Biodegradable package manufacturers say that biodegradation refers to any substance that can be decomposed by microorganisms and absorbed into the natural environment, and biodegradation is a naturally occurring process.
Biodegradable package manufacturers explain that when an object decomposes, its original components are broken down into simple components such as biomass, carbon dioxide, water. This process can take place with or without oxygen, but it takes less time with oxygen, just as a bunch of leaves in your yard decompose in a season.

Biodegradable package manufacturers say how long it takes to biodegrade depends on the chemical composition of the object and how it is stored, with variables such as temperature, water, light and oxygen affecting the rate of degradation. Most landfills lack sunlight, air and moisture, so the biodegradation process slows down significantly.
Biodegradable package manufacturers say that vegetable peels, eggshells, paper and garden waste are all directly biodegradable. When these items are discarded, they decompose in a relatively short period of time, so they can be absorbed into the natural environment. In contrast, materials such as foam, plastic and aluminum are generally considered non-biodegradable because they take a long time to break down.
Most "biodegradable" consumer products are actually very difficult to absorb into the soil through natural biodegradation. In order to biodegrade, they need to create a specific set of conditions through the composting process.