With the ecological transition, more and more products are labeled as bio-based. However, this designation can sometimes hide very different realities. Between bio-based cutlery and 100% bio-based cutlery, the environmental impact can vary significantly, particularly in terms of composting and soil pollution.
Let’s break down these essential distinctions to better understand why 100% bio-based is the only truly sustainable alternative.
What is bio-based cutlery?
A Sometimes Misleading Composition
A product is considered bio-based when it is partially made from plant-based raw materials (corn starch, sugarcane, etc.).
But be careful:
➡️ The term “bio-based” does not necessarily mean that the product is free of petrochemical plastics.
➡️ Many so-called bio-based cutlery items still contain fossil-based polymers or mineral fillers (talc, calcium carbonate).
➡️ After composting, these components can leave microplastic residues in the soil.
Risks for Composting and the Environment
The major issue with partially bio-based products containing fossil-based plastic or mineral fillers is that they do not fully decompose during composting.
❌ Microplastic formation: Even if these products break down, petrochemical residues remain in the soil.
❌ Compost quality degradation: Compost containing non-organic particles is no longer a pure natural amendment.
❌ Potential greenwashing: Many products are marketed as eco-friendly while still containing non-biodegradable materials.
Why Choose 100% Bio-Based Cutlery?
A Truly Eco-Friendly Alternative
Unlike simply bio-based products, 100% bio-based cutlery is made entirely from natural materials, without fossil plastics or mineral additives.
🌱 Its advantages:
✔️ Complete biodegradability: No microplastics, no toxic residues.
✔️ Natural composting: Organic elements return to the earth without causing pollution.
✔️ Soil enrichment: Instead of polluting, these products contribute to soil regeneration.
At Noyatech, we have chosen 100% bio-based products, ensuring clean and truly circular composting.
Beware of “Home Compost” – A Double-Edged Marketing Argument
What Does “Home Compost” Really Mean?
Many products display the “Home Compost” label, leading consumers to believe they can be composted naturally with no environmental impact. However, this label can be misleading.
🔍 The problem?
• “Home Compost” simply means the product decomposes quickly, but it doesn’t guarantee that it leaves no residue.
• Some products still containing fossil-based polymers or mineral fillers may break down into small pieces… but they don’t fully disappear.
The Real Challenge of Composting
In compost, nothing is wasted, everything transforms.
💡 A 100% bio-based cutlery decomposes into natural elements that benefit the soil.
⚠️ A simply bio-based cutlery may release non-biodegradable particles, contaminating the compost.
Today, the “Home Compost” label has become a marketing argument that is sometimes used abusively. Therefore, it is essential to verify the actual composition of products before considering them compostable.
How to Verify if a Product is Truly 100% Bio-Based?
The “Biobased Carbon Content and Total Carbon Content” Test
An effective way to differentiate a true 100% bio-based product from a partially bio-based product is by using the Biobased Carbon Content and Total Carbon Content test.
🔬 This test measures the exact percentage of bio-based material in a product.
📢 Why is it important?
• A product can be sold as bio-based even if it contains only 30% plant-based materials.
• A product labeled 100% bio-based guarantees zero fossil plastics and complete biodegradability.
At Noyatech, we are committed to ensuring fully bio-based products, offering a truly eco-friendly and responsible alternative.
Choosing Truly Sustainable Products
In the face of the increasing number of labels and marketing claims, it is essential to be vigilant and choose cutlery that is truly 100% bio-based.
🔎 Summary of Key Points:
✔️ A simply bio-based cutlery may contain fossil plastics or mineral fillers.
✔️ A 100% bio-based cutlery leaves no microplastics and improves soil quality.
✔️ The “Home Compost” label is not always a guarantee of total biodegradability.
✔️ The Biobased Carbon Content test allows you to verify the true composition of a product.
🌍 At Noyatech, we choose 100% bio-based products for a truly sustainable solution with no negative impact on the environment.
Together, let’s opt for compost that is truly clean and beneficial for the planet!
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