What do 'Compostable' & 'Biodegradable' mean?

In many ways 'compostable' and 'biodegradable' mean pretty much the same thing - they both refer to products that will break down naturally over time when left in the environment. This is nature's way of recycling. Because our GreenBottle is made from paper it will eventually disappear when disposed of on your compost heap - just like your food waste.

Compostable

'Compostable' refers to materials which, when left alone in the environment will break down naturally with their constituent parts returning to the soil.

Compost is usually made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peel into a pile or compost bin and letting them decompose. As a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms all the materials break down leaving a wonderful soil for your garden. Composting waste is probably the 'greenest' way to dispose of it.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable waste is a type of waste typically originating from plant or animal sources, which may be broken down by other living organisms.

Biodegradable waste can be commonly found in solid waste such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics. So materials that, when left to themselves, will be decomposed by natural processes are called 'biodegradable'.