Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable: what are the differences?

Sustainability

Staff Cart-One 18/06/2026 0

The practice aimed at encouraging the sustainable use of recoverable materials is now increasingly widespread, focusing attention on respecting the Planet and adopting increasingly eco-sustainable practices.

Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable: what are the differences? In modern society, there is an increasing focus on the health of the Planet thanks to good daily practices related to the correct management of waste recycling, but also to the knowledge of certain terms that concern precisely these actions. Terms such as biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and non-recyclable materials are used. Having greater knowledge and awareness of these now commonly used terms means understanding what the real differences are in product disposal, in order to select and purchase objects, packaging, and materials knowing their disposal cycle in advance. So let's discover all the details.   Read also: “Environmental labeling in packaging: what Italian regulations say”  

What recyclable means

A recyclable material is a waste material that can be used again in production processes, such as glass, paper and cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and wood. In this regard, Directive 94/62/EC 17 recognizes the social and economic function of packaging. Packaging, in fact, must be designed to allow the recycling of at least a percentage of the materials used in compliance with European Community regulations, based on specific criteria concerning all stages of the packaging life, the so-called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the life cycle analysis that evaluates the environmental footprint of a product or service. In recent years, the percentage of recycled waste was recorded at 63% of national production; according to the 2021 Urban Waste Report, paper and cardboard account for 19.2% of the total. A figure that demonstrates how necessary it is to continue on this path, increasing the recovery of packaging as much as possible, making them more performing, reusable and, above all, recyclable.   “The term recyclable is constantly used to define materials and products without a defined and shared reference. But the recyclability of a product goes beyond being technically recyclable: consumers must have access to a collection and recycling system, a recycler must be able to treat the material, and an end market is needed for the regenerated materials”. (Steve Alexander, President of The Association of Plastic Recyclers)   The recycling of these materials has become possible only thanks to a correct and conscious waste separation operation, which allows these waste elements to be transformed into a resource, giving them new life, thus reducing materials that end up in landfills.  

Non-recyclable materials

This refers to dry waste, also called unsorted or residual dry waste, waste products that cannot be recycled in any way. On the contrary, they must be disposed of in landfills, in a waste-to-energy plant, or in a facility where refuse-derived fuel is produced. Non-recyclable dry waste includes, for example: diapers, sanitary pads, cotton swabs, cotton, plastic objects that are not packaging, objects composed of various materials that are not easily separable, cash receipts, ceramics, ballpoint pens, dirty paper, sponges, etc.  

What compostable means

A compostable material, after degrading, is transformed into compost, a substance rich in nutritional properties usually used as a fertilizer to enrich the soil. According to the UNI EN 13432 standard, a material is compostable if it is:

  • biodegradable;
  • disintegrable, meaning it consists of fragments smaller than 2 mm;
  • free of eco-toxic substances;
  • low in heavy metals and fluorinated compounds;
  • with pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium values below the established limits.

  Always according to European regulations, a product can carry the word “compostable” if it is biodegradable within just 3 months and if it passes ecotoxicity tests as proof that it cannot exert any negative effect on the environment. A classic example of compost is pruning waste and fruit and vegetable leftovers.  

What biodegradable means

Biodegradable is defined as waste consisting of materials that decompose thanks to the action of microorganisms and bacteria, sunlight, or other natural atmospheric agents. Degradation can occur under two different conditions:

  • Aerobic - in the presence of oxygen: the substance produced can be used as a fertilizer or substrate in agriculture and floriculture;
  • Anaerobic - in the absence of oxygen: the substance produced, in addition to agriculture, can be used as a gaseous fuel.

  A material can be defined as biodegradable if it is able to transform within six months; this means that what remains of the object must be able to be absorbed into the ground in the form of water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts, and other elements.  

Difference between compostable and biodegradable

From what has been said so far, it is clear that for waste to be defined as compostable, it must inevitably be biodegradable and, conversely, a biodegradable material is not necessarily compostable because, for example, it might not disintegrate sufficiently during a composting cycle. The main difference between the two types of material therefore lies in the degradation speed, but also in the complete non-toxicity and chemical composition: this means that what is compostable returns to the earth as a nutrient substance in the form of compost, while the biodegradable returns to nature in the form of mineral salts and other simple elements.  

