Biodegradable vs compostable wipes: 5 label checks

“Biodegradable” and “compostable” get printed on wipes packs like they’re interchangeable. They’re not. One is a loose description. The other, done properly, is a tested claim tied to a named standard. Here’s how to tell the difference in the aisle, in about 20 seconds.

And before anything else: neither word means flushable. In Australia, only a product carrying the AS/NZS 5328 flushable symbol should go down the loo. More on that in are biodegradable wipes flushable?

Biodegradable: true of lots of things, proof of very little

Biodegradable means microbes can eventually break a material down. A banana peel is biodegradable. So, eventually, is a tree. The word on its own doesn’t say how long, at what temperature, or where.

That’s why it’s a weak claim on a pack without more detail. The ACCC’s December 2023 guidance for businesses on environmental claims asks that claims be accurate, able to be substantiated and not leave out important information, which is exactly where a bare “biodegradable” tends to fall short. We go deeper in degradable vs biodegradable.

Compostable: a claim with a test behind it

“Compostable” is meant to be narrower. Certified compostable products are tested to break down within a set time, under set conditions, without leaving toxic residue. In Australia the two standards to know are:

• AS 5810: home compostable. Tested at the lower temperatures of a backyard bin.
• AS 4736: industrially compostable. Tested in the hotter, controlled conditions of a commercial facility.

You’ll also see international marks such as TÜV Austria OK compost HOME and EN 13432 (the European industrial standard). The Australasian Bioplastics Association runs verification against the Australian standards. Our explainer on AS 4736 vs AS 5810 covers the detail.

Home compostable is the harder test to pass, because a backyard heap is cooler and slower than an industrial facility. For example, ZERO Resealable Food Storage Bags are certified home compostable (TÜV Austria OK compost HOME), and ZERO Cling Wrap is certified home compostable under DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria OK compost HOME.

5 label checks before you buy wipes

1. Is there a named standard? “Compostable” should come with AS 5810, AS 4736, OK compost HOME or similar. No standard, no proof.
2. Home or industrial? If it’s only industrially compostable, it needs a facility that accepts it. Check what your council’s FOGO or green bin takes before you assume.
3. What’s the fibre, exactly? “Made with bamboo” or “plant-based” can sit alongside polyester or polypropylene. Look for the full material.
4. Where does it go when you’re done? A good pack gives a clear disposal instruction: bin, home compost or industrial compost.
5. Does it say flushable? Only trust that with the AS/NZS 5328 symbol.

For more red flags, see how to spot greenwashing on compostable products.

Why fibre and additives matter

Many wipes are made from cellulose fibres such as wood pulp, cotton or viscose. Problems start when those are blended with synthetic fibres for strength, or bonded with additives. Cardiff University researchers found that more than half of the biodegradable and flushable wipes they examined mixed cellulose with poorly degradable synthetic fibres, and that additives can slow breakdown further.

Pre-moistened wipes also need something to stop the liquid going off, which is why wet wipes usually contain preservatives.

Where ZERO wipes fit

ZERO wipes take a different route. They’re dry wipes made from timber viscose (wood pulp). You add water when you need them, so there are no preservatives or fragrance. They’re OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class 1 certified: tested for harmful substances, in the strictest class, which is the one for baby articles.

They’re also reusable. ZERO Baby Wipes are machine washable, and ZERO Cleaning Wipes can be rinsed and used again, dry or damp. When they’re finished, they go in the bin. Never the loo.

Clear material. Clear certification. Clear disposal.

FAQ

Is compostable better than biodegradable?
As a label, a certified compostable claim tells you more, because it’s tied to a test. A bare “biodegradable” tells you very little.

Can I put compostable wipes in my green bin?
Only if your council accepts them. Rules vary, so check your council’s FOGO or green bin guidance.

Are compostable wipes flushable?
No. Compost and sewers are different environments. Only the AS/NZS 5328 symbol means flushable.

What should I do with ZERO wipes when they’re done?
Wash and reuse them as many times as they’re up to, then put them in the bin.

Related reading: compostable certifications explained and home compostable vs industrial.