With sustainability being more than just a mere buzzword, you can find planet-safe alternatives to almost everything, everywhere. One such alternative is compostable products. Compostable products, like compostable plates and bowls, are made from plants and come with a back-to-nature promise. Allowing you to reduce your ecological impact, here's what the life cycle of compostable products looks like. Read on to also explore what's exactly compostable, and how compostable plates are different from biodegradable products. What Are Compostable Products? Before we go deep into the lifecycle of compostable products, let's understand what exactly they are. Technically, compostable single-use products offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic or paper disposables. Unlike single-use plastic products, compostable plates and compostable cups are made straight from plants, like naturally fallen Areca palm leaves and upcycled sugarcane bagasse. Simply put, compostable bowls and plates are made from renewable resources, while single-use plastic plates and bowls are made by extracting petroleum and synthesizing it into polythene. The entire process of making single-use plastics requires a lot of energy, resources, and money. However, on the other hand, compostable bagasse plates and bowls are low on resource consumption and also require limited money and effort to be made. In most cases, compostable products are made from leaves. For instance, in the case of a palm leaf compostable bowl or plate, the leaves are extracted, cleaned, dried, and molded into the desired shape using a high-pressure heating press. Compostable vs Biodegradable Products To be exact, all compostable products are biodegradable, however, not all biodegradable products are compostable. Here's what we mean by that. A product is biodegradable when it breaks down into smaller, simpler components due to contact with microorganisms, weather, or air. Technically, everything in our surroundings is biodegradable. While a compostable plate takes about 90-180 days to break down, single-use plastic plates take over decades to start breaking down. Plus, time is not the only thing that makes biodegradable and compostable products different. When plastic plates start to break down, they release chemicals into the soil, contaminating the ecosystem. Apart from this, these plates always leave a long trail of microplastics behind. Compostable products, on the other hand, break down within a specific time frame into compost. The compost formed is ultra-rich in nutrients and can be mixed in with the soil to improve the soil ecosystem. Lifecycle Of Compostable Products Responsible Procurement & Manufacturing The first step of the compostable product lifecycle is sustainable manufacturing. All compostable products, available at EcoSoul, and made sustainably by ensuring minimal usage of resources and upcycling plant waste. Compostable products are usually made from plants, like bamboo, corn starch, palm leaves, and sugarcane fibers. These plants are harvested sustainably. Like for instance, bamboo products, at EcoSoul, are made from FSC-certified (sustainably sourced) bamboo. Unlike standard plastics, which use dangerous chemicals during production, compostable items are made with non-toxic processes. This ensures that no toxic residues are left in the environment, either during production or as the products disintegrate. Using Compostable Products Once manufactured, compostable products reach the "use phase"—the time when they are used by people. This step is critical for understanding the whole environmental impact. Most compostable products, such as food containers, straws, and utensils, are intended for single use. Unlike many plastic products, their lifecycle does not finish in a landfill. When used, these items fulfill their objective of delivering convenience while reducing dependency on fossil-fuel-based plastics. The Decomposing Step After use, compostable products begin the most important part of their life cycle: breakdown. Unlike plastics, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, biodegradable objects can decompose in just a few months, depending on the environment. When compostable materials are disposed of, they disintegrate into organic matter under appropriate conditions. The decomposition process breaks down the product using natural factors such as heat, moisture, and microorganisms. During this time, the product progressively degrades into nutrient-dense compost that can be utilized to improve soil quality. It's critical to understand that not all compostable items break down at the same rate or in the same conditions. Some products, particularly those branded "industrially compostable," necessitate specific conditions found in industrial composting facilities, such as elevated temperatures and regulated surroundings. Closing the Loop The compostable product's lifespan culminates in its return to nature. Unlike typical plastics, which leave behind hazardous chemicals and microplastics, compostable items degrade into natural elements that benefit the earth. When compostable products are returned to the ground, they have completed a sustainable life cycle that serves rather than harms the ecosystem. The minerals produced during decomposition contribute to soil health, encouraging plant development and minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers. This "closed-loop" method demonstrates a circular economy, in which waste is reduced and commodities are continuously reused. By purchasing compostable products, you not only reduce your reliance on single-use plastics but also help to create a greener ecosystem. Composting minimizes the amount of garbage sent to landfills and also prevents hazardous emissions, which are produced when organic waste decomposes in landfills. All in all Understanding the compostable product lifetime allows us to make more informed decisions about what we consume and how it affects the environment. Compostable products offer a practical and environmentally responsible alternative for waste reduction and environmental preservation, from sustainable manufacturing to decomposition.