Aug. 04, 2025
Agriculture
Looking to steer your business toward sustainability? One effective way of doing so is by using biodegradable materials. But just what does biodegradable mean, and how exactly does it work? Put simply, biodegradable products naturally break down into organic waste and become part of the environment, which can reduce pollution levels. It’s a complex process involving specific conditions and producing a meaningful environmental impact.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into answering the question, “What is biodegradability,” while exploring how it works, what processes are used, and the pivotal role it can play in shaping your manufacturing process.
A material is biodegradable if it can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances. Biodegradable materials like food scraps and paper decompose naturally, reducing waste and environmental impact. Unlike non-biodegradable plastics and metals, they don’t harm ecosystems.
The “biodegradability” definition is multifaceted because while most chemical compounds and materials will eventually biodegrade under the right conditions, some substances biodegrade much faster than others. For example, bamboo can fully degrade in about five years, while many non-biodegradable plastics take 100 years or more to break down.
There isn’t an exact time frame in which a product must break down to be considered biodegradable. Biodegradation standards vary between industries and materials. When choosing biodegradable materials for your manufacturing process, you’ll need to consider the specific standards that apply to your products and your organization. For example, biodegradable plastics and plastic alternatives often need to achieve biodisintegration (the process by which a biodegradable material loses its structural integrity and breaks down into smaller fragments) within a specific time frame to be considered sustainable.
Biodegradable materials may also need to meet specific ecotoxicity standards. If an item biodegrades quickly but pollutes the environment in the process, it isn’t sustainable. Ecotoxicity testing ensures that biodegradable materials will not harm the environment as they break down.
Biodegradation and composting are related processes that are often confused. Composting is a type of biodegradation that happens in a specific environment, in which organic compounds are converted to healthy compost. All composting is biodegradation, but not all biodegradation is composting. Also, compostable materials may not biodegrade in other non-composting environments.
Compostable materials are collected and maintained at specific aeration, humidity, and temperature levels, which helps them break down faster than they would on their own. Adding composted materials to soil makes it richer and more nutrient-dense and can help support a healthy garden.
A variety of biodegradable materials are often used when developing sustainable products, including:
What is biodegradation, and what does its process entail? Biodegradation is a multi-step process influenced by various environmental factors. The time frame for biodegradation varies from material to material and is highly dependent on environmental factors like temperature, humidity, light exposure, and more. For example, there are three key steps in the biodegradation process of polymers.
Biodeterioration is the first step in the biodegradation process. In this step, the material’s structure starts to weaken physically and chemically. The material may maintain some of its defining characteristics during these changes.
Various agents can lead to biodeterioration, including fungi, bacteria, or even exposure to insects. Factors like light, compression, temperature changes, and exposure to certain chemicals can also jump-start the process. For example, consider a biodegradable plastic product. During the biodeterioration stage, it will still be recognizable as a piece of plastic but will start to show visible signs of damage. The item may have changed in shape, color, or texture due to exposure to living microorganisms.
Biofragmentation is the next step in the biodegradation process. During biofragmentation, the material’s chemical structure changes, and it starts to break into multiple pieces.
When polymers like biodegradable plastics enter the biofragmentation stage, microorganisms start to break the molecular bonds in their structure. The process will differ depending on whether oxygen is present or not at this stage. If oxygen is present, this process will produce methane gas. Biofragmentation can also produce carbon dioxide and water, regardless of whether or not oxygen is present.
The biodegradable material becomes part of the surrounding environment during the assimilation process. Living microorganisms break down the material to the point where it is no longer recognizable and does not retain its original chemical composition. The result is a new biomass. In many cases, the biomass is recycled and used as a sustainable fuel source.
Using biodegradable materials in your products and manufacturing processes has many advantages. Here are some reasons why these materials are worth the investment.
Using biodegradable materials means that your products will create less waste in landfills. Rather than persisting in the environment, biodegradable materials are completely broken down into natural, basic components, such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
Reducing waste accumulation is key as the global population grows, and environmental concerns are more pertinent than ever. To effectively prevent waste accumulation, you’ll need to understand the biodegradation process for each material you work with. While some materials can biodegrade in almost any environment, others will need to be sent to specific processing facilities. If you don’t dispose of biodegradable materials correctly, they could still end up in landfills or as litter, contributing to the broader global waste problem.
With the threat of global climate change looming, it’s essential for businesses to consider how their actions impact the environment. One way to reduce negative environmental impact is to shift from traditional plastics to biodegradable alternatives. The most accessible biodegradable materials are plant-based. Since these materials come from the natural environment, they help reduce pollution, both during manufacturing and after the product has been disposed of. Manufacturing biodegradable materials results in fewer carbon emissions.
In some instances, biodegradable products also need to meet ecotoxicity standards so they won’t pollute the environment at the end of their lifespan. By transitioning to biodegradable alternatives, businesses can mitigate their environmental impact and contribute to sustainability efforts, particularly in addressing climate change and pollution concerns.
