What is Compostable Packaging and Why it Makes a Better Choice?

Are you confused by the word “compostable packaging?” 

Or want to know how it’s different from biodegradable packaging and why you should go for it? 

This blog post is for you. Here we’ll uncover everything that you need to know about compatible packaging.

So keep reading.

Understanding Compostable Packaging 

Compostable packaging is a type of packaging made with a material that can break down completely into compost. Compostable packaging or wraps can break down to enrich the soil. This way, compostable packaging supports plant growth and green life.

However, compostable materials need a favorable composting environment to keep on breaking down at the optimum rate. For example, to aid decomposition, the soil should have 25 to 40 °C temperature for microorganism growth, 50 to 60 percent moisture level, soil pH around 5.5 to 8, then 18% oxygen concentration. These factors combine to aid in the compost stage.

Are you thinking about how compostable packaging is different from biodegradable?

Well, the answer lies in their ability to help with plantations. Biodegradable packaging material decomposes in the soil, but it doesn’t necessarily aid plants’ growth. Wood, paper, cotton, wool, and certain plastics are good examples of biodegradable materials.

In contrast, compostable materials must turn into chemical compounds that can nourish the soil for vegetation. Fruit, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and yard wastes like leaves and grass clippings are good examples of compostable materials.

What type of materials compostable packaging uses?

Compostable packaging has an extensive list of natural and plant-based materials. Some common examples are:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): Made from fermented plant starch, this material is a great option for making cups and food containers.
• Cornstarch: This is a versatile compostable material suitable for making bags and packing peanuts.
• Bagasse: This is a byproduct of sugarcane. It makes a great option for plates and bowls.
• Bamboo and palm leaves: Materials like bamboo or palm leaves are sturdier and commonly helpful for making durable, eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Because of their other properties like sturdiness and absorption they’re also suitable for other compostable products. These products are compostable facial tissues, compostable anti bacterial wipes, bamboo toilet papers and compostable toilet rolls.

That said, choosing compostable packaging over other options lets you play a constructive role in reducing waste and protecting our planet.

How Does Compostable Packaging Work? 

Compostable packaging breaks down in the nature. Under favorable conditions like temperature, moisture, and oxygen availability, microorganisms including bacteria and fungi eat this material, turning it into compost. Resulting compost is a nutrient-rich soil enhancer. 

Composting not only happens in a natural environment, as in your home but industrially as well. For industrial composting, large places have controlled temperature and humidity levels to transform the buried compostable packaging in the fertilizers. This process usually takes only a few weeks. Industrial composting is perfect for tougher materials like PLA. 

In comparison, home composting has a slower pace because of its less controlled conditions. But you can support it to happen in your backyard. 

You can use packages with materials like cornstarch and bagasse for this purpose. Yet, before carrying composting at home, you must check your packaging label for the information. This information can tell you about the type of material and how you can compost it.

When it comes to the time required for the material's decomposition, it entirely depends on the material and environment. 

For instance, at home, it might take longer—up to a year.

Compostable packaging works best when disposed of correctly. Toss it in a compost bin, not the trash. This way, it becomes something useful instead of adding to landfill waste.

By using compostable packaging, you can give back to the Earth.

Benefits of Compostable Packaging 

Compostable packaging, because of its soil enrichment and decomposition ability, offers several benefits for your environment, businesses, and everyday life.

Reduced waste

Unlike plastics, compostable packaging reduces waste by converting into compost, soil-enriching compounds. 

Less stressful for the environment

Compostable packaging has lower carbon emissions during the decomposition phase. This translates to fewer greenhouse gasses compared to plastic disposal and reduced impact on global warming.

Natural life protection

Since compostable packaging has reduced waste and less contribution to overall Earth warming, it helps you protect oceans and wildlife from harmful waste.

Healthier soil in your garden for happier plants

Compostable packaging is easy to dispose of. Instead of tossing it into the trash, you can compost it at home or a facility.

This way, you can get nutrient-rich compost for your soil and plants. You’ll love the concept of compostable packaging, especially if you garden.

