Understanding the Life Cycle of Compostable Packaging
Introduction
Did you know 42% of plastic made today is used for single-use packaging(1)? One of the best ways to contribute to a healthier planet is by choosing sustainable packaging options. Certified compostable packaging, such as those offered by Green Pond Packaging, provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging. But what does the life cycle of certified compostable packaging look like? Understanding this process is key to making informed, environmentally responsible choices.
Let’s dive into the product lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, usage, to the end-of-life disposal. Each phase of the life cycle impacts the environment, making it essential to understand how eco-friendly packaging contributes to sustainability at every stage.
Life Cycle
- Sourcing Raw Materials
The first step in the lifecycle is the responsible sourcing of raw materials. Unlike traditional packaging made from petroleum-based plastics, compostable packaging uses renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or bamboo.
Green Pond Packaging works with suppliers committed to sustainability, ensuring that the raw materials are harvested in an environmentally responsible manner.
For example, VerTerra Palm Leaf Dinnerware is made from fallen palm leaves. No trees are harvested or cut down, and they contain no chemicals, waxes, dyes or additives.
World Centric ® NoTree ® products are made from bamboo or sugarcane, both rapidly renewable resources. Again, no trees are harmed in sourcing materials.
- Manufacturing
Once the raw materials are sourced, they are processed into compostable products in an energy-efficient manner. Additionally, no harmful chemicals or toxic substances are used in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the final product is safe for both the environment and consumers.
The manufacturing of compostable packaging uses less energy compared to the production of plastic packaging, further contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
- Product Use
Compostable products are designed to offer the same level of durability, protection, and convenience as traditional plastic and Styrofoam packaging. Whether it’s for food packaging or retail use, these products perform effectively while offering the added benefit of being eco-friendly. Consumers and businesses benefit from knowing they are making a positive impact on the environment.
- End-of-Life
The final stage in the lifecycle of compostable packaging is the end-of-life disposal.
Composting: Unlike conventional plastic, certified compostable packaging breaks down naturally when exposed to composting conditions (such as heat, moisture, and microorganisms). In a commercial composting facility, products will typically decompose within 2-4 months, turning into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil.
Commercial composting infrastructure is still developing and may not always be available in your area. However, some products are suitable for home compost systems.
When compostable products are disposed of in open landfills or dumps with oxygen present, they will naturally break down at a similar rate to other biodegradable materials in that environment.
However, if these compostable products end up in the more common air-tight landfills without oxygen and microorganisms, they will decompose very slowly alongside all other waste in those facilities. These landfills are not equipped to facilitate decomposition, only to store waste.
Despite these challenges, embracing compostable packaging offers significant upstream advantages. As discussed earlier, these materials are made from regenerative sources, contain no harmful chemicals, and use fewer resources to manufacture.
Certifications
There are common certifications that ensure composability standards are met. At Green Pond Packaging proper certifications are important to us, since this helps ensure, the products are plastic-free, contain no harmful chemicals and are capable of breaking down in the environment. Here’s what to look for:
ASTM Standards: The American Society for Testing and Materials. In order to be labeled as “industrially compostable” or “commercially compostable,” there are certain tests and certifications that products must pass. In the US, commercially compostable products are tested via ASTM D6400 protocols and criteria.
BPI Compostable: The Biodegradable Products Institute Certification program is a third-party verification of ASTM standards for compostable products in North America.
CMA: Compost Manufacturing Alliance is a global leader in providing industrial composting facilities an acceptance standard for compostables by performing field disintegration testing.
TÜV Austria: TÜV Austria is an internationally recognized certification body that provides composting standards focused on ensuring that products labeled as compostable meet specific criteria for biodegradability, disintegration, and eco-toxicity when processed in industrial or home composting conditions.
Conclusion
Understanding the lifecycle of compostable packaging helps both businesses and consumers make informed decisions that benefit the planet. By choosing compostable products, you are not only reducing your environmental impact but also supporting efforts towards a more circular economy where waste becomes a resource.
Make the switch to sustainable products today—because a greener tomorrow starts with the choices we make today.
References: (1) Production, Use and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made
