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The internet has an endless stream of confusing definitions regarding the differences between what’s biodegradable vs. compostable, from bloggers and scientists alike. But we appreciate this easy-to-digest version from Popsugar.com which sums it up nicely.
“While biodegradable items refer to any material that breaks down and decomposes in the environment, compostable goods are organic matter that breaks down to become a pile of nutrient-rich soil.”
So yes, what’s compostable is also biodegradable. But what’s biodegradable is NOT always compostable. Read more here.
No. Biodegrading is a naturally occurring process, but when products are sealed in a plastic garbage bag, it drastically slows down the aerobic process and negatively clogs up landfills. An aerobic process uses oxygen to help other living organisms (such as fungi, bacteria or other microbes) quickly break down materials. Read more here.
The exact duration of time will vary depending on your individual environmental conditions. Generally, our fiber products will biodegrade in less than a year’s time. Our fiber products can also be safely included with your local municipalities paper recycling program.
There’s no disputing that biodegradable packaging products are a better choice for sustainability. Below we compare fiber and styrofoam applications:
Manufacturing:
Fiber: produced in a closed-loop water recycling facility, thereby eliminating wastewater discharge and lowering energy use. Fully customizable.
Styrofoam: produced using a mixture of petroleum-based polystyrene and a gasoline agent which requires high heat and energy use. Fully customizable.
Environment:
Fiber: fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Styrofoam: will never biodegrade, adding to harmful waste in landfills.
Shipping and Storage:
Fiber: stacks together to save on storage space; durable; denests easily; lightweight.
Styrofoam: doesn’t stack together well requiring more storage space; easily breakable; the material composition makes it difficult to denest; lightweight.
Protection:
Fiber: our unique ribbed design dampens vibration and absorbs impact; cleaner and static free.
Styrofoam: dampens vibration and absorbs impact (as long as it stays intact during packaging); requires treatment with an anti-static chemical.
Price:
Fiber: because the material costs are often stable, the higher upfront expense often yields a lower overall cost.
Styrofoam: with prices tied to fluctuating oil trade, the cost is often unstable.
Recycled paper products (like uncirculated newspapers) and water form the basis of the slurry mixture, which is mixed together with a “pulp beater” in giant tanks before adding a binding agent for rigidity and fungicide to prevent any mold from forming should they get wet in storage or transportation.
Molds are created to help re-form the slurry mixture back into a solid state to suit the parameters of your unique project. Large ovens help remove any and all moisture from the form for incredible durability and strength regardless of application. Read more here.
Not at this time. The components of our fiber slurry, and the final fiber products themselves, have not gone through the certification process set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under their food safety guidelines.
Not at this time due to the uneven finish created during the final molding process.
Please reach out to our Fiber Sales Manager directly for product samples or additional specifications.
Jamey Schiesswohl
Fiber Sales Manager
Tel: 330.487.0230 Ext. 3731
Cell: 440.309.8925
[email protected]
All of our sustainable fiber solutions are manufactured exclusively at our facility in Burlington, Canada. Our long-standing partner relationships with trusted freight companies means we can ship your orders anywhere in North America quickly and economically to meet your demands.
Our Customer Service Team is available from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday Eastern Standard Time. You can call them during regular business hours at 800-225-7712 or send them an email ([email protected]) and they will return your message as soon as they return to the office.