Are Biodegradable Labels Better Than Recyclable Labels?

Biodegradable labels are labels made from materials that can break down naturally over time with the help of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. These labels are often designed to decompose into natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, without leaving harmful residues behind.

There are generally two types of biodegradable labels:

Biodegradable plastic labels – Made from materials like PLA (polylactic acid) or other plant-based plastics. These require industrial composting conditions—high heat, humidity, and specific microbes—to break down effectively.

Biodegradable paper labels – Often made from unbleached, natural fibers such as sugarcane or bamboo. These may break down under home composting conditions, but still need the right balance of moisture, temperature, and microorganisms.

Most biodegradable labels, especially those made from plastic, only break down under industrial composting conditions . This means they need high temperatures (between 131°F and 160°F ), moisture, and special microbes. These conditions are not found in your backyard, on the street, in landfills, or in the ocean.

Even some paper-based labels, like sugarcane paper, only work in home composting conditions. If they end up in the wrong environment, they may take years to break down—or never break down at all.

Also, if you put a biodegradable label on a bottle or plastic packaging, it won’t break down unless you remove it first and compost it separately. That’s too much work for most people and makes the process harder, not easier.

Biodegradable materials do not mix well with recyclable materials. If a biodegradable label sticks to a plastic bottle made from PET or PE (two common recyclable plastics), it can ruin the entire recycling batch.

This is a big problem for businesses. Even if the company uses biodegradable labels for the right reasons, their customers will likely throw them away in normal trash or recycling bins—not in compost bins. And most people don’t know how to handle these materials correctly.

So, instead of helping the planet, these labels can end up doing more harm than good.

Even in a country like the United States, the system for composting biodegradable materials is not ready. Recycling systems are much more common and better developed.

A 2023 study hosted by BioCycle found that out of 200 full-size composting facilities in the U.S., 71% accept compostable packaging—but they are mostly in California, New York, and Washington. In total, only about 11%  of Americans have access to composting programs that accept compostable materials.

And these programs mostly focus on food packaging, not non-food packages. For a biodegradable label to be accepted, everything—the label, the glue, the coating—must meet strict rules like ASTM D6400  or  ASTM D6868 .

In addition, the development of biodegradable material processing systems depends on cooperation between the government and businesses. But right now, the outlook is not very positive. The government’s budget for environmental programs is not strong enough.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , between 2010 and 2020, the budget for its Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) dropped from $2.38 billion to $2.15 billion (about a 31% decrease after adjusting for inflation).

Looking ahead, the 2026 federal budget plan includes big cuts in non-defense spending—a total reduction of $163 billion (about 22.6%). This includes major cuts in areas like education, housing, medical research, foreign aid, and environmental programs, meaning less support to biodegradable programs. 

If biodegradable labels have so many problems, why do so many people still believe they are the best choice? The answer lies in how these products are presented and how people feel about them.

First, the word “biodegradable” sounds very positive. It makes people imagine something that simply disappears into nature without causing harm. Compared to “recyclable,” which feels more technical, “biodegradable” sounds softer and more natural. This makes it easier for people to feel good about their choice.

In addition, the way biodegradable products are packaged adds to this image. Many of them use soft earth-tone colors, leaves, and words like “natural” or “planet-friendly.” These visual elements help build a green impression, even if the product doesn’t actually perform well in real-life environmental systems.

Marketing also plays a role. Ads and articles often talk about how biodegradable products are better for the planet but leave out key facts—like the special conditions needed for them to break down. Most people are not familiar with how composting or recycling systems work, so they rely on what feels right, not what actually works.

If your goal is sustainability that works in the real world—not just in theory—then recyclable labels may be the smarter, more responsible option.

Recyclable labels are designed to integrate with existing recycling systems, especially when they use materials compatible with PET, paper, or cardboard streams. They don’t rely on fragile infrastructure or demand perfect disposal habits from consumers.

Advantages of recyclable labels include:

1. Compatibility with widespread recycling systems

2. Easy separation and identification

3. No risk of composting contamination

4. Ideal for use on bottles, cartons, and packages already entering recycling streams

5. No need for specialized disposal methods

In short, recyclable labels work with what’s already available, making them a more effective, scalable solution for businesses and consumers alike.

At Betckey, all our labels are designed recyclable to deliver both performance and environmental responsibility.

We all want to do our part to reduce waste and protect the environment—but the best solutions aren’t always the most glamorous. Biodegradable labels are good, but they often fall short in practice. Without the right infrastructure, conditions, and behavior, their benefits vanish—and sometimes cause more harm than good.

Recyclable labels, on the other hand, offer a more practical, proven path to sustainability—especially in today’s fragmented waste management landscape.

About Betckey

Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit  betckey.com  and get special discount when purchasing! Sign up now and we'll send you a special discount towards your purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!