A Complete Guide to Compostable and Biodegradable Cutlery

Most commercial compost facilities require items to break down in 80 days or less. At a home compost bin, the compost cycle can take up to two years. Compostable utensils must go through third-party certification to prove that they break down into soil in a short time.

plastic utensils are losing favor due to their significant environmental impact, and a variety of sustainable biodegradable tableware options are emerging. While biodegradable and compostable utensils are becoming common, not all are created equal. Here’s what you need to know to choose an eco-friendly option.

With a staggering 40 billion plastic utensils ending up in landfills annually, a low-waste alternative has been long overdue. Biodegradable utensils and compostable cutlery have now become the preferred eco-friendly choice. However, depending on their materials and manufacturing processes, some may not be as green as they appear.

Compostable vs. Biodegradable Tableware

The terms "compostable" and "biodegradable" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences.

Biodegradable utensils will eventually break down in the natural environment. However, this term is loosely regulated, meaning a "biodegradable" utensil could take 5-10 years or longer to decompose. There's no assurance that biodegradable tableware will break down into environmentally safe components. In some cases, even plastic has been marketed as biodegradable. Due to the loose regulation and confusing nature of the term, it's best to seek utensils that are certified as compostable.

Compostable utensils are made from materials that will break down in a composting environment, either in a backyard compost pile or a commercial composting facility. Compostable utensils undergo third-party testing for certification and must completely decompose into pure, healthy soil within a specific timeframe. Most commercial compost facilities require items to break down in 80 days or less. At a home compost bin, the compost cycle can take up to two years.

Compostable utensils must go through third-party certification to prove that they break down into soil in a short time. So, they’re a more environmentally sound choice. However, the environment in which compostable utensils are certified to break down, as well as the materials they’re made from, are important factors to consider when determining their true eco-benefit.

Materials Matter

We know that plastic is harmful, but what’s better? The materials that make up the eco cutlery and compostable utensils you choose play a big part in their impact on the environment.

What Are Compostable utensils made Of?

Compostable utensils are commonly made from bamboo or sugarcane. These two types of plant-based utensils have different environmental impacts and levels of compostability. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Bamboo Cutlery

Bamboo utensils are one of the cleanest choices for disposable cutlery. Depending on the company you buy from, they may be made from 100% bamboo, a sustainable, natural material. Bamboo grows much faster than wood and can be harvested without killing the plant itself. It’s also naturally pest-resistant and typically grown without the need for pesticides. Additionally, bamboo utensils can be finished without glues or lacquers, keeping the production process chemical-free.

In terms of performance, bamboo is extremely strong. In fact, it’s the strongest woody plant on Earth! The short fiber of the bamboo plant also makes it harder for bamboo utensils to bend, ensuring durability and reliability.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane, or bagasse, utensils are made from the leftover stalks of the sugarcane plant. While this, too, is a natural, plant-based material, it has a much bigger impact on the environment. Sugarcane is an extremely water-intensive crop. When it’s grown, the land has to be clear-cut for its planting, which can damage soil health and lead to erosion. Additionally, sugarcane is not pest-resistant, so heavy chemical pesticides are often used in its production.

In terms of performance, sugarcane utensils tend to bend easily with use. They are semi-resistant to heat but may lose strength when in contact with hot foods.

Are Compostable Utensils Truly Compostable?

Utensils that are certified as compostable will indeed break down, but only under the right conditions. Many popular compostable utensils, such as those made from sugarcane, are designed to decompose in commercial compost facilities. In contrast, these utensils won't break down effectively in a typical backyard compost environment. Compostable utensils are also not recyclable. When disposed of in a landfill, commercially compostable utensils may take decades or more to decompose.

How to Identify Compostable Utensils

A trustworthy compostable utensil will have a certification that proves its compostability. Look for certifications from organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA). Without third-party certification, it's challenging to know if an item is genuinely compostable.

Even with certification, you must determine whether your compostable tableware is commercially compostable, suitable for backyard composting, or both. Pay attention to labels indicating “commercially compostable only.” If this label exists, your compostable utensils will not break down in a backyard compost bin and can persist in landfills for years.

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