Beyond the Buzzwords: Understanding Bio-Based, Biodegradable & Compostable Materials
(June 22nd, 2026)
As interest in sustainable materials continues to grow, terms like “bio-based,” “biodegradable,” and “compostable” are increasingly used — but often misunderstood. While these materials can play an important role in reducing environmental impacts, they are not interchangeable, and each comes with distinct considerations related to sourcing, performance, infrastructure, certification, and end-of-life management.
This webinar brought together experts from across the materials and packaging landscape to clarify the differences between these material categories and explore the opportunities and challenges associated with each. Discussions examined the trade-offs between bio-based and conventional plastics, the importance of certification and labeling standards, evolving legislation surrounding environmental claims, and the critical role composting systems and infrastructure play in successful outcomes.
Attendees gained practical insight into how these materials are evaluated, certified, and implemented in real-world applications, as well as the broader environmental considerations shaping the future of sustainable packaging and products.
Meet our Speakers:
Dr. Markus Flury, Professor, Crop & Soil Science, Washington State University
Markus Flury is a Professor at the WSU Puyallup Research & Extension Center. He received his MS in geosciences from the University of Zurich (1989), Switzerland, and his PhD in environmental and natural sciences from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH (1993). He received the ETH silver medal for his dissertation. In 1997, he joined Washington State University as assistant professor of soil physics and was promoted to professor in 2006. His research focuses on the physics of water flow and contaminant transport in soils and porous media.
Brittany Darras, U.S. External Affairs and Advocacy Lead, Braskem
Brittany Darras is Braskem’s U.S. External Affairs and Advocacy Lead, bringing over 18 years of experience in the plastics manufacturing industry. In her current role, she leads external engagement efforts, working across the value chain to advance policies and partnerships that support a more sustainable future for plastics. Brittany’s career at Braskem spans multiple functions, including global supply chain, capital projects engineering, and maintenance and reliability leadership—giving her a well-rounded perspective on the industry. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Villanova University.
Margaret Eldridge, BPI Certification Director, BPI
Margaret manages the people and process behind BPI certifications. She joined BPI in 2020 as a project manager, bringing over two decades of recycling and waste reduction experience, most recently as the Executive Director of the Virginia Recycling Association. When not working to save the planet, she enjoys being in the woods or on the water, music of all genres, growing food and native plants, and cooking and eating.
Toby Alves, Product and Zero Waste Specialist, Eco-Products
Toby Alves began his career in organics recycling working in the golf industry. Building out Vineyard Golf Club while mandated to apply zero pesticides and no synthetic fertilizers, he realized that challenging norms ultimately leads to critical innovation and positive change. Using biology as a line of first defense led him to the composting industry and its remarkable professional community.
Toby’s career has covered a lot of ground. From managing biosolids derived soil amendments, consulting with municipalities on composting manufacture and marketing, hauling and composting food scraps to advocating for increased composting infrastructure across the US and Canada. His attention is currently focused on developing successful post-consumer food scrap diversion programs.
Toby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of New Hampshire is a certified TRUE Advisor. He serves on the board of the New Jersey Composting Council and is an active member of several organizations including NERC, CAV & NYSAR.
Toby is happiest while on the forefront of the composting movement, attending industry conferences or growing local food on his family’s diversified farm in the western mountains of Maine.
