Eco-Friendly vs Biodegradable Packaging: Which Is Better?

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Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Kira Andrus

The old adage “waste not, want not” often implies that people who are frugal will always have what they need. In the 21st century, we can apply this adage to responsibly caring for our environment so we can continue to utilize its resources for generations to come. 

ClearBags is a 2nd generation family owned company, but reducing waste has always been important to our business. In its earliest days, ClearBags was known as Impact Images, a small poster business. When our founder, Benny Wilkins, discovered the bags for packaging and shipping the posters were often too big and tore easily, he set out to find a bag that reduced the waste his new company was experiencing. Over 30 years later, ClearBags no longer stocks posters, but we provide Crystal Clear bags in numerous sizes and we are still working to reduce waste in packaging while providing sustainable options for all our customers.

The question is: Eco-Friendly vs Biodegradable Packaging: Which Is Better? Here’s everything you need to know about about making environmentally conscious packaging choices for your business:

What the Difference Between Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable?

Eco-Friendly (sometimes listed as environmentally friendly) simply means designed to reduce environmental impact. However, just because something is eco-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s biodegradable. To truly be biodegradable, the substance needs to break down naturally over time with the help of bacteria or microorganisms. Eco-friendly is a much broader term that encompasses biodegradable packaging products. ClearBags has many products that fall into the category of eco-friendly packaging. Within our eco-friendly packaging, we have packaging that is commercial compostable, home compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable. 

When looking at eco-friendly products and packaging, look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Biodegradable Plastics Institute (BPI), and Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). Also, pay attention to labels like commercially compostable and home compostable. Knowing the difference between biodegradable packaging and compostable products can also help. To be biodegradable, a material will break down over time in a variety of environments as long as it has the help of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Compostable products only break down under specific conditions like heat, moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms. Additionally, there is a difference between commercially compostable products and home compostable products. Commercially compostable products need a controlled environment with high temperatures and specialized microorganisms, while home composting only requires moderate temperatures, moisture, oxygen, and natural microbes. Most compostable items are only commercially compostable, so make sure you read the label before composting at home. Similar to compostable products, biodegradable packaging is typically made from fermented plant starches (corn, sugarcane, sugarbeet pulp, etc.) and will break down given the right conditions, but consumers need to be aware of what conditions are needed.

Here are some examples of what to look for using ClearBags products:

  • ClearBags A2 Bright Envelopes White (E5202) are certified by the FSC and are acid free, which makes them an environmentally conscious choice while being able to last for generations to come. 
  • Eco Clear Protective Closure Bags (GC2X5PC) are made from an innovative, plant-based material called polylactic acid (PLA). PLA performs differently than traditional poly bags, and it can vary in thickness from 1.4 Mil – 2.0 Mil, depending on production run. PLA material has great benefits associated with its compostability; however, these bags are only commercially compostable.
  • Matte Black Home Compostable Child Resistant Stand Up Pouches (CRPE2MB) are proof that home compostable and eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be boring or bland. These pouches are food safe and heat sealable, and they are TUV Austria certified home compostable and come with an ASTM certified child resistant zipper that requires two hand dexterity to open. 
  • Glassine Envelopes (G15) are made of food safe, white Glassine Paper, and each semi-transparent envelope comes open ended with a non-adhesive flap. They are ideal for home organization, boutiques, and markets. While they are biodegradable packaging, they are also recyclable, just follow the recycle code PAP/PPB Paper.

What are Their Challenges and Limitations?

There is a lot to know and remember when it comes to eco-friendly packaging, and one of the greatest challenges in determining the eco-friendliness of a product is understanding the degree to which a product breaks down. 

Many factors contribute to the decomposition of a product, including knowing the form (biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable) of the product to the conditions in which it is being disposed of. Biodegradable materials break down over time, but the timeframe varies with some plastics taking years to decompose. Even composting requires specific conditions (home or industrial) to decompose. If we don’t consider the product in its entirety (from source to decomposition), we may be misled on how sustainable our packaging is.