Using biodegradable materials in your operations is a very sustainable long-term approach. Most biodegradable products are plant-based, while traditional plastics are usually made from crude oil and other petroleum-based substances.
When you opt for biodegradable materials, you won’t have to worry about the availability of petroleum, a limited natural resource. The availability of biodegradable materials is generally not affected by environmental changes. Some biodegradable materials can also easily be swapped out for one another, so you may have an alternative if your material of choice isn’t available.
Adjusting your manufacturing processes can be very costly, so this is an important factor to consider. Investing in the most sustainable option now can help you save time and money in the long run, especially as resource availability changes. Overall, incorporating biodegradable materials into operations promotes more sustainable practices by reducing reliance on finite resources, enhancing flexibility in material sourcing, and potentially offering long-term cost savings.
As a manufacturer, you are responsible for finding and implementing safe waste disposal options. If you work with non-biodegradable materials, this process can be very expensive. Non-biodegradable materials often require costly waste transportation and processing facilities to prevent pollution.
With biodegradable materials, you’ll have a much wider range of disposal options available. Additionally, many biodegradable materials will break down safely in a variety of environments rather than requiring very specific composting or trash processing needs. Since you’ll have more disposal options to choose from, you’ll be able to keep costs low and find a solution that works with your budget.
Today’s consumers are very passionate about environmental sustainability. 78% of US consumers say that living a sustainable lifestyle is important to them and that it affects their purchasing habits. 50% of consumers say they will even pay more for sustainable products.
Since sustainability is an important shopping consideration for many consumers, using biodegradable materials can help you appeal to them. Failing to incorporate sustainability in your manufacturing processes could result in losing customers or even damaging your organization’s reputation.
Be transparent with your customers when using biodegradable materials. You can incorporate this information into your marketing materials, but it’s important to be completely factual, avoid greenwashing your manufacturing process, and comply with all relevant regulations. Providing instructions on how to dispose of biodegradable materials most effectively can also be helpful. In your product packaging, provide information for customers about how to compost your products so they biodegrade quickly.
Meeting consumer demands for sustainability by using biodegradable materials can help businesses attract environmentally conscious consumers, enhance their reputation, and align with evolving consumer preferences.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Think-Do Chemicals.
Suggested reading:Globally, many federal and state governments have implemented environmental safety regulations for certain products. Both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the UK’s British Standards Institution have strict requirements for biodegradable plastics. The EU’s REACH program also created restrictions for the ‘intentional’ use of ECHA microplastics in products. Other environmental safety regulations include Cradle to Cradle, Safer Choice, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL), and more.
Many industries also have private regulatory bodies with sustainability guidelines. Depending on your location and industry, you may need to use biodegradable materials to comply with these regulations. Even if no environmental regulations apply to your business right now, using biodegradable materials could still help you in the future. Sustainability requirements are becoming more common worldwide, and using biodegradable materials can help you prepare for the future.
Environmental sustainability has become a serious global concern, highlighting the need for more biodegradable materials. Many companies are looking for biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics. Approximately 20 million metric tons of plastic end up in the environment each year, which can have disastrous consequences for our soil and water sources.
In the future, we can expect more manufacturers to switch to biodegradable materials in lieu of plastic. Many brands already use bamboo as an alternative to single-use plastic cutlery and straws. As the e-commerce industry grows and direct-to-consumer shipping rates remain high, companies will likely explore more biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials as well.
We can also expect to see the development of new biodegradable plastics. Currently, PLAs are more biodegradable than traditional plastics, but they require very specific environmental conditions to break down quickly. Realistically, PLA products aren’t usually disposed of in a way that allows them to break down efficiently. In the future, researchers will continue to work toward even more sustainable plastic alternatives that decompose quickly in landfills.
When switching to biodegradable materials, biodegradability testing will be paramount. Biodegradability testing monitors and measures the decomposition process of your materials. It is necessary to confirm that your biodegradable products will actually decompose without harming the environment or creating pollution. In some instances, biodegradability testing may also be required to meet compliance standards.
The future of biodegradable materials appears promising, driven by the imperative to mitigate plastic pollution and embrace more sustainable practices across industries. Continued innovation and investment in biodegradable alternatives are expected to contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible approach to material usage and waste management.
Switching to biodegradable materials is a very effective way to reduce your environmental impact and operate more sustainably. Biodegradability testing is a must for any organization using biodegradable materials.
Industrial operations generate waste, and no matter how efficient a business is, leftover materials and supplies often head straight to the landfill. For years, the environmental cost of this waste was treated as an unfortunate side effect of getting the job done. But now, with biodegradable industrial supplies becoming more available and affordable, companies have an opportunity to address waste management in a smarter, more sustainable way.
