Biodegradable packaging is generally defined as any form of packaging that will naturally disintegrate and decompose.
Biodegradable Definition:
The term “biodegradable” has typically been used very broadly for any sustainable packaging material that will naturally break down – under any conditions and in an undefined amount of time. The issue? By this definition, anything from a wooden box to a cellulose-based wrapper is biodegradable. The difference being that the wrapper will biodegrade within weeks, while the wood will take decades or even centuries. Some of the sustainably-stamped biodegradable packaging that is being sold today will still cause harm to the environment!
So, how can you find a biodegradable package that will break down in a safe environment in a reasonable amount of time?
What’s the best way to know you are getting a truly biodegradable package? Look for certified packages marked “compostable”.
Packages that are certified compostable safely biodegrade in a commercial or home compost environment. The certification assures that the package will compeltely and safely decompose under certain conditions, and within a pre-defined time frame.
You can be sure your bag or box will completely break down within 6 months to a year in a home or industrial compost, leaving nutrient-rich soil behind.
Biodegradable packaging is commonly thought to be made only from bio-based or plant-based materials, but the truth is, that’s not true.
Biodegradability depends on the molecular structure and strength of a material’s polymer chain, rather than its source. To biodegrade, the polymer structure (string of monomers) that make up the material must be able to disintegrate, or break down, into tiny pieces that can be safely digested by microorganisms.
This means biodegradable packaging can be made from bio-based and fossil-based polymers!
What’s the difference between non-biodegradable and biodegradable plastics if they can both be made from fossil-based polymers? Conventional plastic packaging is made up of strong carbon chains (like PE, PET, and PP) and takes a long time (centuries!) to break down, so these are not considered biodegradable.
Biodegradable packaging, such as paper or cellulose, has a weak molecular structure so it will disintegrate quickly.
A fossil fuel is a hydrocarbon-containing material formed underground from the remains of dead plants and animals that humans extract and burn to release energy for use (like gasoline or natural gas). Fossil fuel, just like other organic materials, is made up of carbon chains.
Fossil-fuels are usually identified with the strongest, non-biodegradable plastics. However, there are some petroleum-based plastics composed of weaker types of carbon chains, which degrade efficiently and completely (like PBAT) while maintaining the strength and flexibility that makes plastic packaging so attractive for packaging manufacturers and users. These are ideal for biodegradable food packaging, as they provide the durability and reliability of plastic, with the environmental benefits of biodegradability.
TIPA, one of the world-leaders in specialized R&D for compostable packaging, uses a blend of fossil fuel-based and bio-based materials in our certified biodegradable films and packaging.
Biodegradable food packaging demands a hardy, protective material that will protect the product’s freshness and integrity, while being able to withstand the necessary transport and storage conditions over many months. At the same time, it must be fully biodegradable within a reasonable amount of time.
TIPA compostable packaging is partially bio-based and partially fuel-based with specialized polymers that are highly durable yet easily biodegrade at end-of-life.
Waste, in all its forms, is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Every year, some 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean.
As the world’s population explodes, and consumerism drives more manufacturing and distribution of products, the amount of waste in oceans and landfills worldwide continues to rise.
What is the end game? How can we begin to walk back our impact on the planet?
There is no one solution to the eco-crisis. It demands a multi-pronged approach, and biodegradable packaging is one essential tactic among several that will save our planet.
The global supply chain is complex – there is no easy return to the culture of local manufacturing. There is an urgent need for a healthier, smarter, and natural packaging solution that can accommodate contemporary consumer needs while keeping our planet safe. That solution is biodegradable packaging.
The advantages of biodegradable plastic packaging are clear for the environment, for the future of the planet, and for the sustainability of the food industry at scale:
Biodegradable food packaging drives the circular economy, leveraging packaging waste as compost that adds nutrients to the soil and helps boost food production and farming.
Biodegradable food packaging is nontoxic and natural, providing a safe and healthy solution for all types of food and food products.
The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. Instead of discarding tons of plastic to languish in landfills for decades, biodegradable food packaging naturally and completely degrades.
Certified compostable packaging, such as TIPA, is designed to biodegrade under regulated conditions within a standard time-period. Packaging that is certified as biodegradable will break down typically within a year in home compost bins, and within 3 to 6 months in industrial composting environments.
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TIPA biodegradable food packaging solutions are not just great for the environment, they are also durable and hardy for proper transport
and storage of sensitive food products according to health and safety regulations. Their films run on conventional plastics converting and packaging machinery and fit in easily with the plastic packaging supply chain.
The TIPA solution is easily integrated into existing packaging machines and systems, making it a cost-effective and viable alternative to current packaging operations.
Explore TIPA’s range of biodegradable and compostable films and laminates, pre-made packaging, and printed reels.
Switching to biodegradable packaging can significantly improve brand perception by aligning with consumer demand for sustainability. Many customers are more likely to choose brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility through packaging choices.
Yes, regulations vary by region. Some countries demand specific requirements for specific applications, others restrict misleading environmental claims and require clear labeling of compostability or biodegradability. Businesses should ensure compliance with local packaging and environmental regulations.
Yes, biodegradable packaging can be customized with branding, colors, and printing, similar to conventional plastic packaging. This allows brands to maintain visual identity while transitioning to sustainable materials.
