendly and green.
The FTC says companies can only use the term biodegradable if they prove their products meet criteria. These standards require the item to break down entirely and return to nature within one year. If you need more than 365 days, you can’t use biodegradable in your advertisements. The FTC says you shouldn’t use this claim if your goods are destined for a landfill or an incinerator because they won’t degrade within a year.
Do Companies Get in Trouble for Biodegradable Claims?
Regulators have cracked down on marketers and their greenwashing claims. Some companies have touted their sustainable brands and production methods only to find they have misled customers. For example, Keurig faced a $3 million penalty for misleading statements about their single-use pods. The company said you could recycle the K-Cups, but most recycling centers wouldn’t take them.
Biodegradability is another concern for the FTC, as it has previously taken large companies to court. In 2009, the FTC charged Kmart, Tender and Dyna-E for making false claims about the biodegradability of paper products. These items included moist wipes, dry towels and disposable plates. The three companies ultimately settled, with the FTC saying they cannot use biodegradability to describe their products unless they have evidence.
What Materials Are Biodegradable?
Shopping for sustainability is critical to ensure your carbon footprint isn’t high. Here are five materials you can rely on for biodegradability.
1. Bamboo
Bamboo has become popular across industries — including construction, paper and textiles — because of its environmental friendliness. These plants are abundant worldwide and grow rapidly, making them a reliable resource. Fortunately, bamboo is biodegradable because it’s natural and easy for organic matter to decompose. Bamboo products make a solid alternative for everyday items like toothbrushes and straws.
2. Paper
Paper is another biodegradable resource people worldwide use daily. This material comes from trees, but you may also see it from dandelions, milkweed, lilies and other plants. Regardless of the source, paper has excellent biodegradability because of its natural fibers. It consists primarily of cellulose, which organic matter can break down with little trouble. This advantage helps pizza companies because their boxes are biodegradable.
3. Hemp
Hemp is another popular material in many industries because of its versatility and ecological benefits. Its biodegradability makes recycling and composting in your backyard easier than other materials. Like paper, hemp also contains cellulose in its constitution to ease the degrading process. Scientists say hemp can be a viable alternative to plastic as a more environmentally friendly option.
4. Cotton
Cotton stands out as a more sustainable option in a world where people gravitate toward fast fashion. This material is biodegradable because of the cellulose found in cotton plants. Organic matter consumes cotton when you dispose of it, helping it return to natural substances. This biodegradability makes it superior to polyester and other synthetic materials. The only caveat with cotton clothing is the chemicals used to dye shirts and pants.
5. Cork
Wine enthusiasts can rejoice because their corks are biodegradable. Besides fancy bottles of Champagne, you see cork in sandals, furniture, tile, decorations and other products. Biodegradability puts cork over the top because it quickly rejoins the Earth once users are done with it. Cork comes from oak trees, making it strong and reliable in many uses. Despite its strength, cellulose means it breaks down easily with minimal toxins.
What Products Are Less Biodegradable?
While some products shine with biodegradability, other household items don’t fare as well with this environmental standard. Organic matter has a much harder time decomposing these four products.
1. Soda Cans
A can of cola may taste refreshing, but its environmental effects are less enticing. Soda cans consist of aluminum — a non-biodegradable material. Aluminum will break down once you throw it away, but it starts to corrode and undergo surface changes. Your typical soda can doesn’t contain cellulose or carbon that organic matter can break down. While not biodegradable, you can take them to your local recycling center.
2. Plastic Straws
Single-use plastics have come under the microscope as some countries have prohibited restaurants from using them. The plastic straws you get from a fast food establishment might not seem harmful. However, they are not biodegradable and don’t break down in landfills because they contain synthetic polymers. Fortunately, researchers have developed biodegradable straws to make drinking easier.
3. Coffee Cups
Your morning commute may include stopping by a coffee shop for a cup of joe. While the cups may contain paper, they could have a plastic lining in the lid. Companies use plastic to make their containers waterproof, but this prevents them from being biodegradable. This means you should use reusable versions whenever possible.
4. Batteries
Gaming controllers, TV remotes and toys require batteries that are not biodegradable. While rechargeable options are available, neither will decompose naturally. These energy storage devices contain metals like lead, lithium, silver and nickel that organic matter won’t break down. Corroded batteries become a liability to the environment because of their chemical leaks.
Emphasizing Biodegradability for the Environment
Environmentally friendly products appeal to consumers because they supposedly help the planet. However, a closer look may tell a different story about biodegradability and its long-term effects on the Earth. Marketers must comply with FTC guidelines on this term or face the consequences.
