Do you already know the difference between recyclable, reusable, compostable and biodegradable?
What is recyclable?
Recyclable materials are all materials that can be reused if they have been sufficiently sorted. Think of certain types of paper, plastic and cardboard. The production of recycled materials requires less energy, carbon and raw materials, which has a positive impact on the environment. By recycling the end product, less waste ends up in landfills and this in turn means less damage to the environment!
What is reusable?
As the term indicates, reusable products are not recycled but reused. When products are reused, the use of disposable products decreases, which in turn means less waste in landfills. Furthermore, the use of carbon and raw materials will also decrease as fewer new products need to be manufactured. Finally, a large part of the reusable products can be recycled to produce new materials.
What is compostable?
Compostable material breaks down under specific conditions (at a certain temperature or within a certain time) during a human-driven process. It is basically a special type of biodegradation to dispose of all the waste. The end result of composting has a beneficial effect on the environment, as it can be used as fertilizer and thus improves soil conditions. In addition, it also reduces the damage you do to the environment.
What is biodegradable?
It is important to keep in mind that almost everything can break off and fall apart. Time is thus an important criterion to consider. Biodegradable products are able to degrade and decompose within one year, without human intervention and without causing damage to the environment. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and small insects feed on the waste and then convert it mainly into water, CO2 and methane.
In conclusion
When choosing sustainable packaging material, it is therefore important to keep these different terms apart. You need to consider for yourself which type of packaging is the best fit for your specific needs and your products. This way we can look together for the type of material that best suits your needs.