Cart-One's eco-sustainable commitment

The main problem, until a few years ago, was the inability to dispose of packaging, containers, and other plastic objects made of non-recyclable materials, which therefore ended up in unsorted waste. Today, thanks to new circular economy models, it is possible to produce ecological, safe, and advantageous materials for the environment, health, and the economy. Cart-One, for example, has decided to invest more and more in sustainability and innovation, with great sensitivity towards environmental protection policies. Always a promoter and implementer of the circular economy, Cart-One has adopted the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, thanks to which production waste becomes a reel and then a box again. In the packaging universe, these actions translate into the use of clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design understood as a packaging design that pays maximum attention to raw material savings, and with the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing water, air, and soil impacts. ECOGRIP, for example, is the corrugated cardboard alternative to plastic shrink film, developed by the joint experience of the Paneuropean Alliance Blue Box Partners (BBP) of which Cart-One is a member. ECOGRIP eliminates the need to use a single-use plastic shrink wrap when transporting multiple bottles. It provides 100% biodegradable packaging, designed to fit any type of bottle on the market.   You might also be interested in: “Packaging Trends 2023: all the new packaging developments”   Cart-One produces and develops innovative corrugated cardboard packaging that meets the specific needs of every product sector, thanks to active collaboration with customers, but also to a flexible and efficient service with eco-sustainable projects and concrete examples of cost reduction. Contact us to receive all information.

You may also like...

seo 19/06/2026

Sustainable Marketing: What does it Mean?
More and more companies are changing their organizational setting in order to have a more respectful approach towards the environment. It is no coincidence, in fact, that in recent years there has been an increasing talk of "sustainable marketing". This new approach to the market is significant because it shows the clear willingness on the part of companies not only to create value for consumers and their partners, but also to bring benefits to the whole community through production that does not impact the environment. Therefore, corporate sustainability is selected in several areas: people: the company is committed to offer its employees working conditions that ensure their well-being and safety. community: the activity is committed to produce wealth for the entire community, including through the creation of a network with local companies. environment: reducing CO2 emissions to a minimum in order not to pay all the further pollution of air, water and soil, is the cardinal principle on which the concept of sustainable company is based. The basics of sustainable marketing Companies must offer their customers different consumption patterns. If in the past the corporate marketing operations focused on a cycle focused on the creation of a need, or on customer satisfaction through the act of consumption and the production of a waste derived from consumption itself, this perspective is now reversed precisely through theory a sustainable approach and a circular economy. Today, companies must not only satisfy customers, but direct them towards a critical consumption that will bring benefits - in the long run - on the whole community. In this sense, the company management system must comply with the provisions of current legislation. It must be taken into account that the sustainability criteria are not monolithic, but are listed on the basis of the technologies available to limit pollution and implement production processes; at the same time, they are also included according to social and environmental needs. Talking about sustainable marketing, means being able to put production processes, the resources employed and the constant training of its staff under the magnifying glass. The commitment of every business reality must focus on the production of collective, social and environmental benefits, the effects of which have an impact on the long term. These benefits must be concrete and measurable. CART-ONE's experience in the field of sustainability Starting from the concepts expressed so far, the CART-ONE experience is explanatory as regards the research and implementation of a sustainable production model. The main purpose of the activity is to combine multiple aspects including respect for the environment, the satisfaction of its partners and the creation of a quality product. By limiting production waste and thanks to recycling, not only are high quality products obtained, but at the same time it contributes to the protection of the environment in an active way. In addition to what has been said so far, the company operates using innovative clean technologies. In addition, the product design takes place exclusively through the design study aimed at saving raw materials and reducing waste.
Read more

