Understanding Australian compostability standards

In this article we’ll answer the following questions:

• What does compostable mean?
• What does biodegradable mean?
• What do the Australian compostability standards mean?

Biodegradable vs compostable

When it comes to packaging there’s a difference between a product that is ‘biodegradable’ and one that is ‘compostable’. Some products are also certified with Australian Standards numbers, which provide important information about how to dispose of the packaging safely. So let’s get into the differences.

What does Biodegradable mean?

We tend to think that if an item is labelled, biodegradable it is ‘safe’ for the environment, but this isn’t necessarily the case. An item that is biodegradable is simply anything that can be broken down by naturally occurring micro organisms, like bacteria and fungi. Something that is biodegradable may take a few weeks to a few months to break down, or it may take hundreds of years.

An item that is biodegradable may also in the process of breaking down leave chemicals or materials in the environment that are harmful. So if a label says it is ‘biodegradable’, it doesn’t necessarily indicate it is environmentally friendly, and it can be misleading.

What does compostable mean?

A material that is compostable breaks down under particular temperature, oxygen and water requirements in a composting environment. When an item is compostable, the end product of composting is clean, organic compost that is beneficial for the soil.

If a label on packaging says it is ‘compostable’, this means under the right composting circumstances it will completely break down into a clean, organic end product. This is great for the environment, because it doesn’t add to landfill, or emit toxic chemicals or pollution.

Compost systems vary, however. Some materials can be composted in a regular home compost or worm farm, while other materials must be composted commercially. Commercial composting facilities work by heating to a very high temperature (50 degrees celsius or higher). It is important to understand that materials that require commercial composting cannot be composted in a regular home compost.

What do the Australian compostability standards mean?

There are different compostability standards that help to determine whether an item is suitable for a commercial or home compost. There are two numbers that are important: AS4736 and AS5810.

If an item carries one of these numbers it indicates that the materials have been tested and certified as containing properties that meet with Australian standards. Australian compost Standards tell you the composting method that is required.

AS4736

If a package carries the Australian Standards code AS4736, it is compostable in a commercial composting facility. It cannot be composted in a home compost or worm farm.

AS5810

If a package carries the Australian Standards code AS5810 it means it has been tested and certified by Australian standards to be able to go in a home compost or worm farm.

Conclusion

In Australia, 20 million tonnes of rubbish goes to landfill each year. Compostable packaging for takeaway coffee and food helps to reduce the amount of rubbish and plastics going to landfill, getting into our waterways and our food chain. It is important that we all understand the labels on packaging, so we can make informed, conscious decisions about how we consume and dispose of our waste.

If you want to know more about compostable food containers, talk to us at Pak360. We supply restaurants and cafes with a huge range of takeaway containers. All our containers are compostable and we offer a container pick up service for our clients for composting.