biodegradabel

Biodegradabel (biodegradable) refers to materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, biomass, or methane under appropriate conditions. Biodegradation is highly environment-dependent; the rate and extent of breakdown depend on factors such as temperature, moisture, oxygen availability, and the presence of specific microbial communities. A material that is biodegradable in industrial composting facilities may not readily degrade in a marine environment or in a home trash pile.

Biodegradable does not automatically mean harmless or quick. It is important to distinguish biodegradable from compostable. Compostable materials are a subset that are designed to break down under defined composting conditions within a specific timeframe and leave behind non-toxic residues. Certifications and standards, such as ISO 17088 and EN 13432 (and related ASTM standards for compostable plastics), provide criteria for assessing compostability and biodegradation.

Materials marketed as biodegradable include certain natural polymers and specially engineered plastics, such as starch-based blends, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Many biodegradable plastics require industrial composting facilities to achieve meaningful degradation, and their performance in home composting or in the environment can vary widely. Marine biodegradability is particularly variable and often slower.

Applications commonly include packaging, single-use items, agricultural films, and some medical applications. While biodegradable materials can reduce long-term waste under appropriate waste-management systems, mislabeling, improper disposal, or littering can still lead to environmental pollution or incomplete degradation.