Bioplastics and biodegradable materials: the truth behind green labels
Compostable does not mean it decomposes in a landfill. Before printing the word 'biodegradable' on the packaging, you need to understand the material you are choosing.
Bioplastics are a group of packaging materials that are either bio-based or biodegradable. The most common are PLA and PBAT. PLA is plant-based, rigid, and transparent. PBAT is petroleum-based, flexible, and tough, often blended with PLA to create a soft film. Only those that meet the industrial composting standards EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 can be called compostable (biodegradable under composting conditions). This group of materials is suitable for green brands with a credible biodegradation message and short shelf-life products. It is not suitable for moisture-sensitive items that require long-term storage, or markets lacking industrial composting infrastructure.
- a certified green brand
- short shelf-life fresh food
- packaging for single-use food service
- PBAT agricultural film
- moisture-sensitive goods with long storage
- product stored at below 10 degrees Celsius
- the market lacks an industrial support infrastructure
Labels such as "biodegradable," "compostable," and "environmentally friendly" are increasingly appearing on packaging. Part of this is a genuine message. Part of it is misleading greenwashing, sometimes unintentionally. This page helps you distinguish between these two cases before making material selection decisions.
Bioplastics and biodegradable materials what are they
Bioplastics are a category of packaging materials that are either bio-based, biodegradable, or both. In actual packaging production, the two most common types are PLA and PBAT.
PLA (polylactic acid) made from plant starch, rigid and clear, looks similar to PET plastic. PBAT is petroleum-based, flexible and elastic, with good oil and grease resistance, often blended with PLA or thermoplastic starch to create a softer, more durable film. These two types are usually combined in a formulation rather than standing alone.
The most common misconception: not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and not everything labeled "compostable" will decompose in a regular landfill. Only products that meet the EN 13432 (Europe) or ASTM D6400 (USA) standards can be credibly called compostable. These two standards require the material to biodegrade at least 90% within 6 months and break down into pieces smaller than 2 mm after 3 months. The conditions are controlled temperature, moisture, and microorganisms in industrial composting. Not home composting, not regular landfills.
One additional note about certification: this standard applies to specific materials and thicknesses of the final product. It does not automatically apply to all mixtures or different configurations of the same type of plastic.
When to choose, when not to
The decision to choose bioplastics should start with two questions. What level of barrier (moisture and gas resistance) does your product need? Does the target market have industrial composting infrastructure?
- Should choose when: the brand is positioned as green and needs a credible biodegradation message, along with genuine EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 certification. Products with a short shelf life, such as fresh vegetables, where PLA's moisture barrier properties are still adequate. Single-use food service packaging needs to be grease-resistant, and PBAT is well-suited for this. Agricultural mulch films are also appropriate.
- Do not choose when: the product is moisture-sensitive or oxygen-sensitive and requires long-term storage, as PLA has poorer moisture and gas barrier properties than conventional petroleum-based plastics. Cold storage conditions below 10 degrees Celsius are also unsuitable, as PLA becomes brittle at this temperature. Environments close to heat sources should also be avoided, as PLA begins to soften around 58 degrees Celsius. Markets lacking industrial composting infrastructure should not choose this material, as compostable materials will not decompose meaningfully in regular landfills. Finally, do not label as biodegradable without valid certification.
A common situation in the industry: a brand chooses PLA packaging because they want to be "green," but the product is sold in a market without industrial composting facilities. As a result, that packaging ends up in a regular landfill, decomposing slowly like regular plastic, while the end customer reads the word "compostable" and thinks they are doing something good. This is misleading greenwashing, even if unintentional. In Vietnam, misleading information about product features may violate the Consumer Protection Law 2023 and regulations on product labeling, so the term biodegradable on the label needs to be certified.
It is important to distinguish further: compostable (decomposable in composting conditions) is different from recyclable (can be recycled). These two concepts cannot replace each other and should not be confused on labels.
Costs, time and quantity
The cost of bioplastics is currently moderate to high compared to conventional petrochemical plastics. The difference arises from the smaller production scale of the materials and the supply chain not being as optimized as traditional plastics.
Regarding timing: bioplastics can be challenging to define a fixed timeframe. One step that should be taken before finalizing specifications is to test the actual material. The gas and moisture barrier properties, ink adhesion, and heat resistance during processing all need to be tested with the specific material and supplier, not just based on technical specifications on paper. This step may extend the timeline compared to conventional materials.
Regarding minimum quantity: it depends on the type of packaging and the supplier of the film or material. Biodegradable films typically require higher order quantities than standard paper or plastic due to more limited supply.
Printing and material costs are typically coordinated directly between the business and the supplier and printer. Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not represent the printer.
Bioplastics that come into contact with food must also comply with QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT, Vietnam's food contact standards. You should ask the supplier to demonstrate that the specific material (PLA, PBAT, or a mixture) meets these standards for each application.
What you need to prepare to get started
To consider and design suitable biodegradable packaging, you should have the following information ready.
- The number of SKUs (product codes) and a brief description of each product inside the packaging.
- Shelf life and storage requirements: temperature, humidity, exposure to grease or not.
- Sales market: domestic or export, and if export, to which market, as degradation standards vary by region.
- Has the supplier provided EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 certification for the material, or are you still in the process of searching for materials?
- The green message you want to convey: biodegradable, recyclable, plant-based, or a combination.
- The timeline for the complete file.
Decision checklist
Topic: Bioplastics and biodegradable materials. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
This article provides general information according to the documents in effect as of October 6, 2026. This is not legal advice and does not substitute for a lawyer's opinion for your specific case. Rights and obligations between Sinh Vũ and clients arise only according to the signed contract.
References
UKHI, Bioplastic Definitions and Properties. MySupplyClub, ASTM D6400 Compostable Packaging Standards. Infinita Lab, PLA Biodegradability and Compostability Testing. SalesPlastics, What is PBAT Plastic. QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT (Vietnamese food contact standards). European Bioplastics. Practical experience from Sinh Vũ Studio.
Frequently asked questions
Is PLA the same as compostable?
Not entirely. PLA is the name of the material, while compostable is a property confirmed by certification. A product made from PLA can only be called compostable if it meets the EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 standards with specific materials and thickness. The certification applies to the final product and does not automatically apply to every mixture or different thickness.
Does compostable packaging decompose in a regular landfill?
No. Both PLA and PBAT require industrial composting conditions: maintaining a minimum temperature of 58 degrees Celsius, controlled humidity, and microorganisms. In regular landfills or home composting, these materials decompose very slowly, almost equivalent to conventional plastics. The Vietnamese market currently lacks a sufficiently broad industrial composting infrastructure to handle this.
What is different about biodegradable plastic packaging compared to regular packaging?
Yes. The barrier and heat resistance of PLA are limited, so the structure, graphics, and print-ready files must consider this material base, and actual material testing is necessary before finalizing specifications. The choice of material suppliers and printers is up to the business, or in collaboration with the design unit and printer.
This article is for reference. The scope, pricing, and specific commitments of Sinh Vũ are detailed in the proposal and signed contract.