You may have noticed that plastic packaging has been in the news recently.
Many retailers like Marks & Spencer and Iceland, have been announcing efforts to reduce their use of plastics (1, 2) in a bid to minimise their environmental impact.
These retailers are not alone. WeÂve seen an increasing number of requests for more eco-friendly packaging as businesses make strides towards a circular economy. This is where you reuse resources effectively for as long as possible throughout the supply cycle.
Using recyclable polymer-based packaging is a great step that helps minimise environmental impact and contributes to a circular economy. However, many of our customers are now looking for products that are truly biodegradable can be composted at end of life.
So, what do you need to know about compostable packaging?
Disintegration
To meet EN 13432 standards 90% of a packagingÂs material must disintegrate to pieces smaller than 2mm within 12 weeks, when in contact with organic waste
Biodegradability
90% of any compostable packaging material must be broken down into CO2, water and minerals, within 6 months, in a biological environment
Effect on the composting process
Compostable packaging materials should have no negative effect on the compositing process or characteristics of the compost (such as pH and salinity)
Chemical composition
Compostable packaging must have low levels of heavy metals and must not adversely affect the quality of the compost produced
How do I tell if my packaging is compostable?
email us or complete our contact form today.
Sources
