Welcome back to the second of our two-part series that compares H&G (home and garden) Compostable Certifications with Commercially Compostable Certifications. Last week, we explored some crucial similarities and differences between H&G composting procedures and commercial ones.
Today, we're delving more into the importance of temperature in composting. Then, we'll draw a few conclusions and determine if one composting type is superior to the other.
Our bacterial buddies play the lead role in biodegradation at 50°C. Commercial Composting businesses love these bacteria and, like good parents, want to give them as much support as possible so they can thrive. So, commercial composters often install aerators to feed the bacteria oxygen, as the density of the compost piles restricts it the deeper into the pile one goes.
These facts about commercially compostable certified products have implications for H&G-accredited products. First, H&G compostable products will indeed biodegrade in a smaller pile. However, less mass will make it difficult for the inner sections of the H&G pile to reach temperatures as high as those found in commercial composting schemes. And, H&G composters most likely won't use the high-tech aerators that commercial ones do, which will restrict oxygen to the bacteria.
We're trying to say this: H&G Compostable products need to be more easily degradable than commercially compostable ones because H&G composting settings aren't as ideal (not as warm and not as much oxygen inflow) as commercial ones. But we're not throwing commercial composting schemes under the bus. On the contrary, we wholeheartedly support commercial composting businesses and think the planet needs more.
Ultimately, H&G Composting certification standards are more stringent than commercial composting standards. However, we also think holding commercial composting certifications is essential because most commercial composting businesses require them to accept commercially compostable packaging. Moreover, millions of people live in dense metropolitan areas and unfortunately lack the space to make an H&G composting setup. But most urban areas have commercial composting yards and subscription plans, giving people an opportunity to add to the circular economy.
If you're interested in learning more about a sturdy H&G / commercially compostable plastic replacement, the Island Leaf Team has the answer: Lastic Bamboo Resin and products. Send us a message to learn more.
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