Biodegradable plastics officially recognized

The following types of bioplastics are officially classified as biodegradable

• Bio-based plastics – polymers made from plant resources (e.g., starch) instead of fossil fuels. These degrade under biological, chemical, or physical processes mediated by fungi and bacteria, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, not all bio-based plastics are biodegradable.
  

• Compostable plastics – made from both biological and mineral sources. Depending on the composition, they either mineralize or simply fragment into smaller parts.
  

The key distinction lies in that plant-based biodegradable plastics can integrate into the food chain and transform into nutrient-rich soil, while polyethylene with oxo-biodegradable additives merely breaks into smaller, often invisible toxic particles.
 

Essential Factors for Polymer Biodegradation

1. The polymer (e.g., eco-friendly bag).

2. Suitable environmental conditions in compost, enabling penetration of fermenting agents (water, oxygen, bacteria, etc.) to the plastic molecules.

3. Microorganisms selectively acting on the polymers.
   
   

European “Compostable” Certification Mark

Different bioplastics require varying composting conditions

• OK compost HOME – Suitable for home composting in a pit, barrel, or special composter (container) that can even be placed on a city apartment balcony. Examples of standards:

• Europe: prEN 17427 (2020)

• France: NF T 51800 (2015)

• Australia: AS 5810 (2010)

• OK compost INDUSTRIAL – Designed for industrial composting under controlled conditions. Examples of standards:

  • Europe: EN 13432:2000

  • International: ASTM D6400-12, ISO 17088

Both types of plastics can yield nutrient-rich compost, but home composting requires minimal effort, whereas industrial composting involves specialized facilities.