According to recent research, only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled, and a staggering 72% of plastic production ends up in landfills or the environment, as reported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2022. Additionally, between 8 million and 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, which the National Academy of Sciences equates to dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. This stark reality underscores the need for effective alternatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
In this blog post, we will explore the enigmas surrounding compostable and biodegradable packaging, their significance, and how to make wise decisions for a more environmentally friendly future.
What Does Biodegradable Food Packaging Mean?
Materials that can be broken down by living microbes like bacteria, fungi, or algae are referred to as “biodegradable.” In essence, these microbes consume the material and break it down into elements such as carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter. Depending on the material and surrounding circumstances, this procedure may take several months to several years.
Biodegradable food packaging aims to reduce its long-term adverse effects on the environment and landfills. There’s a catch, though. Not every biodegradable substance breaks down entirely. For example, certain biodegradable plastics degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics, which can still cause pollution. Therefore, even while biodegradable materials might aid in trash reduction, there are sometimes hidden environmental benefits.
What Does Compostable Food Packaging Mean?
Contrarily, compostable packaging is intended to decompose under particular circumstances into naturally occurring, non-toxic substances. Compostable materials break down into rich, fertile material called compost, which can be utilized to improve soil quality instead of general biodegradability. To do this, bacteria, humidity, and heat must all be present during composting.
Food packaging designed to be compostable is intended to decompose at a pace similar to that of other organic materials. This indicates that biodegradable materials will become organic matter without releasing toxic residues after a predetermined time, usually 90 to 180 days. Compostable packaging is a better option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and improve soil health.
Biodegradable vs Compostable Packaging: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?
Although compostable and biodegradable packaging aims to lessen its environmental impact, their breakdown processes are very different. As a quick overview, here’s what you need to know:
- Decomposition Timeframe:
Biodegradable: The rate at which materials decompose despite their biodegradable label may vary. This duration can vary according to the material and ambient factors, from a few months to several years.
Compostable: Materials intended for composting are made to break down under industrial composting conditions in a predetermined amount of time, usually 90 to 180 days. This guarantees that they decompose into beneficial compost rather than languishing in landfills.
- Residue Left Behind:
Biodegradable: A small number of biodegradable items, especially plastic ones, may leave behind leftovers, such as microplastics, that take a long time to decompose.
Compostable: Decomposable materials break down into their component elements entirely without producing any potentially dangerous byproducts. They decompose into humus, a beneficial substance rich in nutrients for soil.
- Environmental Impact:
Biodegradable: Although biodegradable materials can aid in waste reduction, their environmental advantages are occasionally exaggerated. They may be less effective if microplastics are present and there is a chance of protracted deterioration.
Compostable: Recycling garbage into valuable compost is one of the obvious environmental benefits of compostable packaging. This decreases landfill contributions and improves soil health.
In other words, all compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.
How to Look Out for Greenwashing
Some firms exploit terminology like “biodegradable” as marketing buzzwords without providing meaningful evidence, citing the increased need for environmentally friendly packaging. Greenwashing is the technique of tricking customers into thinking they are choosing ecologically beneficial products when, in fact, the products might not even adhere to legitimate sustainability criteria.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines “biodegradable” as a material that should break down in a certain amount of time. Many items labeled as biodegradable, however, might not decompose completely or can take years to do so. To counteract deceptive claims, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created Green Guides, which demand scientific proof to support claims about biodegradable products.
When assessing packaging choices, search for accreditations like:
- The Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI) confirms that items meet ASTM requirements for compostability and safely return to the soil following processing at a commercial composting plant.
- Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) confirms that products decompose efficiently in composting conditions by conducting extra real-world testing to validate compostability.
- According to ASTM Standard D6400, items must be environmentally safe and break down in industrial composting facilities in 180 days.
- Products with biodegradable plastic coatings must adhere to ASTM Standard D6868 to compost in industrial facilities without endangering the environment.
How to Choose the Best Compostable Products
Understanding certifications and regulations is essential to choosing the best biodegradable items. Here’s how to make wise decisions:
- Verify certificates: These certifications guarantee that the product satisfies strict requirements for compostability.
- Recognize the Conditions: For compostable materials to decompose effectively, they must meet specific requirements. Ensure your home composting system or the composting facility in your area can handle these requirements.
- Avoid Greenwashing. Seek out comprehensive details regarding the product’s environmental impact and rate of breakdown.
- Prioritize transparency: Select goods from producers who offer comprehensive, lucid details regarding the materials they use for packaging and the procedures they follow for composting.
Call SupplyCaddy Today for Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions!
Navigating the world of biodegradable and compostable packaging can be complex, but making informed choices is crucial for a sustainable future. At SupplyCaddy, we offer a range of biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Our Made From Plants line of straws and other products offered are certified by leading organizations like BPI and TÜV, ensuring that they break down safely and efficiently in the environment.
Whether you’re looking for biodegradable or compostable options, our products help reduce waste without sacrificing quality. Contact us at hello@supplycaddy.com to elevate your brand with impactful, sustainable packaging solutions. Together, we can make a difference!