Better business reputation 

Using compostable packaging can help your business claim a good reputation. That’s because, today, customers care about sustainability. When companies use eco-friendly materials, it shows they care, too.

This way, they can attract more customers and improve their brand loyalty. Additionally, many governments now emphasize sustainable practices. So, switching to compostable packaging can help your businesses align with regulations.

Hence, compostable packaging is a small change that can make a big difference for your business and the environment.

Challenges and Limitations of Compostable Packaging

Indeed, compostable packaging is promising, but you can't overlook the challenges that limit its use. Here are a few of these.

Infrastructure issues

While opting for compostable packaging, you need to decompose it properly. However, not all areas have access to industrial composting centers. 

Then what to expect?

Improper breakdown of compostable packaging means it ends up in landfills, which will defeat its actual purpose. Yes, we agree that home composting is an option, but not everyone has the required space or knowledge to do it.

Misleading labeling and consumer confusion

Without knowing the material's actual type, you can't clearly differentiate between the terms written on your packaging, like "biodegradable" and "compostable." Similarly, on many packaging, there is little or no information about their disposal.

Most importantly, even if your packaging clearly mentions the material and its type, it might lack information about the duration needed for its breakdown. In such cases, it can be tricky and may even require self-experimentation to learn the exact time period for the decomposition. And if you don't really know how to dispose of this packaging, you might end up contributing to landfills instead of soil nourishment.

Cost considerations

Compostable packaging is often more expensive to produce than traditional plastic. And, the end users, like you, have to pay the manufacturing costs ultimately. This can also be the reason why you or small businesses may struggle to afford these materials.

Performance and durability 

Yes, compostable packaging is made to rot easily. On the flip side, that means you can keep your items in this packaging for longer. 

Otherwise, you'll see it tearing and breaking here and there. Not only does it compromise the packaging's durability, but it also adds to the cost of buying other packaging, like plastics.

The limitations associated with compostable packaging result from lack of awareness and essential information. Their widespread use will reduce manufacturing costs as well.

In every way, it's a big step in the right direction. All you need is clear labels and the right instructions, and here you go! 

How can you identify compostable packaging?

Identifying compostable packaging is easier when you know what to look for. Brand certifications and labels are key.

Certifications and labels

Look for trusted certifications like BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) or OK Compost. These symbols should confirm the packaging meets compost-ability standards.

The "OK Compost INDUSTRIAL" label means it requires an industrial composting facility. The "OK Compost HOME" label means it can break down in a backyard compost bin.

Read carefully

Read the packaging carefully. Terms like "biodegradable" don’t always mean compostable. Check for the clear instructions on how to dispose of the product.

If the instructions specify moisture, temperature and duration for decomposition, chances are you’re using compostable packaging. Many compostable items also specify the materials used, like PLA or cornstarch. If in doubt, visit the brand’s website or ask the retailer for information.

By identifying compostable packaging, you can make smarter choices and ensure proper disposal. This helps maximize its benefits and reduces waste. 

What’s the future of compostable packaging?

Because of growing environmental concerns, the future of compostable packaging looks promising. Exciting innovations and growing interest are revolutionizing compostable packaging rapidly.

For instance, researchers are developing more sustainable and durable compostable materials like mushroom-based packaging and seaweed films. Thanks to innovations in nanotechnology, better durability and functionality of these compostable options make them suitable for more products.

Just like understanding the demand for sustainable, compostable packaging, manufacturers also foresee the growing demand for such packaging.

The reason is that businesses compete to showcase their sustainability efforts. So, you’ll see ecommerce businesses and local brands from food and fashion switching to compostable packing widely.

Above all, governments are greatly interested in promoting green practices. This is why they’re devising regulations and policies, as well as subsidies for composting infrastructure.

They’re also banning single-use plastics that can speed up adoption. It doesn’t end here; governments are also starting consumer awareness campaigns, stepping towards a safer environment. 

This shift could redefine how we package and dispose of products, creating a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

Switching to compostable packaging is a healthy step towards a green environment. All you need is learning how to identify and composite these packages.

Step ahead you can play your role in a green environment by switching to compostable products.

You can make the change happen!