Compostable ≠ biodegradable
IS 17899 distinguishes home-compostable (28 °C ambient) and industrially compostable (58 °C controlled). Most PLA cutlery is industrially compostable only — a claim mismatch that has triggered ASCI complaints.
§ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 01Audit compostability claims against IS 17899 test conditions
- 02Home-compostable is a much higher bar than industrial
- 03Disintegration and biodegradation are two separate tests
- 04ASCI is enforcing — claim accurately or withdraw
§ GLOSSARY
Technical jargon, acronyms and scientific terms used in this file — decoded.
- PLA
- Polylactic acid — bio-based polymer; industrially compostable but not home-compostable.
- Compostable
- Material that breaks down into compost under defined conditions within a stated time.
- Biodegradable
- Material microbes can degrade — does not specify conditions or timeframe, so weaker than compostable.
- Industrial compost
- Controlled high-temperature (58 °C) composting facility; not typical home-bin conditions.
- ASCI
- Advertising Standards Council of India — adjudicates misleading environmental and product claims.
