You’ve probably seen the words “eco”, “biodegradable” or “compostable” everywhere. But what does compostable actually mean? And is it the same as biodegradable?
If you're searching for the real compostable meaning, here’s a clear and practical explanation — plus the key differences and how it applies to everyday products like phone cases.
Compostable: Meaning and Clear Definition
The meaning of compostable is simple: a compostable product can break down naturally and turn into compost — a nutrient-rich material that safely returns to the soil without leaving toxic residue or microplastics.
For a product to be truly compostable, it must:
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Break down within a defined timeframe
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Decompose under specific composting conditions
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Leave no harmful residues
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Integrate back into the natural cycle
In short: it doesn’t just disappear — it becomes part of the earth again.
You can see examples of certified compostable products in our collection of compostable phone cases:
https://www.phonecases3d.com/es/collections/fundas-de-movil-compostables
What Materials Are Usually Compostable?
When asking “what is compostable?”, the answer often includes materials made from plant-based sources, such as:
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PLA (polylactic acid derived from corn)
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Plant-based biopolymers
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Natural starch blends
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Wheat straw compounds
These materials are designed to reduce conventional plastic use while maintaining durability and daily protection.
But here’s the important part:
Not all plant-based materials are automatically compostable. Certification matters.
Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable
This is where most confusion happens.
The difference between biodegradable and compostable comes down to control and standards.
Biodegradable means a material can break down over time through microorganisms.
However:
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It doesn’t specify how long it takes.
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It may leave microplastics behind.
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It doesn’t guarantee safe soil integration.
Compostable goes further:
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It must break down within a specific timeframe.
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It must leave no toxic residue.
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It must meet official certification standards.
So while all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable.
Compostable is simply a stricter and more reliable category.
Where Do You Dispose of Compostable Products?
Disposal rules vary depending on the country, which is important if you sell or buy across markets like the UK, Spain, Norway, and Sweden.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Industrial composting facilities are common, but access to food waste collection varies by region. Compostable products often need industrial composting unless certified for home compost.
🇪🇸 Spain
Many cities now offer a brown organic waste container. Industrial composting is required for most certified compostable products.
🇳🇴 Norway
Waste sorting is highly structured. Compostable materials typically go into organic waste streams, depending on municipal guidelines.
🇸🇪 Sweden
Sweden has advanced organic waste systems. Compostable products are generally processed through municipal composting systems.
Important:
Some compostable materials require industrial composting conditions (higher heat and controlled humidity). Always check certification and local regulations.
Examples of Compostable Products
Compostable materials are increasingly used in:
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Organic waste bags
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Food containers
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Coffee capsules
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Disposable tableware
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Consumer accessories made from plant-based polymers
Innovation has expanded compostable materials beyond packaging and into durable consumer goods.
Options at Phonecases3D
At Phonecases3D, our compostable cases are:
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Made from plant-based certified materials (EN 13432:2000-12)
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Produced on demand in Sweden
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Designed for daily protection
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Created only when ordered to prevent overproduction and waste
Each case is individually produced after purchase, which slightly extends delivery times (2–3 working days for production and quality control). This intentional process reduces unnecessary stock and material waste.
You can explore our compostable collection here: https://www.phonecases3d.com/collections/compostable-products
Our packaging, by the way, is recyclable paper-based packaging because durability during shipping matters. Sustainability decisions must also be practical.
Final Thoughts
The compostable meaning is more than a marketing term. It represents:
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Controlled decomposition
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Certified environmental standards
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Reduced plastic dependency
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A product lifecycle designed with responsibility in mind
And the real difference between biodegradable and compostable lies in guarantees.
If sustainability matters to you understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions.
Small daily choices, like the phone case you use, can contribute to reducing long-term plastic impact.
