Compostable Packaging - Everything You Need To Know About Composting

Post pandemic, there has been an accelerated importance of packaging for the consumer. Everyone today uses the term sustainability and go-green, but what exactly falls into this bracket? What are the different forms of sustainable packaging? Is this packaging really important for us? Are these forms of sustainable packaging expensive or economical.

Well, today lets talk about one form of sustainable packaging that is - compostable packaging.

So what is compostable packaging?

To understand this, lets first run through the definition of composting - Composting is the process of recycling organic waste for reuse. When carried out correctly, goods can be broken down in just a few months. The result is a healthy soil containing humus, which has a nutrient-rich makeup. The composting process allows organic carbon to return to the earth and reduces methane emissions.

Compostable packaging is made from an organic matter that can be broken down. There are multiple types of compostable packaging materials, ranging from traditional cardboard and paper to bioplastics. While some packaging can be composted at home, some needs to be composted industrially. The resulting broken down material from compostable packaging is nutrient-rich and can be incorporated into the soil.

What are some of the compostable packaging products? 

Compostable packaging materials are usually made from plant-based materials (like corn, sugar cane, or bamboo) and/or bio-poly mailers. There are aplenty of products and these include - paper and cardboard products, bagasse products, cellulose film which are uncoated and starches.

How does one dispose of compostable packaging?

Well, so imagine you have just finished eating out of a box and then realise it is made from compostable materials. What do you do next? How do you dispose it off the right way? The most responsible way of disposing of compostable materials include - home composting and industrial composting.

 Is compostable packaging recyclable?

Unfortunately, most compostable packaging cannot be recycled except for most paper and cardboard packages. Certain materials including chemically different kinds of plastic - cannot be recycled and are often known to disrupt a recycling stream when mixed with petroleum or oil based plastics.

What is the difference between compostable packaging and biodegradable packaging?

While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable. The notable difference is that compostable products leave behind a single organic material called humus.  Composting is the process of recycling organic waste for reuse. When carried out correctly, goods can be broken down in just a few months. The result is a healthy soil containing humus, which has a nutrient-rich makeup. The composting process allows organic carbon to return to the earth and reduces methane emissions. Also, biodegradable packaging is less regulated than compostable packaging. 

Is compostable packaging expensive?

Compostable packaging materials are generally more expensive than other forms of packaging including plastic. And ultimately, it all boils down to demand and supply. 

Are you concerned to know whether the products you use are sustainably packaged? We at Schmancy Pack only use materials which are recyclable and sustainable. Read more on sustainable packaging here.