There is a lot of confusion about the term 'bioplastic'. Grosso-modo is the term applicable to plastics that are either made of materials that are renewable in origin, eg plants (= bio-based) at the end of their useful life can be taken back into the natural cycle (= biodegradable), or combine both these properties. Biobased [...]
Apart from the fact that the disposal of waste (even biodegradable waste) in nature is in any case not advisable, the decay of accidentally released bags in nature will depend on, on the one hand, the weather conditions (temperature, humidity ... ) and on the other hand of the environment in which the bag has [...]
The terms 'biodegradable' and 'compostable' are often confused, however they do not have the same meaning. A biodegradable product can be broken down by microorganisms, but for it to be called 'compostable' it must meet additional requirements (see What does 'compostable' mean?). Moreover, biodegradability and compostability are highly dependent on the environment where a product [...]
If the term is applied to plastic, then 'compostable' means that the material can be processed in industrial composting. The compostability of packaging and plastics is determined according to two European standards, EN13432 and EN14995. Practically speaking, 'compostable' means that a material: completely disintegrates into on e compost cycle,fully biodegrades in composting,has no toxic effects [...]
Aeroob composting is a method to treat organic waste in the (abundant) presence of oxygen (hence 'aerobic'). Micro-organisms convert the organic solid into carbon dioxide, water and compost by aerobic bio-oxidation. Composting requires a relatively high degree of humidity and an abundant presence of oxygen, as well as a sufficiently high temperature. In industrial composting, [...]
Compost is a substance similar to humus, the fertile part of the soil rich in organic substances. Compost is used in agriculture and horticulture as soil improver. It again brings carbon into the soil. Compost is a commercial product that must meet specific (legal) criteria.