biodégradable

Biodegradable is the capacity of a material to be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and minerals. The term is widely used for plastics, packaging, and other products. In French, the form biodégradable is used; in English, biodegradable is the standard spelling. Biodegradability depends on environmental conditions (temperature, moisture, oxygen, microbial communities) and the chemical structure of the material.

A material that is biodegradable is not necessarily environmentally beneficial in all settings. Biodegradation may occur at different rates or not at all in soils, freshwater, oceans, or landfills. Compostable is a related concept describing biodegradation under defined composting conditions within a specified time frame and without toxic residues; some materials are industrially compostable but not home compostable.

Common biodegradable materials include natural polymers such as cellulose or starch, and certain bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Many biodegradable plastics require industrial composting facilities to meet standard criteria; in natural environments they may persist longer than expected.

Standards and labeling: standards such as EN 13432 (EU) and ASTM D6400 (US) set criteria for compostability and biodegradation in controlled conditions; labels may certify compostability. Biodegradability alone does not guarantee safety or full mineralization, and improper disposal can contribute to pollution or methane release in landfills. Proper waste management and separation are essential for realizing environmental benefits.