Compostable & Biodegradable Nonwoven Fabric: The Complete Guide
Biodegradable, compostable, flushable — these terms mean different things with different standards and different marketing rules. Here is how to choose and certify an eco nonwoven without greenwashing.
As demand for sustainable nonwovens grows, so does confusion about what the labels actually mean. Biodegradable, compostable, and flushable are three different claims with three different standards. This guide explains the differences, the materials that qualify, and how to source an eco nonwoven responsibly.
Biodegradable vs Compostable vs Flushable
These three terms are often used interchangeably but mean different things:
| Term | Meaning | Standard | End Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Breaks down naturally over time | Varies; often undefined | Soil, water, or landfill |
| Compostable | Breaks down into compost in a set time | EN 13432 / ASTM D6400 | Industrial or home compost |
| Flushable | Disperses and degrades in wastewater | INDA/EDANA GD4 | Wastewater system |
Avoid Greenwashing
'Biodegradable' alone is a weak claim — almost everything biodegrades eventually. 'Compostable' and 'flushable' are specific, tested claims with standards behind them. If you are making an environmental claim on packaging, use the specific standard and certification, not the vague word.
Materials for Eco Nonwovens
Only cellulose-based fibers are truly biodegradable. The main material options for eco nonwovens:
| Material | Biodegradable | Compostable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose (rayon) | Yes | Yes (certifiable) | 100% viscose is the standard eco spunlace |
| Wood pulp | Yes | Yes | Used in flushable and wet-laid products |
| Bamboo fiber | Yes | Yes | Premium eco positioning |
| Cotton | Yes | Yes | Higher cost, premium products |
| PLA (polylactic acid) | Compostable only industrially | Yes (EN 13432) | Bioplastic, not cellulose |
| Polyester | No | No | Synthetic, does not biodegrade |
Compostability Standards: EN 13432 and ASTM D6400
Compostable claims must be backed by certification to a recognized standard. The two main standards are EN 13432 (Europe) and ASTM D6400 (US). Both require the material to disintegrate and biodegrade within a defined timeframe in an industrial composting facility, and to leave no harmful residue.
- Disintegration: the material must break into small fragments within 12 weeks
- Biodegradation: 90%+ of the material must convert to CO2 within 6 months
- Eco-toxicity: the resulting compost must not harm plant growth
Achieving EN 13432 certification is a meaningful investment — typically a multi-month testing and certification process. For a 100% viscose or wood pulp product, the material already qualifies; the certification verifies it and lets you make the claim legally.
FSC Certification: Where the Fiber Comes From
Compostability covers what happens at the end of life. FSC covers where the fiber came from at the beginning. FSC certification verifies that the wood pulp used to make viscose comes from responsibly managed forests.
For retail and brand customers with sustainability commitments, FSC is often required alongside compostability. The two certifications address different parts of the sustainability story: FSC is the source, EN 13432 is the end-of-life.
Viscose vs Wood Pulp for Eco Products
Both viscose and wood pulp are cellulose and biodegradable, but they perform differently:
| Property | Viscose Spunlace | Wood Pulp (wet-laid) |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Higher | Lower (needs short-cut PET support) |
| Softness | Excellent, textile-like | Paper-like |
| Absorbency | High | Very high |
| Dispersibility | No (holds together) | Yes (disperses in water) |
| Best for | Wipes, cosmetic, medical, dry wipes | Flushable, dispersible wipes |
Sourcing an Eco Nonwoven Responsibly
Eco Sourcing Checklist
1. Define the claim: biodegradable, compostable, or flushable? 2. Choose a cellulose material (100% viscose or wood pulp) — no polyester 3. If compostable: plan for EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 certification 4. If retail: confirm FSC certification on the pulp source 5. Verify the manufacturer's ISO 9001 and eco certifications with certificates 6. Request samples and certification documents before production
SunLuner produces 100% viscose and wood-pulp spunlace with ISO 9001 and FSC certification, and supports compostability certification paths for qualified products. If you are pursuing EN 13432 for a dry wipe or flushable product, we can support the substrate qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
Biodegradable means the material breaks down naturally over an undefined time. Compostable is a specific, tested claim: the material disintegrates and biodegrades within a set timeframe in a composting facility, certified to EN 13432 or ASTM D6400. Compostable is the stronger, more regulated claim.
2Can polyester nonwoven be biodegradable?
No. Polyester is a synthetic polymer and does not biodegrade. For a biodegradable or compostable claim, use 100% cellulose fibers such as viscose, wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton. Any polyester content prevents the biodegradable claim.
3What is EN 13432 certification?
EN 13432 is the European standard for industrial compostability. It requires the material to disintegrate within 12 weeks, biodegrade 90%+ within 6 months, and leave no harmful residue. Certification is a multi-month process that lets you make a compostable claim legally.
4What is FSC certification for nonwoven fabric?
FSC verifies that the wood pulp used to make viscose comes from responsibly managed forests. It addresses the source of the fiber, while compostability certification addresses end-of-life. Retail and brand customers often require both.
5Is viscose or wood pulp better for eco wipes?
It depends on the product. Viscose spunlace is stronger, softer, and holds together, making it best for standard wipes, cosmetic, and dry wipes. Wood pulp (wet-laid) disperses in water, making it best for flushable wipes. Both are biodegradable cellulose.
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Flushable & Dispersible Nonwoven Wipes: The Complete Guide
Flushable wipes and dispersible nonwoven fabric explained: flushability standards (INDA/EDANA GD4), dispersible vs non-dispersible, wood pulp + PET wet-laid, compostable EN 13432, and FSC certification.
Material GuideViscose vs Polyester Spunlace: How to Choose the Right Fiber
Viscose vs polyester spunlace comparison: absorbency, wet strength, softness, cost, and biodegradability.
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Contact: Leon Gu, Senior Business Development Manager ·leon.gu@sunluner.com · +86 180 5877 7108