Compostable Packaging; Packaging with Principles

23 May 2019

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For foodservice, compostable packaging really is best. It does not matter if the packaging is covered with ketchup or even has half a sandwich left in it – it can all go in one bin. Although the products are made of mixed materials, they are all completely compostable, meaning they all share the same recycling stream.

If an item is ‘Biodegradable,’ it will biodegrade, but the length of time it will take for this item to fully break down is not specified – It could take 1000 years for something that is ‘biodegradable’ to fully decompose.

If an item is ‘Compostable,’ it means that this item will biodegrade into nutrient-rich soil within a 180 day timeline. It will certifiably break down into soil within 6 weeks when commercially composted.

Why the term ‘BIODEGRADABLE’ is often misleading

A DISPOSABLE FORK LABELLED ‘BIODEGRADABLE’ CAN TAKE 1000 YEARS TO BIODEGRADE…

If an item is ‘Biodegradable’ it does not always mean ‘eco-friendly.’

Why?

It does not specify the length of time it will take an item to fully biodegrade.

It does not specify the conditions in which the item will biodegrade.

A piece of Styrofoam can be called ‘biodegradable’ – but unless you are provided with the timeframe we can only speculate how long it will take to fully biodegrade.

PLA

Made from cornstarch by Natureworks LLC, as an ideal replacement for oil-based plastic in many applications. These include films, thermoformed products such as cups and deli pots as well as injection-molded products.

CPLA

A proprietary combination of PLA, chalk and other biodegradable additives. CPLA is suitable for high-heat applications such as making cutlery and hot cup lids, as it can take temperatures of up to 95°C without any deformation.

Bagasse

This is the dry fibrous residue left after sugar cane fibre has been pressed for juice. It is ideal for producing tableware due to its inherent strength, and can be considered a tree-free paper. Being a waste material to start with means that this is a low impact option.

Recyled paper

All of our recycled paper products, such as napkins and paper carrier bags, are manufactured in Ireland and the UK out of 100% recycled paper pulp.

Kraft board

We purchase Kraft board with a high-recycled content where possible.

Natureflex

Compostable cellophane made from sustainably sourced wood pulp by Innovia Films. Natureflex has a high oxygen barrier, making it ideal for a multitude of food packaging applications.