Sustainability Certifications
Biodegradable, compostable, FSC — what does each actually guarantee?
Biodegradable ≠ Compostable
Biodegradable means a material can break down in nature, but specifies neither time nor conditions — technically, most plastic is biodegradable over 500 years. Compostable means turning into compost within a defined time, under defined conditions, leaving no toxic residue. It is a measurable and certifiable claim.
What is FSC?
An international certification documenting that wood and paper raw material comes from responsibly managed forests. It guarantees the material is not from illegal logging and that the supply chain is traceable. It does not guarantee the product is compostable — those are separate criteria.
Ask when buying
Which certification, issued by which body? Is the certificate number verifiable? Does it cover the whole product? If compostable — industrial or home, and in how many days? 'Eco' and 'environmentally friendly' are unregulated terms with no legal definition.