Biodegradable vs. Compostable: What Spas Need to Know

As a spa professional, you care about creating a relaxing space for your clients while making environmentally friendly choices for the planet. But when it comes to eco-friendly products, terms like “biodegradable” and “compostable” can get confusing. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choices for your spa.

Table of Contents

Biodegradable: The Basics

What It Means: Biodegradable materials break down naturally into smaller elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. This process happens with the help of microorganisms, in various environments (even landfills).

The Catch:

  • Not all biodegradable items are created equal.
  • Some take years to decompose and may leave behind microplastics.

How to Check: Look for testing standards such as ASTM D5511 and ASTM D5526 to ensure the product has been rigorously evaluated to break down properly under specific conditions, like anaerobic or aerobic environments. These tests help verify biodegradability claims but are not certifications.

Compostable: A Step Further

Compostable products not only break down but also enrich the soil—making them a more eco-friendly option. But not all compostable products are the same.

Industrial Compostable

What It Means:

  • These products need the controlled conditions of commercial composting facilities to break down. Think high temperatures, moisture, and microbial activity.

What to Look For:

  • Testing standards like ASTM D6400 (USA) and EN 13432 (Europe).
  • These ensure the product breaks down completely in industrial composting settings.

How to Compost:

  • Use resources like FindAComposter.com to locate facilities that handle industrial compostable materials.

Home Compostable

What It Means:

  • Designed to decompose in a typical backyard compost setup, these products require less heat and fewer controlled conditions.

What to Look For:

  • Certifications like "OK Compost HOME" to confirm the product meets home composting standards.

Why This Matters for Your Spa

Using biodegradable and compostable products shows your guests that you care about the environment and their well-being. Here’s how it makes a difference:

  • Reduce Waste: Biodegradable and compostable products help minimize landfill contributions. Compostable items even enrich the soil, supporting healthier growth for the future.
  • Show You Care: Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability reassures guests that your spa is making thoughtful, eco-friendly choices.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

At Universal Companies, we’ve got you covered with products that meet industrial compostable and biodegradable standards. From gloves to portion cups and swimsuit bags, we make it easy to align your spa with sustainable practices.

Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with multiple industry awards (thank you!) and proud to support the spa industry through mentorship and sponsorship.

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