What is Compostable Packaging?

To dispose of compostable packaging, you have a couple of options, depending on the certification:

1. Suitable for Home Compost: If you have a home composting system, you can typically add compostable packaging to it. Remember to take off any (non-compostable) labels and seals first
2. Suitable for Industrial/Commercial Compost: Many foodcourts, cafes and workplaces have special bins for food scraps and compostable packaging. The contents will be collected regularly and sent to commercial composting facilities.

Compostable bags have the potential to break down in a landfill, but their ability to do so is significantly hindered due to the conditions found in typical landfill environments. In landfills, waste is usually buried and tightly compacted, creating an anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) environment in which nothing breaks down.

The ideal disposal method for compostable bags is still to put in a proper composting facility. This ensures the full and timely breakdown of the bags into organic matter, which can then be used to enrich soil and support agricultural practices.

Sustainable packaging demonstrates a brand's commitment to environmental responsibility and social consciousness. Customers are more likely to support companies that prioritise sustainability, as it aligns with their values and ethical expectations. By investing in sustainable packaging, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, build customer trust, and establish long-term relationships with environmentally conscious consumers.

Ultimately, the "better" option depends on factors such as waste management infrastructure, the type of packaging material, end-of-life scenarios, and the overall environmental impact.

In the short-to-medium term, not everyone will have convenient access to composting facilities or a suitable garden for composting their packaging materials.

In contrast, recycling is widely accessible to most people. However, "soft" plastic cannot be effectively recycled through conventional recycling methods.

It's crucial for everyone to minimise waste sent to landfills. By switching to reusable containers, reducing packaging consumption, and considering composting (if feasible); these are vital steps towards an ultimate solution.

If you can't avoid using plastic, try sourcing recycled plastic instead of using virgin plastic like our POLLAST!C range.

Here are some of our customer's custom sustainable packaging to hopefully inspire you to choose better!

We can make almost anything you've seen in plastic out of certified compostable materials instead. The key differences will be that the compostable packaging will have a smooth matte feel, smell slightly like burnt sugar (this is the plant sugars) and have an shelf-life (it will have to be used within a certain timeframe).