It is hard to think of any product in day-to-day use that does not involve some form of packaging. Whether it is food, clothing, electronics, or furniture, almost all products require packaging. The most common materials used for packaging are plastics because they are durable, lightweight, flexible, and cheap. Unfortunately, the same properties that make plastics desirable for packaging also make them devastating pollutants that can linger for decades.

Compostable packaging represents an alternative to plastics. But first, let’s discuss what exactly Compostable Packaging is. Most people and even companies are unaware of the details regarding compostable packaging. They ask themselves: what is compostable packaging? What are the benefits and drawbacks of Compostable Packaging, and how can it be adopted?

In this article, I aim to provide a comprehensive overview of compostable packaging, including a discussion of its pros and cons, benefits, and how it can be disposed of.

What is Compostable Packaging?

Compostable packaging is a type of packaging that can decompose in a compost environment. Compostable packing should ideally produce no toxic residue after decomposition. It is usually made of renewable materials, such as cornstarch, bagasse, bamboo, mycelium, seaweed, wheat straw, and other organic materials. Unlike plastics, Compostable Packing does not originate from fossil fuels and, therefore, is less harmful to the environment. Moreover, unlike plastics, compostable packing can decompose in a relatively short time (usually months compared to hundreds of years for plastics). Thus, compostable packaging is an attractive alternative to plastics because it is both biodegradable and sustainable.

Compostable Packaging vs. Biodegradable Packaging vs. Recyclable Packaging

Compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging represent three different concepts. The differences between biodegradable and recyclable packaging are well established, but many people confuse compostable packaging with biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable packaging refers to packaging that can decompose when exposed to the environment. However, there is no information on how long it takes for biodegradable packaging to decompose or what byproducts it produces upon decomposition. As such, biodegradable packaging can have diverse effects on the environment, ranging from harmless byproducts on decomposition to extremely toxic ones. In addition, while some biodegradable packaging products may decompose within weeks, others can take hundreds of years. Compostable packaging, in contrast to biodegradable packaging, refers to biodegradable packaging that was proven to decompose without producing any toxic byproducts. However, compostable packaging materials can only be disposed of in a compost facility, whereas biodegradable materials can be thrown away almost anywhere, and they will decompose eventually.

Recyclable packaging refers to packaging materials that can be used to make new products. Unlike compostable packaging, recyclable materials do not decompose but instead are returned to their basic elements so that they can be formed into new products.

Pros and Cons of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging has numerous advantages and a few disadvantages. The benefits of compostable packaging include:

1. It reduces plastic pollution

Plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental challenges of our century. Most plastic pollution originates as plastic packaging that gets thrown away inappropriately after use. Compostable packaging can be an excellent alternative to plastic packaging because it is sustainable and can decompose relatively quickly, thus reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

2. It promotes the circular economy

A circular economy is an economic system designed to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible. In other words, it is a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy. The circular economy is an attractive alternative to the traditional linear economy that follows the pattern of extract – make – use – dispose. Compostable packaging fits into the circular economy framework excellently because it can be disposed of in a compost facility, where it will decompose, eventually being returned to the economy as fertilizer for new plants.

3. It has a lower carbon footprint

Compostable packaging is made from renewable resources. Therefore, it usually has a lower carbon footprint than plastic packaging, which is made from petroleum. As such, it can be an excellent alternative to plastic packaging.

4. It meets consumer expectations

Many consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy. Therefore, they seek products that utilize compostable or recyclable packaging, such as compostable food packaging. As such, it is a great idea to meet the consumer demand for sustainable packaging and benefit from it.

5. It enhances brand image

Products with compostable packaging tend to have better brand image than those with plastic or non-recyclable packaging. Most consumers are willing to pay a premium for the reassurance that the product they purchase will not contribute to plastic pollution and have a minimal carbon footprint. As such, compostable packaging can enhance the brand image of a company that utilizes it.

However, compostable packaging does have some significant disadvantages. The main ones include:

1. It is more expensive than plastic packaging

Compostable packaging is usually more expensive than traditional plastic packaging. This is a significant disadvantage because it adds to the cost of the products that utilize compostable packaging.

2. It requires access to compost facilities

Compostable packaging can only be disposed of in compost facilities, meaning that it requires proper infrastructure to be disposed of correctly. This can be a problem because, in some places, such facilities may not be available, requiring compostable packaging to be disposed of in landfills, which defeats the purpose. Moreover, even if the compost facility is accessible, most people are not aware that compostable packaging cannot be thrown in the regular trash or the regular compost bin.

How to Dispose of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging can be disposed of in three different ways: home composting, commercial composting, and industrial composting. Home composting refers to composting in a compost bin at one’s house. However, many compostable packaging materials require higher temperatures than is possible at home, and therefore they cannot be composted at home. Commercial composting refers to composting that is done at a local level, for instance, at a community garden. Industrial composting, on the other hand, refers to large-scale composting, such as at the municipal level.

Common Uses of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is suitable for most of the uses of conventional plastic packaging material. Some of the industries that use compostable packaging include:

1. Food packaging

Compostable packaging can be used to package most of the food items. Some of the uses of compostable packaging in the food packaging industry include: fast food packaging, food packaging containers, coffee cups, cutlery, straws, wrapping, and others.

2. E-commerce and retail

This is another industry that uses compostable packaging. Some of the applications of compostable packaging in the retail industry include: mailers, bubble wrap, and others.

