Plastic packaging materials like parcels, stickers, and polythene bags account for 42% of all plastic produced worldwide.
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Unfortunately, it has a very short usability lifetime (typically around 6 months or less). This is where businesses can take advantage of alternative solutions, like compostable packaging.
In fact, compostable packaging has the potential to extend the end-of-life performance of packaging materials.
Compostable packaging is a form of packaging made from various natural materials such as sugar cane, corn starch, potato starch, and wood pulp.
It is a popular sustainable packaging option because microorganisms can break down compostable materials into compost, a valuable fertilizer that enriches plants and soil. This helps reduce a large portion of plastic pollution by driving it away from waterways and landfills.
With home composting, the decomposition of organic waste into compost may take up to 180 days, but industrial composting facilities can decrease this time to 3 months.
In this article, we&#;ll cover everything you need to know about compostable packaging.
Traditional packaging options can be extremely wasteful and harm ecosystems. For that reason, it&#;s important to invest in compostable packaging options that are right for your product and logistics.
Fortunately, several packaging solutions are compostable. These include:
Cardboard and paper: Cardboard made from organic materials can be composted by simply putting it into a compost pile. Only add clean cardboard to compost bins because cardboard treated with chemicals can contaminate the compost and decrease its value.
A compostable cardboard box from EcoEnclose costs between $0.62 and $3.17, depending on the box dimensions.
DimensionsPrice 4" x 4" x 4"$0.62 8" x 8" x 4"$1.89 12" x 10" x 5"$3.17
Bubble wrap: Plant-based bubble wrap rolls are more eco-friendly than the traditional PE plastic ones. Compostable bubble wraps are made up of cornstarch polylactic acid polymers (PLA), and they can be completely degraded within 90 to 180 days.
A 50cm x 50cm roll compostable bubble wrap roll costs around $49.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch packaging materials are a viable alternative to styrofoam and plastics. They are developed from bio-based plastics, like PLA, that can be turned into nutrient-rich biomass through composting.
A compostable cornstarch bag costs between $0.10 to $0.40.
In addition, other eco-friendly packaging options are available for parcel shipping, such as Kraft paper rolls, postal tubes, tissue paper, and compostable mailers and envelopes.
Conversations about the environment have become part of everyday life. As a result, more people are being mindful of their choices and actively looking for ways to lower their carbon footprint. The eco-conscious consumer is a rapidly emerging segment of the market. Data shows that 48% of New Zealanders are willing to pay more for products that reflect their values.
In response, businesses are increasingly adopting more eco-friendly practices in different facets of their branding, including packaging.
The use of plastic packaging has become a big no-no for consumers, especially the millennial and gen Z generations who have a more radical view towards environmental conservation.
There&#;s a call for better eco-friendly packaging options that can be diverted from landfills which is the third largest source of methane pollution.
Compostable packaging is seen as one of the most exciting green packaging alternatives today.
What is compostable packaging?
This is any type of packaging made from plant-based materials that can break down naturally in a compost bin, leaving no toxic substances or pollutants behind.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of compostable courier bags. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Compostable vs. Biodegradable: What&#;s the difference?
&#;Compostable&#; and &#;biodegradable&#; are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences.
The term &#;biodegradable&#;, indicates that the packaging can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae when placed in landfill. This could take months or years depending on the source of the material.
On the flipside, compostable packaging can break down in a compost bin within 90 to 180 days.
It&#;s worth noting that all compostable packaging is biodegradable, but not all biodegradable packaging is compostable.
Now that you know what compostable packaging is, let&#;s look at the reasons why you should make the switch for your business.
Benefits of compostable packaging
Plastic packaging requires a lot of energy during the extraction and manufacturing process and also generates large amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which contribute to climate change.
Meanwhile, compostable packaging not only requires less carbon to produce, it sequesters carbon storing it in the soil instead of releasing it to the air, making it an effective tool in climate change mitigation.
Landfilling is the most common method of solid waste disposal in New Zealand. However, the sheer volume of waste we generate every year means that landfill space is reaching capacity. Plastic packaging is one of the worst offenders as it persists in the environment for hundreds of years.
Conversely, compostable packaging is a great way to save precious landfill space. You can simply toss it in the compost bin or take it to a compost facility and it will decompose within a short period of time - what could be better?
3.Increases brand loyalty
Loyal customers are important to any business. You can count on them to keep buying your products and spreading the word about your brand.
By using compostable packaging, you can show your customers that your company is not only concerned with making profits and are playing an active role to protect the environment. This can resonate with their values and heighten their loyalty to your brand.
We are in a time of climate emergency and businesses are working to minimize their environmental impact. Using compostable packaging is one of the simplest ways you can lower your carbon footprint for your business.
The good news is that it doesn&#;t need a huge investment and the rewards in terms of customer satisfaction and sales will be worthwhile in the long run.
Compostable packaging is the epitome of cradle-to-cradle design. When placed in the right environment, it breaks down into nutrient-rich soil which can improve soil and plant life.
When mixed with soil, it helps hold water, balance the soil's PH and attracts helpful earthworms and microorganisms.With plants, it acts like a natural fertilizer, providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also reduces the need for harmful chemical pesticides, preventing soil and water pollution.
Wrapping up
With our planet in crisis, it&#;s time for businesses to completely do away with plastic and embrace more sustainable options. Compostable packaging is the silver bullet we&#;ve been looking for - it&#;s good for the planet, customers and business. So why not make the switch today?
Eco Time is the leading provider of compostable packaging in New Zealand.Our Recycled Bubble Courier Bag is the perfect alternative to tradition poly mailer which pollutes the environment.
The bag features a sleek matte black finish will add just the right amount of sophistication to your store.
Try it out today - your customers will be thrilled to open a package made of eco-friendly materials
The company is the world’s best biodegradable stretch film supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.