It’s important for companies and consumers to understand the end-of-life pathways for paper materials — such as paper recycling or composting — so they can make informed choices. Exploring the compostability or biodegradability of various paper types, along with advances in bio-based coatings, can help organisations make decisions aligned with environmental sustainability at a time when consumers are demanding transparency around sustainability and practices.
The Journey of Unrecycled Paper
When paper products aren’t recycled, they usually end up in landfills. In these anaerobic environments, organic materials like paper break down slowly, releasing methane — a potentially potent greenhouse gas. Alternatively, some paper waste can be processed through incineration with energy recovery, contributing to energy generation while also emitting carbon dioxide. Recycling — collecting and reusing paper products to make new ones — is the ideal solution, but recycling infrastructure can vary from state to state, even city to city. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) estimate paper recycling in the US at 65–69%. Composting offers another alternative, diverting paper waste from landfills and converting it into valuable organic matter that enriches soil. However, currently only a handful of states offer curbside compost collection. Learn more about composting infrastructure in the US with GreenBlue’s interactive map.
A recent literature review in the International Journal of Engineering and Technology Research found that paper waste “can be effectively composted to improve soil health, but factors such as ink, lignin and contamination levels affect biodegradability.” Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared with landfilling and is a sustainable waste management solution. Interestingly, glossy and recycled papers broke down faster than newsprint.
Compostable and Biodegradable: Clarifying the Terms
It’s important to distinguish between “biodegradable” and “compostable.” While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. The term “biodegradable” refers to the breakdown of materials by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass. However, this process doesn’t have a defined timeframe or set of environmental conditions, which is why it isn’t an appropriate marketing term for describing a product’s sustainability. “Compostable” materials, by contrast, don’t just biodegrade — they do so within a specific timeframe under composting conditions, and leave no toxic residue. This distinction is critical for proper waste management and environmental impact.
The Effectiveness of Paper Composting by Paper Type
The compostability of paper depends largely on its composition and any added treatments. Uncoated, unbleached papers, such as brown paper bags and cardboard, compost easily and can even boost compost piles by absorbing excess moisture. Moulded fibre packaging made from recycled paper products such as newsprint and cardboard is gaining popularity thanks to its biodegradability and suitability for various applications. However, heavily inked or coated papers, such as magazines and certain packaging, may contain synthetic additives that slow decomposition. Some ink formulations are soy-based and compostable, while others contain petroleum-based compounds that can introduce toxins into compost.
Additionally, papers treated with waterproof or grease-resistant coatings — such as those used in food packaging — may not break down effectively unless compostable bio-based coatings are used. Certifications from organisations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) help consumers determine which paper-based products meet strict compostability standards.
Advances in Bio-Based Coatings and Treatments
Traditional paper products, particularly those used in packaging, often include plastic-based coatings to provide a barrier against moisture and grease. These coatings can hinder recycling and composting efforts. But according to new research, consumption of biodegradable and compostable polymers for packaging will continue to grow at a faster rate than the packaging market as a whole, and innovative companies are developing bio-based coatings to address this challenge.
“The global biodegradable and compostable packaging market is expected to grow more than twice as fast as the overall packaging market by 2029,” says David Platt, author of The Future of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging to 2029. “Demand is being driven by growing consumer, brand-owner and government appetite to replace single-use, fossil-based plastics with materials that don’t contribute to plastic waste or landfill volumes.”
Work is underway to improve the biodegradability of polymers on the market and introduce new products made from starch blends. While demand for biodegradable and compostable packaging is growing rapidly, barriers remain — including higher costs compared with commodity plastics, a lack of facilities worldwide for recycling and composting bioplastics, and the need for regulatory support.
The Future of Compostable Paper
The paper industry continues to innovate, developing coatings and treatments that boost compostability while preserving the functional benefits of traditional packaging. As businesses and consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to plastic, compostable paper solutions will play an important role in reducing waste. By choosing paper products and disposing of them properly (through recycling or composting), we can help close the loop on paper waste and contribute to healthier soils and a cleaner environment. With ongoing advances and responsible disposal practices, paper continues to be a renewable and sustainable option in the fight against environmental waste.