Experiment by the German Environmental Aid proves: Promises about "compostable" bioplastics turn out to be a brazen lie

Berlin, November 3rd, 2022 : Bioplastic packaging and products advertised as “compostable” do not deliver what they promise and are a brazen lie. This is the result of an experiment carried out by the German Environmental Aid (DUH) in a representative composting plant in the Rhein-Sieg district. The tested coffee capsules, disposable plates, bar packaging, disposable razors and shoes looked almost unchanged after composting. Other products, such as organic waste collection bags or to-go cups, had broken into pieces that can affect the compost quality. Based on these results, the DUH calls on the Minister responsible for consumer protection, Steffi Lemke, to issue an advertising ban on the compostability of bioplastic packaging and products.

DUH Federal Managing Director Barbara Metz : "Bioplastics are booming on supermarket shelves, drugstores and to-go items. Many people consciously choose bioplastic products in the hope of protecting the environment and climate. No wonder: Labels such as 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' give the impression that the material would simply decompose in the environment or in the compost. Our experiment now proves the opposite. None of the composted products have completely decomposed - if any, they have mostly broken down into pieces, contaminating the valuable compost. This clearly shows that instead of enabling environmentally conscious consumption, advertising statements about the compostability of bioplastic products lead to false assumptions about their environmental compatibility and disposal. Minister Steffi Lemke, who is responsible for consumer protection, must act now!