Degradable

Degradable is an adjective used to describe materials or substances that can undergo degradation, the process by which chemical, physical, or biological factors break them down into smaller components. Degradation can occur through multiple mechanisms and does not inherently imply environmental friendliness. It is distinct from biodegradable, which specifically denotes degradation to natural, biologically assimilable products, typically by microorganisms.

Degradation can proceed via hydrolysis, oxidation, photodegradation, or enzymatic and microbial action. Depending on the material and the conditions, degradation may lead to complete mineralization into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, or to smaller, non-mineralized fragments such as microplastics. In practice, a material described as degradable may require particular conditions—such as heat, moisture, or light—to initiate and sustain the process.

Materials commonly labeled degradable include some polymers with additives that promote fragmentation (often referred to as oxo- or photo-degradable plastics) as well as certain polymers that are also biodegradable. The use of degradable labels can be controversial, because a material may fragment without fully mineralizing, potentially contributing to environmental microplastics if disposal and end-of-life streams are not appropriate. Conversely, some degradable materials perform well in targeted settings, such as controlled composting, where conditions are optimized for degradation.

Environmental considerations and regulatory frameworks influence how degradability is defined and claimed. The effectiveness of degradation depends on the environment (soil, water, marine) and on factors like microbial activity, temperature, moisture, and light exposure. Standards and certifications exist in many regions to indicate compostability or other degradation criteria, but labeling alone does not guarantee safe or complete environmental outcomes.