3. Cosmetics and personal care

This is another industry that uses compostable packaging. Some of the most common applications of compostable packaging in the cosmetics and personal care industry include: jars, tubes, sachets, and others.

4. Agricultural

Compostable packaging can also be used in agricultural activities. Mulch films and grow pots are some of the applications of compostable packaging materials.

5. Healthcare

Compostable packaging can also be used to package medical devices, and other related items in the healthcare industry.

Challenges of Compostable Packaging

Even though compostable packaging materials present a wide range of benefits, there are several challenges associated with them. These challenges include:

1. Inadequate composting infrastructure

The current composting infrastructure is not adequate, making it difficult to ensure that compostable materials do not end up in landfills instead of composting treatment facilities.

2. Cost of production

Composting packaging is also faced by the high production cost challenges. This is mainly because compostable packaging is a relatively new product with less demand compared to conventional plastic packaging materials.

3. Consumer confusion

Most consumers are also not well informed about compostable packaging leading to consumer confusion. This is mainly because compostable packaging is a new concept and most consumers lack much information regarding compostable packaging materials.

4. Inconsistent standards

Compostable packaging materials can also be a source of toxins depending on the type of composting process used.

5. Low mechanical performance

Compostable packaging materials also have lower mechanical performance as compared to conventional plastic packaging materials.

How Business Can Make the Shift to Compostable Packing

There are several ways in which a business can make the shift to compostable packing. These methods include:

1. Determining what to compost

Not all items are suitable for composting; therefore, it is essential to first identify the target areas for composting. It is also vital to identify the items that should not be composted. Every business needs to develop the strategy that it will use to transition towards compostable packaging materials.

2. Deciding the materials to invest in

Every business also needs to decide the compostable materials to invest in. Ideally, it is essential to invest in compostable materials that have passed the test of a third party certification.

3. Educating the consumers

Businesses can also invest more in educating the consumers about compostable packaging. This will help consumers learn more about compostable packaging and how they can dispose of the compostable materials. Education will also help clear consumer confusion about issues surrounding compostable, recyclable, biodegradable, and other similar types of packaging. This is important because most consumers find it hard to differentiate between compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging materials.

4. Partnering with composting facilities

Businesses can also invest more in partnering with composting facilities.

5. Educating the consumers on the value of compostable packaging

Businesses can also educate the consumers on the value of compostable packaging so that they are willing to pay a little more for compostable packaging.

How Consumers Can Dispose of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is mostly disposed of in composting treatment facilities where the materials are decomposed. Some of the steps that people can take when disposing of compostable packaging include:

1. Knowing what compostable packaging is

Before disposal of any packaging material, it is important to understand what compostable packaging is. Before composting, it is important to ensure that the packaging material is compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable.

2. Understanding whether the compostable material can be disposed of in a home or commercial facility

Mostly, compostable materials need to be disposed of in a commercial facility even though some can be disposed of in a home composting facility.

3. Avoid disposing of compostable materials in the recyclable bin

It is not advisable to dispose of compostable materials in the recyclable bin since they can ruin the recyclable materials. If there is a composting facility in the local area, it is always better to dispose of compostable materials in a composting facility than in the recyclable bin.

4. Contacting local authority to get the best composting method in the case of no composting facility

In case there is no composting facility in the local area, it is important to contact the local authority and inform them about the best composting method.

The Future of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is a relatively new concept and it has enormous potential in future because it is a perfect alternative to conventional plastic packaging. As discussed earlier, most conventional plastic takes more than four hundred years before it starts decomposing whereas compostable packaging can start decomposing within a few months. Additionally, there is a possibility that new technologies can be used to produce more advanced compostable packaging materials that can be applicable in all the industries that currently use conventional plastic packaging materials.

Moreover, in the future, most consumers will prefer compostable packaging materials over the other types of packaging materials. This will create more composting facilities around the globe thus compostable materials will become more viable in future.

Final Thoughts

Compostable packaging can be a suitable alternative to conventional plastic packaging materials. Therefore, it is essential for every individual to understand the differences among compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging in order to choose the most appropriate type of packaging for their products. Even though compostable packaging materials have several shortcomings, they are the best alternative to conventional plastic packaging materials that will gain much momentum in the future years.

FAQs

1. What is compostable packaging

Compostable packaging refers to a type of packaging that can be decomposed naturally without causing any adverse effects to the environment. Compostable packaging is mostly made of plant based materials and should be disposed in composting facilities.

2. What is the difference between compostable packaging and biodegradable packaging?

Biodegradable packaging refers to a type of packaging material that can naturally decomposed when subjected to the environmental conditions. Unlike compostable packaging, biodegradable packaging does not indicate the specific time required for the packaging to decompose or the byproducts that are produced when the packaging material decomposes.

3. Is compostable packaging the same as recyclable packaging?

Compostable packaging is different from recyclable packaging. This is mainly because compostable packaging can only be disposed in a composting facility while recyclable packaging can be reprocessed to form other materials.

4. Can I compost compostable packaging at home?

Mostly, compostable packaging can be composted either at home or in a composting facility. The instructions written on the compostable packaging materials will indicate whether the materials can be composted at home or not.

5. What happens if I dispose of compostable packaging in a landfill?

Compostable materials that are disposed of in a landfill are not as effective as compostable materials that are disposed in a composting facility. This is mainly because a landfill lacks all the infrastructure that are present in a composting facility.