Compostable products,such as compostable resins, have to fulfil 'clear compostability' criteria to meet the American standards ASTM 6400 D99 and ASTM 6868, and European Bioplastics DIN CERTCO standard EN 13432.

A lesser grade is biodegradable. This term is used to describe products that, under certain conditions, degrade into small fragments within typically a couple of years. This can to some extent be achieved by additives in conventional plastics. There exists no certification for biodegradable products.

Starch based compostable materials are more expensive and they form a more milky film, so there is a market tendency to offer lower cost biodegradable products as a good 'intermediate solution' until the cost and clarity of starch based compostable materials becomes more competitive.

PLA resins are also compostable and offer a mid price option for a degradable solution with excellent clarity for film, sheet and injection moulded products.