Biodegradable vs Recyclable Packaging — What’s the Difference?
Biodegradable or recyclable: these two terms are often confused in discussions about eco-friendly packaging, but they describe radically different properties. Understanding this distinction is essential for choosing the right packaging and communicating honestly about one’s environmental commitments, in accordance with the AGEC Act and the European PPWR Regulation.
LABOPICHOT, a French manufacturer of plastic packaging since 1989, guides you through this comparison to help you choose the material best suited to your regulatory, environmental and commercial requirements.
Comparison table: Biodegradable vs Recyclable
Criterion
Biodegradable / Compostable
Recyclable
Definition
Breaks down naturally into water and CO₂
Can be converted into a new material
Standard material
PLA, PHA, amidon thermoplastique
PET, PEHD, PP, rPET
End-of-life sector (FR)
Industrial composting (limited)
Yellow Baccalaureate — advanced stream
Bilan carbone
Well, if the composting facility is accessible
Excellent with rPET (60–75%)
Cosmetic compatibility
Bonne (PLA). Limites thermiques
Excellente (PET, PEHD, PP)
Regulations (FR)
Standard EN 13432 (compostability)
Logo Triman obligatoire
PLA: bio-based and compostable, but not recyclable
PLA (polylactic acid) is made from renewable plant-based resources (maize, sugarcane). It is certified as industrially compostable in accordance with the EN 13432 standard. It is an excellent choice for brands seeking bio-based packaging that clearly highlights the plant-based origin of the materials.
✓ Bio-based: made from plants
✓ Industrially compostable (EN 13432)
✓ Positive carbon footprint for production
⚠ Not recyclable via standard recycling channels
⚠ Limited heat resistance (max. 55–60°C)
⚠ Limited industrial composting facilities in France
rPET: recycled and recyclable, with the best carbon footprint
rPET (100% post-consumer recycled PET) is the circular economy at its best. Made from recycled PET bottles and containers, it offers a 60–75% reduction in carbon footprint compared to virgin PET.
✓ Made from 100% recycled material
✓ Recyclable at the end of its life (yellow bin)
✓ 60–75% lower carbon footprint compared to virgin PET
✓ A well-established and accessible recycling network
✓ GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified
✓ Complies with Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on food contact materials
Frequently Asked Questions — Biodegradable vs Recyclable
What is the difference between biodegradable and recyclable?
Biodegradable packaging breaks down naturally through the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) into water, CO₂ and biomass, leaving no toxic residues. Recyclable packaging is designed to be collected, sorted and converted into new raw materials via industrial recycling streams. These two properties are distinct: packaging can be recyclable without being biodegradable (as in the case of PET), biodegradable without being recyclable (as in the case of PLA in conventional recycling streams), or neither.
Is PLA really biodegradable?
PLA (polylactic acid) is industrially compostable in accordance with the EN 13432 standard, but is not biodegradable under natural conditions (soil, water). It requires specific industrial composting conditions: a temperature above 58°C, controlled humidity, and the presence of specific microorganisms. In the natural environment, PLA can take years to degrade, much like conventional plastics. In France, industrial composting facilities for plastics are still limited.
Which is the more environmentally friendly option: biodegradable or recyclable packaging?
In terms of overall environmental impact (LCA – Life Cycle Assessment), recyclable packaging made from rPET (recycled PET) often has a lower carbon footprint than biodegradable packaging made from PLA, particularly because the PET recycling sector is well-established and rPET can reduce the carbon footprint by 60 to 75 per cent. Biodegradable packaging is only environmentally superior if the end-of-life process (industrial composting) is genuinely accessible. For cosmetic and pharmaceutical brands, rPET is generally recommended.
Can PLA be put in the recycling bin?
No — PLA should not be placed in the yellow recycling bin. If it ends up in the PET stream (which it resembles due to its transparency), it contaminates the recycled material and impairs the mechanical properties of the recycled PET. Ideally, PLA should be sent to a dedicated industrial composting facility. In France, this sector is still underdeveloped, which limits the practical benefits of PLA unless your distribution network has a certified composting facility.
Can PLA be used for cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging?
Yes, provided certain precautions are taken. PLA is compatible with many cosmetic formulations (creams, serums, powders) and certain pharmaceutical products. Its main limitations are thermal resistance (deformation above 55–60°C), long-term moisture resistance and compatibility with certain solvents. For products requiring a high barrier or sterilisation, PET or PP are preferable. LABOPICHOT offers PLA bottles for brands wishing to demonstrate a bio-based carbon footprint.
How can you highlight the eco-friendly nature of your packaging?
Regulations on environmental claims are strict in France (the AGEC Act, the anti-greenwashing decree). You may state: ‘Recyclable packaging’ if the material is actually collected and recycled within the French recycling system (PET, HDPE, PP). 'Made with X% recycled material' if you use GRS-certified rPET. 'Industrially compostable' for EN 13432-certified PLA, provided you specify the restriction (industrial sector only). Avoid vague terms such as 'eco-friendly', 'green' or 'environmentally friendly' without documented evidence.
LABOPICHOT offers packaging made from bio-based PLA, recycled rPET, PET and recyclable HDPE. French manufacturer since 1989 — MOQ 5,000 units, delivery within 3 weeks.