Can bioplastic products be composted?

Yes, our bioplastic products can be commercially composted. They are unlikely to compost in home composts as they need the controlled conditions (humidity, aeration, temperature) of aerobic composting for quick and safe compost production.

During the process the organic matter, including biodegradable and compostable plastic products, are converted to CO2, water and biomass. Biodegradable and compostable plastics can only play a minor role in the biowaste stream. Organic food and plant matter still form the largest part of the compost's 'diet'. The resulting compost is used as a soil improver and can in part also replace mineral fertilizers.

Very short composting cycles may not be sufficient to enable a full disintegration. However, leftover scraps (usually Lignocellulosics) in composting plants are sifted out and added to the next fresh compost batch where they fully disintegrate and biodegrade into compost. The same is expected of plastic residues in case of incomplete disintegration during the first cycle.

Bioplastics do not decrease the quality of the compost created. All BioPak's compostable products have been certified to to EN 13432 or EN 14995 standard for composting in industrial composting plants. They are fully tested (inks, glues etc.) and approved for acceptance in average commercial composts. This includes an eco-toxicity test, during which the compost's effect on plant growth is examined – an agronomic test. agronomic test.