The word “compostable” is popping up everywhere, but what does it truly mean, and why does it matter? In the sustainability conversation, terms like “eco-friendly” and “biodegradable” are often used loosely, sometimes creating confusion or even greenwashing. Many products marketed as biodegradable lack clear standards regarding how completely, how quickly, and under what conditions they break down. Compostability, on the other hand, is a well-defined promise: under the right conditions, a compostable product is designed to convert into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass within a specified timeframe.

In this article, we explain the crucial differences, the global standards that define “compostable,” and how Naconet™ exemplifies verified industrial compostability in the netting industry.

Compostable vs. Other “Green” Claims: Why Definitions Matter

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, marketers have often touted terms like biodegradable, degradable, or oxo-degradable. But without clear definitions, these claims can mislead consumers and professionals alike. In fact, regulators have started to crack down on vague terminology. For example, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advised against unqualified “biodegradable” claims because they often fail to specify the conditions or timeframe required for complete breakdown.

The key issue is not simply whether a material breaks down, but how completely, how quickly, and under what conditions it does so. Unlike many general biodegradability claims, certified compostability is based on clearly defined performance requirements and independent testing.

For example, the widely recognized ASTM D6400 industrial compostability standard requires that at least 90% of a material’s carbon be converted to carbon dioxide within 180 days under controlled industrial composting conditions. The standard also evaluates disintegration, compost quality, ecotoxicity, and regulated metal content to ensure the material performs as intended in industrial composting systems.

Naconet™ not only met these requirements, it achieved greater than 99.9% biodegradation in just 84 days during certification testing, substantially exceeding ASTM D6400 requirements.

In Europe, a similar specification, EN 13432, governs compostable packaging materials and follows many of the same principles regarding breakdown and environmental performance.

This distinction has practical implications. Materials marketed as photodegradable or oxo-degradable may fragment or degrade over time, but they do not necessarily meet the rigorous requirements associated with certified compostability. Compostability is not just a marketing claim. It is a measurable, science-based standard supported by independent testing and third-party certification.

How Naconet™ Upholds the Compostability Promise

Naconet™ sets a new standard for compostable netting materials. Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), it meets ASTM D6400 requirements for industrial compostability and provides a verified compostable end-of-life pathway.

Under industrial composting conditions, Naconet™ is designed to break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. Achieving this level of performance required extensive development and testing to create a material that could deliver both the strength required for demanding applications and the compostability required for certification.

To meet these expectations, Conwed’s development team carefully evaluated advanced biopolymer technologies capable of balancing performance and compostability. The goal was straightforward but challenging: create a netting solution that performs like conventional plastic netting during use while meeting recognized compostability standards at end-of-life.

As part of the certification process, Naconet™ was evaluated for biodegradation performance, disintegration, compost quality, ecotoxicity, and regulated metal content. The resulting certification provides customers with independent third-party verification that the material performs as intended.

No Persistent Microplastics – Why It Matters

One of the biggest challenges associated with conventional plastic netting is what happens after its job is done. The net may only be needed for a season, a project, or a production cycle, but the plastic itself can remain in the environment indefinitely. Over time, these materials can fragment into smaller plastic particles, contributing to growing concerns around long-term plastic persistence and persistent microplastics.

Naconet™ was developed with a different long-term outcome in mind. Rather than simply focusing on what a netting product does during use, Conwed set out to address what happens after its functional life has ended. The result is a netting solution engineered to deliver the strength, durability, and handling characteristics expected from conventional plastic netting while providing a verified industrial compostable end-of-life pathway.

Under industrial composting conditions, Naconet™ is designed to break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass rather than persisting indefinitely like conventional plastic netting. As part of BPI certification, compost containing degraded Naconet™ was evaluated for compost quality, ecotoxicity, and plant growth performance. Testing demonstrated no adverse impact on compost quality while supporting healthy plant growth, helping verify that the material performs as intended within industrial composting systems.

While degradation in outdoor environments is influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, microbial activity, and other site-specific conditions, Naconet™ is engineered to break down over time rather than leave behind the persistent microplastics associated with conventional plastic netting. For industries seeking to balance performance and sustainability, that difference matters.

Leading by Example

By setting a high bar for compostability, Naconet™ serves as a real-world example of how companies can innovate responsibly. When you see the BPI Compostable logo on Naconet™, it’s not just a marketing claim – it’s a symbol of verified complete decomposition. As more businesses and governments demand credible proof of sustainability, those solutions that meet certified compostable standards will stand out.

Understanding the difference between vague “biodegradable” claims and certified compostability is crucial for making informed sustainable choices. Naconet™ sets the standard by combining high performance with verified industrial compostability and helping eliminate persistent microplastics associated with conventional plastic netting. By choosing compostable materials that meet recognized global standards, businesses not only advance their sustainability goals but also earn trust with customers and regulators. To learn more about Naconet™’s compostability credentials and how it can help your organization meet its sustainability goals, visit our detailed Naconet™ compostability page.