Biodegradable vs. Recyclable: Which Option Is The Greener Choice?
The quest for a sustainable future has led to a growing need for eco-friendly materials. Two important material categories in this regard are biodegradable materials and recyclable materials. You might find yourself wondering which option is the better choice. In this blog post, we'll explore both biodegradable and recyclable materials, discussing their advantages, drawbacks, and the role they play in saving resources and avoiding waste.
Biodegradable Materials
Biodegradable materials break down naturally over time with the help of microorganisms into simple substances such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass. Depending on the material and environmental conditions, this process can take a few weeks or several years. This means that there is no lasting impact on the environment when they are disposed of in nature. Attention! The terms “biodegradable” and “biobased” should not be confused here. Degradable materials that are also made from renewable raw materials count as “biobased”. However, if they are made from fossil materials, they are only considered “biodegradable”.
Properties of Bio-Materials
Biodegradable materials reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill as they decompose and return to nature's cycle. But that's not the only benefit they bring. When biodegradable materials decompose, they release fewer greenhouse gases compared to non-biodegradable materials. This is because these materials are often incinerated at the end of their life cycle. As they are made from renewable raw materials, they are an environmentally friendly choice compared to conventional, oil-based materials.
The example of disposable cutlery and bowls made from biodegradable plastics for the food service industry is a good way of illustrating this topic. Cups, cutlery and takeaway containers made from conventional plastic are currently being overtaken by more sustainable solutions. Products made of wood or compound materials such as bio-based polymers have long since entered the market. The use of biological alternatives in this sector makes sense, as certain disposable products such as coffee-to-go cups are unlikely to be phased out in the coming decades. This will continue to offer consumers a practical solution while reducing the impact on the environment.
More Examples of Biodegradable Products
Paper products: Paper as a natural material is a good example of raw materials that are biodegradable but not really suitable for this purpose. Why? In Germany, there is a well-established system for recycling waste paper and reusing the raw materials. In this context, it is therefore more environmentally friendly to reuse the material than to allow the natural raw material to decompose - regardless of the fact that it is theoretically possible. Cellulose, the raw material for paper production, is biodegradable. But processing the paper with printing ink or bleaching agents can alter the natural material and damage the environment if it is biodegraded. Recycling is therefore the better option in this case.
Biodegradable plastic bags: Biodegradable plastic bags made from PLA: As an alternative to conventional single-use plastic bags, packaging and the like, variants made from degradable or compostable plastics, such as PLA, are increasingly being used. On the one hand, this solution conserves oil reserves and produces less CO2. But here too, the research and science behind these plastics is not yet at the ideal level: the production of the raw materials is often as resource-intensive as that of fossil plastic, and the ideal decomposition of the material can only be achieved under narrow conditions.
Food waste: What comes from nature can also be returned to nature - that much is certain. Food waste, i.e. leftover food and garden waste, is a good example of raw materials that are both biodegradable and biobased. You can use your own compost in the garden or the organic waste garbage can. This also illustrates the importance of precise waste separation. Each region in Germany has specific regulations on what is allowed in the organic waste container. If these requirements are followed correctly, the waste can be composted appropriately at the collection point without the need for complicated measures.
Natural fiber fleece: We process standard nonwovens made from renewable resources, in our case hemp and flax. Products made from these bio-based raw materials are recyclable, but as natural fibers they are also biodegradable. This means that there are several sustainable ways to reuse or break down the resource. The material is ideal as an alternative to conventional plastic nonwoven materials. It is surprisingly stable and, in addition to its sustainable properties, also offers great design freedom. We mainly use molded nonwoven in the case and furniture industry, but it is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Recyclable Materials
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products. This helps to consume fewer resources, save energy and reduce waste volumes. It is important to note that not all materials are recyclable and some cannot be recycled indefinitely, otherwise they lose their material properties. Recycling helps to conserve resources as it reduces the need for raw material extraction and processing by reusing existing materials. It also saves energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases, as recycling processes usually require less energy than the production of new materials.
Examples of Recyclable Products
Aluminium cans: Aluminum cans: Aluminum cans can be recycled indefinitely and without loss of quality, making them ideal for this process. In many countries, recycling rates for aluminum cans are extremely high, some reaching over 90%. The collected cans are melted down and turned back into new cans, closing the loop.
Glass bottles: Even used glass can be melted down an almost infinite number of times and reused for the production of new glass bottles. This saves energy during production, but of course above all raw materials. Apart from the separation by color, recycling is very simple from the consumer's point of view - the actual recycling process is also largely automated. However, there is one difficulty that end consumers should be aware of: Not all glass is the same. It is essential to sort out window glass, crystal glass and similar materials beforehand, as otherwise heavy metals can enter the cycle.
Cardboard and paper: As mentioned in the previous section, cellulose products are more suitable for recycling processes than biodegradation. Waste paper also has very high recycling rates in Germany. In most cases, cardboard in particular also belongs in waste paper. However, large quantities should be disposed of directly at recycling centers or public paper collections. Particular attention should also be paid to coatings on the cardboard, which should be removed if possible and disposed of separately before the packaging material is handed in for recycling.
Polyester nonwoven: Nonwovens are ideal for using recycled plastic, as the material is made from a single raw material, i.e. it is single-origin. Conversely, the product is also easy to recycle at the end of its life and can be reused very often. Similar to molded nonwovens made from natural fibers, this resource is suitable for an infinite number of applications. You can find out more about polyester formfleece here.
So, Which is the Greener Choice?
The answer is not as simple as you might think, because it can only be one thing: It depends. Both biodegradable and recyclable materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the more environmentally friendly choice depends on which product the materials are actually used for and how and where this product is applied.
For example, biodegradable materials may be the better choice for disposable items. Recyclable materials are more suitable for durable products.
The key is to consider the entire lifecycle of a product. An important variable in this process are also the companies that create products and their suppliers. They have the ability to educate customers on what the best end-of-life solution is and can for example put Closed-Loop processes into place to ensure the materials are properly handled.
Both biodegradable and recyclable materials play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. By understanding their benefits and limitations, we can make informed decisions that contribute to a greener future and create innovative products. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a more sustainable world.