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Compostable Vs. Biodegradable Vs. Recyclable

With recycling becoming a common practice for homeowners throughout the UK, there has been some confusion about many of the green movement’s terminology. This includes the differences between compostable, biodegradable and recyclable. While some believe that these words are interchangeable, they are not. In fact, they are all very different, especially in how they relate to the coffee industry.

Biodegradable

Let’s take a closer look at the meanings of compostable, biodegradable and recyclable and see just how much each one affects us.

Compostable Vs. Biodegradable Vs. Recyclable

Recyclable- the term recyclable refers to specific materials including glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles and more which can be reused. These materials go through a special process which turns them into new products. Some eco coffee pods are made using recycled materials but are not recyclable themselves.

Biodegradable- you might have heard both compostable and biodegradable used when talking about the same idea. These terms are not interchangeable as biodegradable can be defined as any product which can be ‘broken down WITHOUT oxygen and that it turns into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a reasonable amount of time.’ Most eco coffee pods are biodegradable.

Composting- while similar in definition to biodegradable, composting is defined as any product which can be broken down to ‘carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass’ in a very short period of time. Products which can be composted leave no toxic residue as they degrade.

Eco Coffee Pods And The Environment

So how do these green movement terms relate to the coffee industry and how can you help protect the environment? One of the newest trends in the coffee industry involve those little plastic cups which are placed into the pod-style coffee makers and produce a single cup of coffee or tea. Many of these pods are made of plastic which isn’t compostable or recyclable and which can take hundreds of years to completely biodegrade.

This is where eco coffee pods come in. Most eco coffee pods are either biodegradable or compostable. They break down in less time than other coffee pods and they don’t cause any harm to the environment or wildlife. Once broken down, eco coffee pods become a natural element that is good for the environment. Purchasing eco coffee pods is a good way to help the environment and reduce the amount of waste in landfills.

Contact Novell

To learn more about the meaning of the terms compostable, biodegradable and recyclable and how they affect the newest trends in coffee and café service, contact Novell and shop a wide selection of specialty coffees today!

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