Biodegradable

Able to be broken down by living organisms into simpler substances.

Reach for it when describing material with a verified biological breakdown pathway

The supplier replaced the plastic ties with certified biodegradable twine.

• everyday

  home-compostable

  breakdown can occur in an ordinary household compost system

  not when This claim is false for products that need industrial heat or controlled moisture.

• professional

  compostable

  material meets conditions for becoming usable compost

  not when Compostable is a narrower claim and often requires a certified facility.

• professional

  industrially compostable

  certified breakdown requires a commercial composting process

  not when The phrase should not suggest the item will decompose in soil or landfill.

• formal

  bioerodible

  technical writing concerns gradual breakdown in a biological environment

  not when Bioerodible is specialized and may describe surface loss rather than complete decomposition.

• formal

  decomposable

  the broad ability to break into simpler matter is enough

  not when Decomposable does not say biological action is responsible or that residues are safe.

• nonbiodegradable
• persistent
• imperishable

• biodegradable packaging

  Biodegradable packaging still needs clear disposal instructions.

• biodegradable material

  The biodegradable material broke down under the certified test conditions.

• fully biodegradable

  The manufacturer documented that the film is fully biodegradable in industrial compost.

Biodegradable does not by itself state the required conditions, time, certification, or safety of residues. Those facts must be supplied separately.