On this episode of Mastering Sustainability, we sit down with Kelvin Okamoto, Ph.D., CEO of Green Bottom Line, Inc., to unpack the complex and often misunderstood world of biodegradability.

Kelvin takes us inside the role of ASTM standards in separating science from marketing claims—sharing why rigorous testing is essential to cut through greenwashing and ensure real environmental impact. From clarifying what “biodegradable” truly means to exploring how standards shape policy, industry adoption, and consumer trust, his perspective highlights both the challenges and opportunities in creating accountability in sustainable materials.

Kelvin’s Links:

LinkedIn 

Green Bottom Line 

Environmental Science & Technology 

Plastics News  

Packaging News