Biodegradable packaging might sound like a readily accessible solution to our plastic-related problems. The “biodegradable” stamp across a package’s front and you are most certainly led to believe it will simply vanish as you throw it away after use. This, however, is not exactly the case.
Biodegradable packages do not break down equally, nor do they break down in a way that we may be accustomed to. Some materials are designed for, and required in, a composting site with specific industrial capabilities; whereas other biodegradable packaging can take months, if not years, to properly decompose. There may be missing pieces of information included in the definition that tell you how that package must be disposed of.
In this blog, we will talk about when We Tested 5 “Biodegradable” Packaging Claims and here’s what we found.
1. “100% Biodegradable” Packaging
It looks like one word. The words “100% biodegradable” do not provide an indication of how long, if ever, it will take to disappear. 50 ways to improve sustainability: Biodegradability depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture, the presence of micro-organisms and the presence of oxygen, and so the object can be still in the environment for centuries before biodegrading under normal circumstances.
What we’ve learned: This claim isn’t totally there without understanding how long this biodegradation is going to take and under what conditions. Businesses should offer specificity rather than a general statement.
2. Compostable packaging
Compostable packaging is easily confused with biodegradable packaging. Both are intended to break down, yet compostable packaging tends to have more detailed instructions for doing so.
Certain compostable products must be disposed of in commercial composting facilities; a facility which have controlled temperatures and other factors that allow composting to take place.
What we learned: A compostable package may not be able to fully decompose in your backyard composter and may end up decomposing in a landfill.
The label on your package should also explicitly state whether your package is suitable for the compost bin or needs commercial composting.
3. “Biodegradable Plastic” Food Packaging
Biodegradable plastics are created to decompose in nature. But in practice, these materials don’t always work as intended. What’s in that biodegradable container will decompose differently in a landfill than it will in a composting site.
What we learned: Don’t assume that anything labeled “biodegradable plastic” will rapidly disappear on its own once you toss it in the trash. Your best bet is to research the type of plastic, its certifications, and specific instructions for disposal.
4. “Breakdown in Months” Claims
Promises like this can be a bit more helpful as they offer consumers some expectation of how quickly something will break down in the real world. The catch: the conditions this breakdown rate is based upon really matter. So while a material may test to degrade in a few months while isolated in a lab, it may take significantly longer in practice.
What we found: The claims must always refer to a specific test and the conditions the package will be subjected to during the time in question. Otherwise, they could think the package is biodegradable no matter where it ends up.
5. “Eco-friendly” or “earth-friendly” package
A package can have one environmentally beneficial attribute, but produce a lot of waste or have unusual disposal requirements. “Eco-friendly,” “green,” and “earth-friendly” are catchy packaging terms used to create a positive environmental perception. Unfortunately, these labels provide minimal insight as to what specifically happens to the packaging once we are through with it.
What we discovered: General environmental claims are not as useful as clear claims about the materials, certification and disposal methods.
Businesses should justify their environmental statements with figures and data where possible.
What Companies Should Consider?
The key take-away for us is straightforward: the word biodegradable on its own.
Business decision-makers buying sustainable packaging need to look past the label. It’s imperative to examine their makeup, testing conditions and requirements for how they must be disposed of, and their certifications.
Companies need to remember the nuances of each term: biodegradable vs. Compostable, recyclable or reusable.
Recyclable packaging might be the best option when your community or the place the packaging will be disposed of has recycling programs in place. Compostable packaging may be a good solution for food service environments where an organic waste and composting infrastructure is in place.
Here’s how to decipher packaging claims—no experts needed?
When faced with “eco” claims on packaging, check whether there’s reliable information about:
- What’s actually in the package?
- Whether it’s compostable/biodegradable and where.
- Whether it’s home compostable or requires industrial composting facilities.
- If a disposal deadline is specified.
- Whether any known certifications are claimed.
- How the maker suggests it be disposed of.
The final point is an important one, as a poorly disposed of biodegradable package will have just as negative an effect as a traditional one.
The Bottom Line
While compostable packaging may be one aspect of designing less environmentally damaging packaging, its claim needs clarification. In reviewing five prevalent terms, we discovered that some vague terms mask crucial information of time, circumstances, and methods.
So the sustainable choice of packaging isn’t simply the package with a large green label but one with a comprehensible materials story, reliable testing, and a realistic destination. Before any packaging consumers make purchase decisions,” What happens to this packaging after I put it in the bin?” is arguably the most effective question they can ask.
Yiruixing Packaging has been providing eco-friendly and other sustainable packaging options. We have been in the packaging industry for more than a decade and have seen the rise in demand for sustainable packaging. If you are looking for sustainable packaging, feel free to reach out to our team for the best price and a wide variety to choose from.
Contact details
Company Name – Yiruixing Packaging
Address – No.1218 B Block, Yin Ye Hui Zhong Building, No. 3 Nan Guo East Road, Da Liang Street, Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong, China, 528399
Contact (WhatsApp) – +86- 18824821039
E-mail – info@yiruixingpackaging.com
Website – https://yiruixingpackaging.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is biodegradable packaging?
Biodegradable packaging is made to naturally break down through organisms when appropriate conditions are met.
2. Is biodegradable packaging better for the environment than plastic?
Although biodegradable packaging may not have the detrimental effect that plastic packaging does in certain applications, the actual benefit does relate entirely to the nature of its constituent materials and disposal methods.
3. Are biodegradable and compostable the same thing?
No, it only breaks down but may only do so under specified conditions and be considered compostable at those standards.
4. Do biodegradable items actually break down in a landfill?
Biodegradable items do not necessarily break down properly under landfill conditions, as sufficient oxygen, moisture, and a variety of microorganisms may be lacking.
5. How quickly does biodegradable packaging break down?
This duration differs greatly. The time is dependent on the material type and the environment in which it is used.
6. Is all biodegradable packaging eco-friendly?
No. A biodegradable statement on its own doesn’t communicate the entire product’s environmental profile of a packaging product.
7. What Should Businesses Look For Before Buying Biodegradable Packaging?
Businesses are should consider material, certificates, test setup, and disposals.
8. Is biodegradable packaging recyclable?
As a result of the fact that not all biodegradable materials are fit for usual waste stream processes, always consult the instructions on disposal first.
9. Biodegradable vs Recyclable Packaging — What’s the distinction?
Biodegradable Packaging is designed to decay over a period of time and Recyclable Packaging is designed to be processed to develop other packaging types.
10. How are eco-friendly certifications visible to consumers in Biodegradable Packaging?
The claim indicates information about material details, certifications, results from testing as well as disposal details.
