Discover the Difference

Biodegradable vs. Compostable

You may have seen the words “biodegradable” and “compostable” used on different products. While they sound similar, there is an important difference.

Biodegradable means that microorganisms can break a material down over time. However, the term alone doesn't tell you how quickly it will break down, where it will break down, what conditions are required, or what remains after the process.

Depending on the material and environment, biodegradation can take a long time. A biodegradable product may also not break down completely into usable compost. That's why simply seeing the word “biodegradable” isn't always enough. We believe customers deserve to know more about how a product breaks down and what happens afterward.

Compostable is more specific. A properly certified compostable product is designed to break down under defined composting conditions and is evaluated against standards for disintegration, biodegradation, and the quality of the resulting compost.

How Long Does It Take?

One of the questions we hear most is, “How long does a LqdCo bag take to break down?” The answer depends on where and how the bag is composted.

Our TÜV OK compost INDUSTRIAL certified bags are tested to break down under specified industrial composting conditions. The certification requires the material to reach at least 90% breakdown within a maximum of 6 months, with disintegration tested over 12 weeks.

Our TÜV OK compost HOME certified bags are designed for the different conditions found in home composting. Because home compost piles are generally cooler and less controlled, the process can take longer. The certification allows up to 12 months for 90% breakdown, with disintegration evaluated over up to 6 months under the specified testing conditions.

Why Does the Time Vary?

Composting is a natural process, and every composting environment is different. Temperature, moisture, microorganisms, airflow, and other conditions can all affect how quickly a bag breaks down.

The timeframes above are based on TÜV certification testing requirements under controlled conditions. They are not a promise that every bag will completely disappear in exactly the same amount of time in every composting environment.

What matters to us is that our bags are tested and certified to recognized compostability standards, giving you more information about how they're designed to break down.

Our bags are designed to provide the strength, reliability, and convenience you expect from an everyday bag, while offering a more thoughtful alternative to conventional plastic.

We're working to rethink something as simple as a bag—and make a better choice possible.

Renewable materials. Recognized certifications. Reliable performance. Better choices for everyday life.