Nappies are biodegradable! What does biodegradable actually mean?

Yes, you heard it here first, nappies are biodegradable, just not in the sense that most people would hope.

It’s fair to say when people hear that something is biodegradable, they believe it will break down in a short amount of time - leaving little to no negative trace elements in the environment. In reality that isn’t the scientific meaning of biodegradable.

In reaction to the impact plastics are having on our environment, an increasing number of brands are putting an end to the criticism over excess packaging with the introduction of biodegradable packaging.

However, the definition of biodegradable products is open to misinterpretation and even misrepresentation.

Even a simple Google search to identify what to do with biodegradable packaging will give a variety of conflicting answers and often show results about composting which is a different process and packaging option.

I’ve taken an in-depth look at both biodegradable and compostable labelling, so you don’t need to. In this post and my subsequent post on packaging labels, I will explain what I found out and what it means for consumers. In this first post, I will look at biodegradable items and the discovery that actually, they aren’t that green.

If nothing else - the key points about biodegradable packaging:

• Biodegradable packaging is not recyclable – put it into general waste

• Ditch single-use items and choose reusable alternatives 

• Biodegradable doesn’t mean no negative environmental impact

• Compostable is different from biodegradable

What does biodegradable mean?

Something that is ‘biodegradable’ is broken down through a biological process (from bacteria or other living organisms), over any period of time.

The problem with such a broad definition is that it can easily be misinterpreted. So when I say that all nappies are biodegradable, I am 100% correct. However, they will do it in between 200-500 years. Even ‘biodegradable’ self-styled eco nappies can take 50 years to biodegrade, which is a lot more than you anticipate when you read biodegradable on the label, but a lot better than a standard disposable nappy

There are no standards for biodegradable labelling, compared to compostable labels which are highly regulated (read on to find out more). This means that anyone can mark an item as biodegradable. As the Ellen McArthur Foundation has stated - “today’s biodegradable plastics do not measure up” to their ambitions, and they do not meet people’s expectations of what a biodegradable product should do.  

A further cause for concern is that biodegradable packaging can cause our environment harm. As reported by the UK Government when reviewing standards for biodegradable plastics – when they break down, micro-plastics and toxic residue can be left behind.

Common and incorrect assumptions about biodegradable plastic:

• Biodegradable means it will break down in a short amount of time – NO

• Biodegradable means it will break down into environmentally neutral elements – NO

• Biodegradable products will not leave behind toxic contaminants – NO  

• Biodegradable is a regulated claim on packaging – NO

What do I look out for when looking at biodegradable packaging?

Any reputable company using the term ‘biodegradable’ should readily disclose information on the biodegradability of their products, including:

• Product composition

• The timeframe for break down

• Conditions required to achieve break down

• Will it break down into non-toxic and microplastic free elements

How do I dispose of biodegradable packaging?

Biodegradable plastics can’t be recycled with standard plastics.  They should be put in with your general waste.

In many local authorities, biodegradable plastic labels go to landfill, and whilst they will breakdown more rapidly than standard plastics there is still a chance that some will leave toxic residues, and they will still contribute to powerful greenhouse gasses such as methane.

So are they good or bad?

As Rethink Plastic Alliance states - biodegradable (and compostable) packaging should not be an excuse to keep consuming excessive amounts of single-use plastics.  

The priority should always be to reduce the amount of plastic being used in the first place. Followed by reuse and recycling before considering an alternative form of plastic. The building blocks of a circular economy* must be to reduce, reuse and recycle. Rather than substituting conventional plastics with alternative materials. The emphasis should remain on plastic prevention, not plastic replacement.

Whilst on the surface it would seem that biodegradable plastics aren’t ‘all that’ there are other reasons to opt for biodegradable options. If a company is trying to do the right thing by implementing biodegradable packaging, they are undoubtedly making other beneficial changes. An eco-minded company will have better credentials when looking at wider company environmental impact, animal testing, workers’ rights and community support. So, whilst biodegradable packaging may not be all it’s made out to seem, it’s much better to support companies who are trying compared to those who aren’t!