The term "compostable" refers to a product or material that can biodegrade in a specific, human-driven environment. Unlike the completely natural process of biodegradation, composting requires human intervention.
In the composting process, microorganisms break down organic matter with the help of humans, who provide the water, oxygen, and organic matter needed to optimize conditions. The composting process usually takes a few months or 1 to 3 years. The time is affected by variables such as oxygen, water, light and the type of composting environment.