The Compostable Industry Needs to Unite – Before It Is Too Late

India's compostable and biopolymer industry has reached a point where individual companies cannot solve industry-wide problems alone. Manufacturers, converters, resin suppliers, testing laboratories, recyclers, researchers, brands and policymakers may have different commercial interests, but the market ultimately depends on common standards, credible claims and consumer trust.

The biggest challenge is not simply making a compostable product. It is building confidence that the product is genuinely compliant, performs as claimed and has a realistic end-of-life pathway.

A fragmented industry makes that difficult. When one company talks about compostability, another focuses only on price, and a third sells a product with unclear claims, customers begin to treat the whole category with suspicion.

Why unity matters

Compostable materials are still misunderstood. Many buyers confuse compostable, biodegradable, bio-based and recyclable. These terms are not interchangeable. A bio-based material may not be biodegradable, while a biodegradable material may require specific conditions to break down. Compostability also depends on the applicable standard and disposal environment.

This is where an industry-wide communication effort is needed.

Companies should collectively promote clear definitions, reliable testing and responsible claims. Trade associations and technical organizations can help create practical guidance for converters, brands, retailers and consumers.

The industry also needs stronger cooperation on testing and certification. A credible certification ecosystem helps legitimate manufacturers distinguish their products from questionable alternatives.

The role of government

Policy can create the framework, but industry execution determines whether that framework becomes a functioning market.

Recent Indian policy developments show increasing attention to bioplastics, including investment, manufacturing capacity, research and supporting infrastructure. Maharashtra's Bioplastics Policy 2026, for example, identifies areas including PLA and biopolymer production, compounding, conversion, testing and R&D.

But policies need implementation mechanisms. Industry needs predictable approvals, testing capacity, transparent certification pathways, infrastructure and demand creation.

Deltora Biopolymers represents the type of company that can contribute to this ecosystem by focusing on biopolymer and compostable material solutions rather than treating sustainability as a marketing label.

The customer side matters too

Brands purchasing compostable packaging should ask basic but important questions: What standard does the material meet? What certification supports the claim? Is the product suitable for the intended application? What disposal conditions are required?

If buyers select products only because they are cheaper, genuine manufacturers will struggle to compete with low-quality products.

The industry therefore needs a shift from price-only purchasing to value-based purchasing.

What should happen next?

First, companies should support common technical terminology.

Second, testing and certification should become easier to understand.

Third, industry bodies should communicate clear guidance to buyers.

Fourth, policymakers should encourage domestic manufacturing while maintaining quality requirements.

Finally, manufacturers should cooperate on consumer education.

The compostable industry does not need every company to sell the same product. It needs companies to build the same foundation of credibility.

The opportunity is significant. But if the industry remains fragmented, poor-quality products and confusing claims can damage the reputation of everyone.

Unity does not mean giving up competition. It means competing within a market that customers can trust.

For more information about us ,visit us at https://www.thebiopolymers.com/ .