What happens if a compostable plastic does not end up in an industrial composting facility?

Compostable plastics are degradable under industrial composting conditions, which offer controlled temperature, oxygen and humidity conditions – notably, these are not attainable under home composting conditions. Requirements by composting standards for 90% biodegradation within 6 months only pertain to industrial composting conditions, and compostable plastics will not biodegrade to the same extent if they end up in the open environment, or if composted at home. Therefore, if compostable plastic does not end up in an industrial composting facility at the end of its product life, it has no environmental benefit compared to conventional plastic.