Sometimes, the shelf life of a biodegradable packaging product can present a challenge. Take, for instance, ClearBags Water Soluble Bags. These bags are made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material, which is designed to degrade in hot water without leaving behind any micro-plastics or residue. Due to the nature of the material, these bags dissolve quickly when exposed to moisture, so storage of these bags is key. The bags need to be kept in their sealed outer bags to prevent early disintegration at a room temperature between 45-86 F and 20-70% humidity. However, this grab and go bag can be a great way to hand out merchandise without leaving a lasting impact on the environment. 

Another challenge is educating yourself on eco-friendly terms used in your product descriptions. Knowing that ASTM D 6400 is the standard for U.S. commercial compostability and DIN EN 13432 is the European standard for compostability helps you understand both that your product is eco-friendly and compostable, but that the decomposition of the packaging must occur at a commercial composting facility.  For example, ClearBags White Kraft Compostable Heat Seal Bags (KHS34WK) are ASTM D 6400 and DIN EN 13432 certified. They are eco-friendly packaging, but they will require a little bit of leg work to compost them properly. 

Finally, some eco-friendly packaging options can be more expensive than traditional packaging. Being committed to using sustainable products and using stricter sourcing methods can bring about higher prices on products. Current research shows that consumers are not purchasing as much as fear of an economic recession mounts. Despite this fear and higher prices on products, consumers are still looking for companies to provide sustainable products as standard, and a majority of consumers are committed to reducing their own waste.

How Do I Get Started with Sustainable Packaging?

Knowing what consumers want has led many companies to adopt sustainable packaging for their products. Every part of your packaging can be eco-friendly. Consider what products you offer and which eco-friendly packaging makes the most sense for your product and your brand. 

  • Does utilizing biodegradable packaging options like water soluble bags and glassine bags, envelopes, and sheets work for your business?
    • ClearBags Glassine Sheets protect and preserve your items. With a texture similar to wax paper but far more durable and long-lasting, glassine is often referred to as protective paper and is the preferred choice for archival quality preservation. They have a neutral pH balance so they won’t damage photographs and documents over time like other materials might. Made from 100% compostable materials, Glassine Sheets can protect your items while also being biodegradable and curbside recyclable.
  • Do you want to showcase your commitment to going green by offering home compostable packaging?
    • ClearBags offers several products made from NatureFlex, a biodegradable cellulose consisting of renewable wood pulp grown in managed plantations which is ASTM 6400 and EN 13432 certified and Certified Home Compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Whether you are looking for our Home Compostable Eco Clear Flat Heat Seal Bags (BGB228), heat and food safe Home Compostable Metallized Flat Heat Seal Bag (BGB135HS),  Home Compostable White Bubble Mailer (HCM610W) or our Eco Clear Round Stickers (CSE4), ClearBags has packaging that will reduce your carbon footprint and make it easy for your customers to dispose of their packaging in an environmentally friendly way. 
  • What if my packaging isn’t biodegradable or compostable?
    • Keep in mind, just because an item may not be biodegradable or compostable does not mean it can’t be recycled to reduce waste. ClearBags offers dozens of recyclable products including the rPET Crystal Clear Pop & Lock Box (PLB104R). rPET Crystal Clear Pop & Lock Box is a sustainable way to package single serve candies, party favors, and unique gifts. Made from 100% post consumer recycled content (PCR), these crystal clear boxes come with an embossed recycle code to let end consumers know it’s made from recycled content and is recyclable. As people better understand what can be recycled, they do a better job at reducing waste. In fact, in 2022, “67.9% of paper was recycled and 93.6% of cardboard” was recycled. Looking for and understanding recycling codes can help you make more eco-friendly choices in your packaging.

The answer to our original question about which is better – eco-friendly or biodegradable packaging – is simply that it depends. Really, knowing what your business needs and how to best meet those needs varies for each company. However, making eco-friendly packaging choices for your business doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start by assessing your current packaging and determining your goals for your brand. What do you want your consumers to know about your product and how it is packaged? Next, determine which sustainable materials make the most sense for your business. Finally, take a look at your branding and marketing materials. Need help finding a packaging solution that is eco-friendly and highlights your brand? Reach out! We would love to help you find the packaging that works for you.

Published by Megan Curtis