Recyclable, compostable and biodegradable describe different behaviours and systems. None of the terms should be transferred from a resin, coating or similar product to the complete pack without checking the exact construction, test basis, component scope and available treatment route. The disposal instruction must match what users can realistically do in the intended market.
Keep the three questions separate
| Term | Evidence question | Route question |
|---|---|---|
| Recyclable | Can the exact complete pack be collected, sorted and reprocessed through the assessed system? | Which current household, business or specialist collection route applies? |
| Compostable | Which recognised test or certification applies, under which conditions, and to which components? | Is the required industrial or home-composting route actually available and appropriate? |
| Biodegradable | What material, environment, time, conditions, method and end products are covered? | Where is the pack intended to go after use, and does that route accept it? |
What is the practical difference between recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging?
Recyclable packaging is assessed for a recycling system; compostable packaging is assessed for defined composting conditions; biodegradable describes breakdown under stated conditions. These are not interchangeable claims.
A complete pack may include closures, labels, barriers or adhesives that change the result. Record the exact scope and do not infer the disposal route from a logo, colour or material description alone.
Can compostable packaging go in plastic recycling?
Compostable plastic should not be assumed suitable for conventional plastic recycling. It is designed for a different treatment route and can be a contaminant where that route does not accept it. The pack should carry only disposal wording supported by the current collection and treatment context.
Check the intended market and the applicable on-pack guidance before approving artwork. A technically compostable material without an accessible route may not deliver the expected outcome.
Does a biodegradable claim say where or how quickly the pack breaks down?
No. The word “biodegradable” on its own does not define the environment, timescale, test method or resulting residues. Ask the supplier for the exact material and complete-product scope, conditions, duration, test standard and report.
Customer wording should be no broader than that evidence and should not imply that littering, ordinary recycling or uncontrolled disposal is acceptable.
What evidence is needed before describing packaging as compostable?
Obtain current evidence for the exact product and all components in the claim. Check the issuer, recognised test or certification scheme, industrial or home conditions, sample construction, inks and adhesives, issue date, manufacturing site and any preparation step.
A certificate for raw film or one component does not automatically cover a printed pouch, closure, label or finished article.
When can compostable packaging be a practical option?
Compostable packaging can be practical where the pack function is met and a clear, controlled collection and treatment route exists. The use case should reduce confusion rather than create it, and the product, pack and residues must be acceptable to the intended system.
Confirm performance on the filling or packing line as well as the environmental claim. Compostability evidence does not prove seal strength, barrier, shelf life or machinery compatibility.
Claim approval checklist
- Identify the complete product and every component in scope.
- Keep the certificate or test report, issue date and exact wording supported.
- Confirm the target market and available collection or treatment route.
- Test the pack for product protection and production performance separately.
- Review artwork when the component, supplier, route or official guidance changes.
Authoritative references
These sources are starting points for the applicable UK requirement or disposal context. The current version, territorial scope and exact packaging application should be checked when a decision is approved.
- Recycle Now: recycling symbols and compostable packaging context
- UK Government: Green Claims Code guidance
- UK Government: recyclability assessment methodology