What is the difference between biodegradable and recyclable?
Sustainability is a central topic in the packaging industry, yet terms like "biodegradable" and "recyclable" are often misunderstood or misused.
In the world of sustainable packaging, terms such as “biodegradable” and “recyclable” are often used interchangeably, although they are fundamentally different. At SUPASO, we make a point of explaining these differences and using the best materials for our eco-friendly packaging.
What does “biodegradable” mean?
Packaging is biodegradable if it can decompose into harmless components such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass through natural processes such as the use of microorganisms. This process often takes place under certain conditions, such as composting or prolonged exposure to moisture. Examples of biodegradable materials are
Plant-based plastics
Sheep's wool
Corn starch-based films
Advantages:
Leave no harmful residues
Suitable for composting plants
Ideal for short-term disposable packaging
Disadvantages:
Often reliant on special disposal
Not always suitable for industrial recycling loops
What does “recyclable” mean?
Recyclable materials can be reprocessed after use and returned to the production cycle to make new products. SUPASO uses 99% recycled materials such as waste paper and cardboard. These can be easily processed in existing recycling loops and offer a long-term solution.
Advantages:
Reduces waste and resource consumption
Supports the circular economy
Suitable for many product types, from packaging to building materials
Disadvantages:
Requires well-functioning recycling infrastructure
Some composites are more difficult to recycle
Biodegradable vs. recyclable - which is better?
It depends on the application:
For single-use products: Biodegradable materials are ideal when there is no recycling infrastructure in place.
For long-term efficiency: Recyclable materials are the better choice to promote a closed loop.
SUPASO combines the best of both worlds. Our packaging is predominantly made from recycled waste paper, but is also designed to be environmentally friendly through its structure. This not only enables efficient recycling, but also offers environmentally friendly disposal.
Focus on sustainability
Our packaging solutions use recycled materials that are certified climate-neutral and fully recyclable. This makes them the ideal choice for companies that focus on sustainability while expecting maximum efficiency and performance.
Making the right decision together
Whether biodegradable or recyclable, both concepts contribute to a more sustainable future. At SUPASO, we help you find the best solution for your individual requirements.
👉 Find out more and contact SUPASO now!