There is a lot of confusion surrounding sustainability terms used for disposable packaging. Terms such as compostable, biodegradable and plastic-free are often used interchangeably, even though they mean very different things.

For businesses, the differences are not always clear. This can make it difficult to choose the right disposables to purchase and use. You may want to make a more sustainable choice, but end up with a product that does not match your goals or comply with SUP legislation.

In this blog, we clearly explain what these terms mean. This will help you make the right choices for your business with confidence. You will learn how to recognise different materials, what is and is not permitted under the SUP rules, and what we can offer you.

What exactly does compostable mean?

Compostable disposables are products that fully break down into compost under the right conditions. This usually takes place in industrial composting facilities, where the temperature and humidity are high enough for the process to happen quickly and completely. We use various materials that are suitable for this. Take our sugarcane snack boxes, for example: they are 100% biodegradable and compostable according to the European EN 13432 standard.

Please note: compostable does not automatically mean that a product can go into your household organic waste bin. At home, temperatures and humidity levels are often not high enough for the packaging to break down properly. As a result, some or all of the material may remain and ultimately be treated as residual waste. In most cases, compostable disposables should therefore be disposed of as residual waste, unless you work with an industrial composting facility that accepts this type of material.

What does biodegradable mean?

Biodegradable is a broader term than compostable, but often also less clear. It means that a material is broken down naturally by bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms. Unlike compostable materials, there are no fixed rules governing how long this process may take or under which conditions it must occur.

This can make things confusing. A biodegradable product is not automatically suitable for composting. Some materials only break down at high temperatures or under specific conditions that are not normally found at home or in nature.

Bioplastics such as PLA are a good example. Technically, they are biodegradable, but they still fall under the SUP regulations. This means they cannot be used for on-site consumption or for products intended to be consumed on the go. PLA only breaks down in industrial composting facilities where the temperature and humidity are high enough. It does not break down in the same way in nature or in a regular organic waste bin. As a result, the material can remain in the environment just like conventional plastic.

What are plastic-free disposables?

Plastic-free means exactly what it says: the product contains no plastic at all. This includes bioplastics and plastic coatings on either the inside or outside of the product. These are packaging products made entirely from natural materials.

Examples of plastic-free materials include sugarcane, cardboard without a plastic coating, wood and palm leaf. These disposables can be suitable for on-site consumption as well as takeaway and delivery.

We aim to make our product range as sustainable as possible. Plastic-free products play an important role in this, but we are also realistic: unfortunately, there is not yet a perfect environmentally friendly alternative for every application. That is why we continuously look for the best balance between sustainability and quality. This way, we help you become more sustainable, one small step at a time.

What is and is not permitted under the SUP Directive?

The SUP Directive, or Single-Use Plastics Directive, can sometimes cause confusion. After all, compostable and biodegradable may sound sustainable, but that does not automatically mean that these products are permitted under the rules.

The main principle is quite clear: plastic may not be used for on-site consumption. This also includes bioplastics such as PLA. Although technically biodegradable, they are still considered plastic because they do not naturally break down in the environment or in a household organic waste bin.

For takeaway and delivery, plastic packaging may still be permitted, but a surcharge must be charged and a plastic-free alternative must also be offered.

That is why, alongside conventional packaging, we also offer materials that comply with the SUP rules. Examples include sugarcane, uncoated cardboard, wood and palm leaf. These options allow you to choose disposables that comply with legislation while supporting a more sustainable approach.

Want to know exactly what is and is not permitted? Read our detailed blog about the SUP regulations.

How do you choose the right disposables for your business?

There is a wide range of sustainable disposables available, but not everything is genuinely sustainable or permitted under current legislation. These tips can help you make the right choice for your business.

First of all, look for reliable certifications. OK Compost indicates that a product is compostable in an industrial composting facility. FSC means that the paper or wood comes from responsibly managed forests. A Plastic Free certification confirms that the product contains no plastic or plastic coating.

You should also always ask your supplier for clear information about the materials used. What exactly is the product made from? Is it free from plastic coatings? How should it be processed after use? A good supplier should be able to answer these questions clearly.

At TakeAware, you are in good hands. We are both a supplier and manufacturer. We import our products ourselves and supply them directly to you as the end user. Our entire process is designed to keep the number of intermediaries to a minimum. Fewer intermediaries mean lower costs, allowing us to offer our disposables at competitive prices.

Also pay attention to how products are marketed. Words such as eco, green or natural may sound appealing, but they mean very little without further explanation. Ask yourself: what is the product made from, how is it processed after use, and does it comply with the regulations? Genuine sustainability comes down to the material and how it is used, not simply what is written on the label.

We are happy to help you make the right choices. In our webshop, you will find a wide range of more sustainable disposables, including many products that comply with the SUP regulations. For each product, we aim to state as clearly as possible what it is made from and what it can be used for.

Did you know that you can also have your products custom printed with your own logo or design? If you have any questions or would like advice, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help.

Frequently asked questions about compostable, biodegradable and plastic-free products

Can I put compostable containers in my organic waste bin?

Usually not. Most compostable packaging is only suitable for industrial composting and should therefore not be placed in a household organic waste bin.

Is PLA permitted under SUP rules?

No. PLA is still considered plastic and therefore falls under the SUP Directive, even though it is technically biodegradable.

Are biodegradable products always plastic-free?

No. Biodegradable describes how a material breaks down, not whether it contains plastic. Some bioplastics are biodegradable but are still not plastic-free.

What is the difference between industrially compostable and home compostable?

Industrially compostable materials only break down at high temperatures and under controlled conditions. Home-compostable materials can also break down in a household compost bin, although this is relatively uncommon for packaging.

Which materials are 100% SUP-compliant?

Materials such as sugarcane, wood, palm leaf and uncoated cardboard are permitted under the SUP rules. This makes them a reliable and more sustainable choice.

How to choose the right sustainable packaging

If you want to make real progress towards more sustainable packaging use in your business, start by reviewing your current stock. Check which products fall under the SUP Directive and replace them with a more suitable alternative where necessary.

Plastic-free disposables are a reliable choice if you want to comply with the rules while reducing your environmental impact as much as possible. Feel free to ask for advice or request samples to find out which products are best suited to your business. And if you want to make your packaging more distinctive, you can also have it custom printed with your own logo or design.

Want to find out more or make the switch straight away? Explore our plastic-free range or contact us for personalised advice.