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Unveiling the Truth — Are Bio-based Materials Always Biodegradable?

Sep 04,2024

"Bio-based" and "biodegradable" are two frequently discussed environmental concepts. Many people assume that bio-based materials are always biodegradable, and that biodegradable materials must be bio-based. But is that really the case? What’s the difference between the two?

Bio-based Products

Bio-based products refer to products that contain at least some components derived from biomass (organic material from plants, animals, or microorganisms). The focus of bio-based products is on the source of the raw materials.

Biodegradable Products

Biodegradable products are those that can be broken down into harmless substances (such as water, carbon dioxide, methane, and biomass) by microorganisms under natural conditions. The emphasis of biodegradable products is on their ability to decompose in the environment.

Are bio-based products always biodegradable?

The answer is no!

For example, bio-based plastics can either be biodegradable, like polylactic acid (PLA), or non-biodegradable, like polyethylene (PE). As long as part of the material comes from biomass, it is considered bio-based.

2. Are biodegradable products always bio-based?

Again, the answer is no!

For instance, some petroleum-based plastics that are not naturally biodegradable can be made to degrade by adding additives that promote degradation.

3. The Difference Between Bio-based and Biodegradable Products

Bio-based products focus on the origin of raw materials—whether the product contains biomass. Biodegradable products focus on their ability to break down in the environment—whether the product can be decomposed by microorganisms under natural conditions.

A product can be bio-based, biodegradable, or both, but these characteristics do not always coexist. For example, a plastic made from biomass may or may not be biodegradable, depending on its chemical structure and manufacturing process. Likewise, a plastic made from fossil fuels can be made biodegradable by adding specific chemicals, but it would not be considered bio-based.