The Dirt on Paper Composting

Submitted: Two Sides North America May 7, 2025

It’s important for companies and consumers to understand the end-of-life pathways for paper materials, like paper recycling or composting, so that they can make smart choices. Exploring the compostability or biodegradability of various types of paper and the advancements in bio-based coatings can help organizations make informed decisions that align with environmental sustainability at a time when consumers are demanding sustainability and transparency around practices.

The Journey of Non-Recycled Paper

When paper products are not recycled, they typically end up in landfills. In these anaerobic environments, organic materials like paper decompose slowly, potentially releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Alternatively, some paper waste may be processed through combustion with energy recovery, contributing to energy production but also emitting carbon dioxide. Recycling paper products, which can be collected and reused to make new products, is the ideal solution, but recycling infrastructure can vary from state to state, even city to city. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) estimate U.S. paper recycling at 60%-64%. Composting presents another alternative, diverting paper waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable organic matter that enriches soil. However, only a handful of states currently offer curbside compost collection. Learn more about the U.S. composting infrastructure with this interactive map from GreenBlue.

A recent review of literature in the International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, found that paper waste can be “effectively composted to improve soil health, though factors such as ink, lignin, and contamination levels affect biodegradability. Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling and is a sustainable waste management solution.” Interestingly, glossy and recycled papers degraded more quickly than newsprint.

Compostable vs. Biodegradable: Clarifying the Terms

It’s essential to distinguish between “biodegradable” and “compostable.” While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. “Biodegradable” refers to the breakdown of materials by microorganisms into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, this process lacks specificity regarding the time frame and environmental conditions required; therefore, it is not an appropriate marketing term to describe the sustainability of a product. In contrast, “compostable” materials not only biodegrade but do so within a specific time frame under composting conditions, leaving no toxic residue. This distinction is crucial for proper waste management and environmental impact.

Effectiveness of Paper Composting Based on Paper Types

The compostability of paper largely depends on its composition and any added treatments. Uncoated, unbleached paper, such as brown paper bags and cardboard, composts readily and can enhance compost piles by absorbing excess moisture. Molded fiber packaging, made from recycled paper products like newsprint and cardboard, is gaining popularity due 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 may introduce toxins into the compost.

Furthermore, papers treated with waterproof or grease-resistant coatings, such as those used for food packaging, may not break down effectively unless they utilize compostable bio-based coatings. Certifications from organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) help consumers identify which paper-based products meet rigorous compostability standards.

Advancements in Bio-Based Coatings and Treatments

Traditional paper products, especially those used in packaging, often incorporate plastic-based coatings to provide barriers against moisture and grease. These coatings can hinder recycling and composting efforts. However, according to new research, the consumption of biodegradable and compostable polymers for packaging will continue to grow at a faster rate than that of petrochemical-based thermoplastic materials, and innovative companies are developing bio-based coatings to address the challenge.

“The global biodegradable and compostable packaging market is forecast to grow through to 2029 at more than twice the rate of growth for the packaging market as a whole,” said David Platt, author of The Future of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging to 2029. “Demand is driven by the growing desire of consumers, brand owners and governments to replace single-use, fossil-based plastics with materials that do not contribute to plastic waste or landfill volumes.”

Work is being done to increase the degradability of polymers already on the market and introduce new products made from starch blends. Though the demand for biodegradable and compostable packaging is growing quickly, obstacles remain, including high cost relative to commodity plastics, the absence of worldwide facilities for recycling and composting bioplastics, and regulatory support.

The Future of Compostable Paper

The paper industry continues to innovate, developing coatings and treatments that enhance compostability while maintaining the functional benefits of traditional packaging. As businesses and consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to plastic, compostable paper solutions will play a crucial role in reducing waste. By choosing paper products and disposing of them properly (either through recycling or composting), we can help close the loop on paper waste and contribute to healthier soils and a cleaner environment. With ongoing advancements and responsible disposal practices, paper remains a renewable, sustainable choice in the fight against environmental waste.

At Two Sides North America, we aim to educate all types of consumers on the sustainability of paper, print and paper-based packaging. Through fact sheets, original research, and news that help its members incorporate information about the sustainability of print and paper into messaging that effectively reaches consumers.