Coffee capsules are super practical: easy to portion and clean to use. For a clear conscience, they are even available in eco-friendly! However, with gradations, because some of these capsules conserve resources more than others. Looking for particularly sustainable coffee capsules? Then you should know the difference between biodegradable and compostable coffee capsules!

What does “biodegradable” mean?

“Biodegradable coffee capsules” – that sounds pretty sustainable. But let’s take a closer look: The expression “biodegradable” generally means that a substance can be decomposed by biological mechanisms, for example by microorganisms or enzymes. The only waste products left with biodegradable materials are water, carbon dioxide and biomass. However, the term “biodegradable” only refers to the chemical structure of the materials used, not to the raw materials used. For example, biodegradable plastics can contain degradable polyester. Their origin, on the other hand, can be bio-based (e.g. wood) or fossil (petroleum).

What does bio-based mean?

Bio-based refers to the raw material from which something is made. A bio-based polymer is made entirely or partially from biomass, i.e. from renewable raw materials such as trees, plants, crops or grasses. In contrast to fossil resources, biomass is a renewable, i.e. sustainable resource. Not all biodegradable plastics are completely bio-based. It is often a matter of mixtures with fossil components, which in turn are not resource-saving.

And even if packaging is also declared as bio-based, that does not mean that it consists exclusively of renewable raw materials. After all, in order to be able to call themselves bio-based, plastics only need to contain at least 40 percent biomass.

Can I dispose of biodegradable coffee capsules in the compost?

Let’s come to the question of disposal. Can you throw biodegradable coffee capsules in the compost or organic waste? The answer is: No! Because even if biodegradable plastic can decompose completely, it sometimes takes several years. Therefore, biodegradable coffee capsules end up in the residual waste after the coffee has been consumed.

Compostable coffee capsules are more sustainable

When it comes to sustainability, so-called compostable coffee capsules are a step further than the “biodegradable” label. But what exactly does compostable mean? In this case: biodegradable under certain conditions and within a certain time. A substance is considered compostable when it decomposes in industrial composting facilities under specified conditions:
within twelve weeks
at around 60 degrees Celsius
at least 90 percent
These conditions cannot normally be achieved on domestic compost. And according to the Organic Waste Ordinance, even compostable coffee capsules are not allowed to be disposed of with organic waste. Therefore, you should also dispose of them in the residual waste.