What's the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Wipes

Disposable wet wipes are a basic household essential for a lot of people and there is hardly anyone who hasn't used them at least once. Disposable wet wipes are moistened non-woven pieces of cloth used for cleaning or sanitary purposes. However, traditional wet wipes are produced from coarse materials that do not biodegrade in water, potentially causing major harm to your septic system.

While these products have become home and personal care essentials, it’s crucial to know the possible environmental impact the traditional wipes can have. The necessity to reduce the consumption of these wipes by replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives keeps growing. Let’s see what are the main differences between biodegradable and compostable wipes, and which products should we opt for.

Biodegradable Wipes are Better for the Environment

Traditional wet wipes or paper towels may be helpful cleaning products as a matter of urgency, but their daily environmental impact is profound and long-lasting. If they end up in the sewer system, they eventually blend with food scraps and oil, forming massive blockages also known as "fatbergs".

Additionally, the generated microplastic chunks can be released into the ocean and pose a threat to marine life. Aquatic animals eat the plastic bits - and, guess what? When you're eating fish, you're possibly also eating plastic. So unlike biodegradable wipes, these traditional wipes don't biodegrade in the natural environment.

What does Biodegradable mean, and are Biodegradable Baby Wipes Flushable?

“Biodegradable” refers to the ability of things to get disintegrated (decomposed) by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi biological (with or without oxygen) while getting assimilated into the natural environment. There’s no ecological harm during the process.

For a product to be approved as biodegradable, it must degrade into natural particles within a fairly short time period - usually less than a year.

Biodegradable wipes are more environmentally friendly options; made from organic, nature-based and botanical ingredients, they degrade over time into small pieces that go back into the earth. However, flushing even biodegradable wipes into the toilet is not recommended. They decompose in the sewer system for a long time and, as a result, block pipes and mechanisms. They are also bad for wild animals, who often mistakenly take them for food.

What are the Benefits of Compostable Wipes?

Compostable substances are tested for complete decomposition into non-toxic elements, which are completely harmless for the planet. Before any product can carry the label of "compostable," however, it must be approved for the breakdown in industrial composting units in a 180 day period. Compostable wipes are composed of natural material and can be quickly decomposed into a non-toxic, nourishment-rich soil conditioner (i.e. compost).

Biodegradable vs Compostable - Which is Better?

Biodegradable products feature any material that degrades and decomposes in the natural environment, whereas compostable ones are strictly organic substances that break down, and the resulting material comes with many useful purposes, such as fertilizing and enhancing the overall soil health.

To keep your sanitation and appliances safe, your wipes need to be compostable. Biodegradable wipes are different from flushable wipes. Even though biodegradable wipes decompose over time, that doesn't mean they should end up in your sewer system. Biodegradable wipes should be thrown into your ordinary household garbage.

When using wet wipes, make sure you pick the biodegradable or compostable ones, which are eco-friendly and useful compared to the traditional wipes. Compostable wipes, however, can be a better option as they have more benefits like fertilizing and improving soil health. Follow the labeling and make informed decisions while consuming products you use on a daily basis.

At Laboratoire Naturel we focus on sustainability and the production of environmentally friendly products. We offer 100% safe and tested products - wet wipes for personal care, household, beauty and baby care that fully comply with EDANA/INDA standards, so you don't have to compromise on quality or profit to save the environment.