Defining biodegradable and compostable (sidebar)

Confusion and misconceptions about what biodegradable and compostable mean have been replaced the past few years by scientific testing and standards of identity.

Approved by the Biodegradable Products Institute, Biota bottles are commercially compostable, meaning they disintegrate in 75-80 days under the proper conditions that provide high heat (120° to 140°F), microorganisms, and moisture. The bottles will decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and organic material. These bottles will not degrade quickly in a backyard compost operation as those are not maintained at the high temperatures as commercial composting operations. Estimates are that it would take 1ꯠ years or more for a conventional petroleum-based PET beverage bottle to break down.

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