A new report from Beyond Plastics, an NGO, claims that very little of the bioplastics labeled as compostable can be composted by consumers.

“Compostable” bioplastics can only be broken down in commercial compost facilities, but many of these won’t take compostable foodware and packaging because of concerns about microplastic and chemical contamination.
With no U.S. federal standards, bioplastic certifications are voluntary, and mostly owned and influenced by chemical companies and bioplastic manufacturers, the report says. Standards are also weak globally.
The report notes that bioplastics often take longer to break down than industry claims, and when they do degrade, they leave toxic micro- and nanoplastics in compost that can enter the food chain, potentially causing health problems for people and animals. The plastics industry disputes these claims.