Staff Cart-One 19/06/2026

How green packaging also \'sustains\' a company\'s economy
We have spoken several times about issues related to corporate sustainability and in particular about the role of green packaging as a resource optimization strategy, as well as an ethical choice for environmental protection. We can therefore state that green packaging is increasingly widespread among companies that aim to make their production processes and logistics chain more sustainable and compatible with new consumer needs and market demands. Green packaging: a strategy for optimizing company resources Using green packaging for your company's products helps optimize expenses and resources. A product born from a green supply chain is packaging created from recyclable raw materials. To learn more, read the article What is green packaging Recyclable raw materials, such as paper, allow costs to be amortized through a product that preserves quality and resistance in all its characteristics, while being more economically convenient at the same time. The production of green packaging also involves limiting production waste, which in the case of paper and cardboard can not only be optimized, but can simultaneously be recycled to become a reel again. This virtuous production cycle translates into a saving opportunity for companies that need packaging for their products. Choosing eco-friendly packaging can impact the entire supply chain, in addition to improving the company-environment relationship. In fact, green packaging is designed to reduce volumes, which translates into a reduction in loading space and a higher concentration of transport, thereby limiting CO2 emissions more decisively. At the same time, it is possible to make your product more competitive on the market and boost brand awareness. Green packaging as a marketing lever As we have pointed out several times, packaging plays a fundamental role in the customer engagement and loyalty process. Modern consumers are not just interested in packaging being beautiful, but also in it being easily identifiable and recyclable. In this sense, pure cardboard packaging is preferred over multi-material laminates precisely because the packaging is not always easy and intuitive to separate. Furthermore, in terms of engaging your audience, packaging can also be used to create a new experience. Imaginative designers have created packaging capable of transforming after opening, becoming a useful and stylish design object. In other cases, boxes can be used to run contests highlighting creative uses, continuing that loyalty journey. The product destined for its end-of-life after fulfilling its function, however, must feature clear and precise indications on recycling methods for an error-free separate collection. CART-ONE's commitment to creating green packaging For years, CART-ONE has been promoting a policy regarding the creation of sustainable packaging with the aim of implementing the principles of a circular economy, as demonstrated by the latest project the company has joined. We are talking about Ecogrip, the ecological and corrugated cardboard solution developed by the Pan-European Blue Box Partners (BBP) Alliance, of which Cart-One is a member, to offer an alternative to shrink film, thereby limiting the use of plastic packaging that is not recycled. CART-ONE is always at work to provide its partners with sustainable and high-quality packaging solutions and customized displays. Turn to our company to get more information about our creations and how we can support your business: contact us.
Read more

Staff Cart-One 18/06/2026

Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates
The environmental impact of packaging has become an increasingly significant issue in the current context, where the production and consumption of goods are constantly rising. Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates. Europe has recognized the need to address this challenge and has adopted several measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging. In this article, we will explore the main initiatives and policies of the European Union (EU) to tackle this issue and promote sustainable solutions. Read also: “Packaging labeling: mandatory since January 1, 2023” Greater sustainability for packaging in Europe Europe is firmly tackling the challenge of reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Through a series of policies and initiatives, the EU is focusing on waste prevention, recycling, reducing single-use plastic, promoting the circular economy, and consumer awareness. These measures aim to create a more sustainable packaging system that minimizes environmental impact, fosters resource efficiency, and drives the transition toward a greener economy. It is vital for consumers, businesses, and institutions to work together to adopt sustainable behaviors and solutions, contributing to a better future for our planet. The proposed EU regulation On November 30, 2022, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation establishing new rules on packaging and packaging waste in the EU. The proposal will apply to all packaging of any material placed on the Union market. The subsequent regulation will repeal the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, becoming directly applicable in all EU Member States without needing to be transposed into local legislation. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The European Commission's initiative was introduced concurrently with the release of the packaging labeling guidelines issued by the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition. The introduction of mandatory labeling from January 1, 2023 primarily aims to facilitate collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling of packaging, providing consumers with accurate information on its final disposal. Objectives and proposals for the EU market The general objective of the legislative proposal is to reduce the negative environmental impacts of packaging and packaging waste. Specifically, the proposal aims to: reduce the production of packaging waste; promote a circular economy for packaging in a cost-effective manner; foster the uptake of recycled content within packaging. The proposal introduces new rules regarding packaging placed on the EU market, specifically: Recyclability: all packaging placed on the market must be recyclable. Packaging recyclability will be measured on a scale from A to E, where E corresponds to non-recyclable packaging, which will consequently be banned from the market; Reusability: all packaging placed on the market must be designed and used in a way that allows it to be reused as many times as possible. Economic operators placing reusable packaging on the market must ensure the existence of a reuse system for such packaging. Furthermore, certain single-use packaging will be explicitly banned (for example, single-use packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as miniature single-use packaging like shampoo bottles); Dimensions: every packaging unit must be reduced to the minimum necessary dimensions in terms of weight and volume. It must be ensured that the empty space ratio does not exceed 40% of the total packaging volume; Use of recycled content: the plastic parts of packaging must contain a specific percentage of recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste for each packaging unit. In addition, regarding the first two points (recyclability and reusability), it will become mandatory to display: harmonized symbols across Europe on bins and packaging to indicate sorting, as well as on packaging to show reusability. This includes the obligation to add, by January 1, 2028, labels that allow for the separate collection of each material; QR codes to be added to packaging to provide consumers with more information on the reusability of the product's packaging and to indicate recycling collection points. Find out more: “Recycled paper and recyclable paper: the differences between the two processes”
Read more

Cerca...