If you’ve never considered swapping out conventional supplies for biodegradable ones, you might be surprised by the practical benefits. Beyond reducing environmental harm, these products can simplify disposal, improve workplace health, and even cut long-term costs. Let’s break it down.
Think about what happens when traditional industrial supplies—plastic gloves, packaging materials, chemical containers—reach the end of their usefulness. They stick around. Plastic, in particular, can take hundreds of years to degrade, and in the meantime, it accumulates in landfills, waterways, and ecosystems.
Biodegradable supplies change the equation. These materials break down naturally, often within months or years, into non-toxic substances. That means less waste piling up and fewer headaches for businesses dealing with disposal regulations. In industries where supplies are used at high volume, switching to biodegradable options can result in a noticeable reduction in waste footprint.
Take biodegradable packing peanuts as an example. Unlike the Styrofoam kind that crumbles into a mess and refuses to disappear, these dissolve in water and leave nothing behind. They’re not just easier on the planet—they’re easier to clean up when the workday ends.
Environmental regulations are tightening worldwide. Many jurisdictions are phasing out single-use plastics and imposing stricter rules on industrial waste disposal. Companies that adopt biodegradable alternatives now can get ahead of these changes instead of scrambling to comply later.
Switching to biodegradable options doesn’t just show regulatory agencies that you’re paying attention—it signals to clients and customers that your business is forward-thinking. In industries where reputation matters, being seen as environmentally responsible can open doors. More and more companies are factoring sustainability into their supply chains, and if you’re already aligned with those values, you become an easier partner to work with.
Conventional industrial supplies often include synthetic chemicals and materials that aren’t great for human health. Plastic packaging, for instance, may contain phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach out over time. While the risks might be low for occasional exposure, they add up for workers handling these materials every day.
Biodegradable alternatives are often made from plant-based ingredients, like cornstarch, cellulose, or natural rubber, which are less likely to introduce harmful substances into the workplace. Swapping to these products reduces the chances of exposure to allergens, irritants, or toxic compounds. In settings where employees spend long hours using gloves, masks, or other disposable gear, those small differences can make a big impact.
Here’s something you might not have considered: the energy that goes into making industrial supplies. Traditional plastics are derived from petroleum, and manufacturing them involves energy-intensive processes that generate significant carbon emissions. Biodegradable materials, on the other hand, are often produced from renewable resources with lower energy demands.
Take bioplastics as an example. These materials, which are derived from corn, sugarcane, or other plants, require less energy to produce than petroleum-based plastics. Choosing products made from these materials helps shrink your business’s overall carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or performance.
One of the underrated perks of biodegradable supplies is how simple they are to dispose of. With traditional materials, you often need to sort waste, coordinate with specialized recycling services, or even pay extra fees to ensure proper disposal. Biodegradable products skip those complications. Many can break down in standard composting conditions or even in landfill environments, where microorganisms take care of the process for you.
In large-scale operations, where waste management can be both costly and logistically challenging, the simplicity of biodegradable supplies can save time and money. And because these materials degrade into natural byproducts, you don’t have to worry about contaminating soil or water.
There’s a common misconception that biodegradable equals flimsy. But advancements in material science have led to supplies that are as durable and effective as their conventional counterparts. Whether it’s biodegradable gloves that stand up to tough jobs or eco-friendly pallet wrap that secures heavy loads, you don’t have to sacrifice performance for sustainability.
For companies concerned about appearance, biodegradable materials have come a long way aesthetically too. Packaging and containers made from plant-based materials are often indistinguishable from their plastic counterparts but carry the added bonus of being guilt-free when it’s time to toss them.
At first glance, biodegradable supplies might seem more expensive. It’s true that these products sometimes carry a higher upfront cost. But when you factor in savings from reduced waste management fees, easier compliance with environmental regulations, and potential tax incentives for sustainable practices, the numbers start to look more favorable.
Let’s not forget about customer loyalty. Businesses that prioritize sustainability often find that their efforts resonate with eco-conscious buyers. Customers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products and services that align with their values. By switching to biodegradable supplies, you can appeal to this growing market segment and potentially increase your revenue.
When businesses choose biodegradable supplies, they send a message that ripples beyond their walls. Employees notice. Clients notice. Other businesses notice. Adopting sustainable practices isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about showing that it’s possible to balance profitability with responsibility.
It’s easy to think that one company’s actions don’t matter, but collective efforts add up. If every industrial operation made even a small switch—like using biodegradable zip ties or eco-friendly cleaning products—the combined impact could be enormous.
Every product choice is an opportunity to make a difference. The next time you order industrial supplies, consider what happens to those materials when they’re no longer needed. Could they break down naturally and safely? Could they help your business stay ahead of regulatory trends? Could they improve the work environment for your employees?
Switching to biodegradable options isn’t just an investment in your business—it’s an investment in the future. And if you’ve got the chance to make things better without sacrificing performance or convenience, why wouldn’t you?
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Biodegradable agent suppliers.
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )