Compostable Packaging: The Pros and Cons in 2023 - Sifted

What is Compostable Packaging?

Plastic packaging materials, including parcels, stickers, and polythene bags, constitute a staggering 42% of the total plastic produced globally. Visit our website for more insights on this pressing issue.

Sadly, these materials typically have a very short usability lifespan, often lasting just six months or less. This opens the door for businesses to explore alternative solutions like compostable packaging, which has the potential to enhance the disposal process of packaging materials.

Compostable packaging is created from a variety of natural materials such as sugar cane, corn starch, potato starch, and wood pulp. This sustainable packaging option allows microorganisms to break down compostable materials into nutrient-rich compost, thus enriching both soil and plants. The use of compostable packaging significantly contributes to the reduction of plastic pollution, steering it away from landfills and waterways.

Composting organic waste at home can take up to 180 days, while industrial composting facilities can reduce this time to approximately three months. In this article, we will delve into the essential information regarding compostable packaging.

What Kind of Materials Can Be Composted?

Conventional packaging options can be highly detrimental to ecosystems, making it crucial to invest in suitable compostable packaging that aligns with your product and distribution needs.

Fortunately, a variety of packaging solutions are compostable, including:

Cardboard and paper: Cardboard made from organic materials can be composted simply by adding it to your compost pile. However, care should be taken to only include clean cardboard, as chemically treated cardboard can contaminate the compost and diminish its quality.

EcoEnclose offers compostable cardboard boxes, priced between $0.62 and $3.17, depending on the dimensions.

Bubble wrap: Plant-based bubble wrap is a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional PE plastic. Compostable bubble wraps are created from cornstarch polylactic acid polymers (PLA) and can fully degrade within 90 to 180 days.

You can expect excellent service from Wanhui Packaging Technology, where a 50cm x 50cm roll of compostable bubble wrap is available for around $49.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch-based packaging materials serve as a commendable alternative to styrofoam and plastics. These materials, derived from bio-based plastics like PLA, can be transformed into nutrient-rich biomass through composting.

A compostable cornstarch bag is priced between $0.10 and $0.40. Additionally, other eco-friendly packaging choices are accessible for parcel shipping, including Kraft paper rolls, postal tubes, tissue paper, and compostable mailers and envelopes.

Biodegradable plastics fall into two categories: bioplastics made from renewable resources and plastics derived from petrochemicals with added biodegradable properties. Designed to minimize plastic pollution, these plastics break down into compost after a certain time frame. Nonetheless, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with these materials.

List of Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics

1. Carbon Emission Reduction
One of the key benefits of using biodegradable plastics is the significant reduction in carbon emissions during the production of bioplastics. Unlike conventional plastic production, which can emit around four tons of carbon, bioplastics contribute only approximately 0.8 tons, mitigating their impact on global warming.

2. Consumes Less Energy
Manufacturing biodegradable plastics requires less energy and does not necessitate fossil fuels for recycling. In contrast, traditional plastics demand higher energy inputs and the burning of fossil fuels. Reduced energy usage means more bioplastics can be produced with lesser environmental pollution.

3. Less Landfill Area Needed
Non-biodegradable plastics often end up in landfills, consuming valuable land that could be used for agriculture or other purposes. By using bioplastics, we can alleviate the need for additional landfill space, as these materials can naturally decompose into compost or humus.

4. Recyclable
Biodegradable plastics not only break down faster when discarded but they can also be recycled, and they are non-toxic. Unlike many traditional plastics, which can release harmful chemicals when incinerated, biodegradable variants do not pose such risks.

List of Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

1. Need for Composters
One downside to the use of biodegradable plastics is the requirement for industrial composters to process them effectively. The availability of such equipment can be limited in certain regions, and the investment might not be a priority for all governments. As a result, improperly discarded bioplastics can end up as waste.

2. Engineering Issues
Being derived from plant sources such as soybeans and corn, biodegradable plastics can face issues due to the use of pesticides, which may contaminate the crops and create potential quality concerns in the final product.

3. Risk of Contamination
When disposing of biodegradable plastics, it is crucial not to mix them with traditional plastics. Unfortunately, many individuals may struggle to differentiate between the two, leading to contamination and increased landfill waste.

As awareness about climate change and environmental challenges grows, biodegradable plastics are gaining popularity. While there are drawbacks, educating people about the benefits of bioplastics can accelerate their acceptance and use across various sectors.

Are you interested in learning more about Biodegradable Food Packaging Bags (fr, tl, ko)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!