A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Go Compostable
Chances are you’ve been hearing the word “plastic” a lot in the past couple of years. Social networks are trending with #plasticfree, #plasticpollution, #zerowaste, #compostable, and top journals are highlighting the global plastic waste crisis, calling for a change.
It may not be easy to break away from the vicious cycle of consuming single-use plastics. We are all accustomed to their durability, transparency, shelf stability, and other superior properties. Plastic is deceptively cheap; however, the real cost incurred with single-use plastic is severe environmental pollution. There is no sustainable solution to non-biodegradable waste management. Only a fraction of all flexible packaging produced gets recycled (2% in the US, 4% in Canada), while the rest is condemned to landfills or incineration.
Analyzing the carbon footprint of conventional plastic packaging is essential when considering a switch. Traditional plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and their production, transportation, and disposal emit significant greenhouse gases. Landfilling plastics adds to long-term pollution, while incineration contributes to air quality issues. By contrast, compostable packaging has a lower carbon footprint and breaks down into organic matter, promoting a circular economy.
Switching to eco-friendly alternatives is more than just a consumer trend—it’s a necessity for combating climate change and aligning with increasing regulations worldwide.
Understanding Your Product's Specific Needs
Selecting the right compostable packaging starts with assessing your product’s specific requirements. For fresh produce, single-ply compostable films are ideal for maintaining freshness by allowing airflow. For dry foods such as nuts, pasta, or coffee, high-barrier compostable laminates provide excellent protection against moisture and oxygen, ensuring extended shelf life.
For edibles, compostable metalized films offer both premium barrier properties and a sustainable solution to maintain product integrity. By tailoring packaging to your product’s needs, you can achieve optimal performance while prioritizing eco-friendliness.
Exploring the Right Compostable Materials
Compostable plastics, paper, and plant-based alternatives are now available to meet diverse packaging needs. These materials are designed to replicate the durability and shelf-stability of traditional plastics while offering sustainable end-of-life solutions. Choosing the right material depends on your product’s requirements and your commitment to reducing environmental impact.
What Products Are You Packing?
A variety of compostable films and laminates offer different moisture and oxygen barriers and properties. To identify the right match, it is essential to have precise information about the product being packed: Is it food or non-food? Is it dry, moist, liquid, or perhaps a powder? Does it have an expiration date affecting your shelf-life expectations?
What Type of Material Are You Looking to Replace?
Do you love the flexibility and transparency of polyethylene but don’t want it to stay in a landfill for generations? Are you looking for an eco-friendly version of polypropylene or a metalized barrier laminate? All these options have compostable alternatives that allow the packaging to return to earth once it has served its purpose. If you have technical specifications for conventional plastic material that works for your product, they will become handy in identifying the best compostable alternative.
Customizing Sizes and Shapes for Sustainable Solutions
Packaging design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality. Whether you need resealable zippers, stand-up pouches, or films with custom dimensions, compostable packaging can meet your specific requirements. Tailoring sizes reduces waste and improves the product’s eco-footprint.
Choosing the Right Supplier for Compostable Packaging
Partnering with suppliers who hold certifications like ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 ensures that the packaging meets high environmental standards. Trustworthy suppliers also offer transparency about their materials’ sourcing and end-of-life processes, helping you stay aligned with sustainability goals.
What Are the Required Quantities?
How many bags do you typically order annually? Do you use them immediately or store them for a year or two? Are you ready for a full-scale change, or would you prefer to test compostable packaging for one product line? Depending on your answers, you may choose custom-made, high-quantity options or smaller batches of standard-sized ready-made bags, which serve the environment equally well without personalized branding.
How Do You Pack Your Products?
Do you manually pack your products, or are you using Form, Fill and Seal (FFS) machinery? Where does the packing take place? Answers to these questions will help you make the right choice between pre-made packaging and reels of films for flow packing. Knowing the location will also help estimate shipping costs and duration.
Future-Proofing Your Packaging Choices
Innovations in compostable materials are constantly evolving. Keeping an eye on emerging technologies ensures that your company remains at the forefront of sustainable packaging. Options like compostable zippers, inks, and enhanced barrier properties continue to expand, offering more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.
In the next few years, more companies are expected to align with global initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics. Early adoption of compostable alternatives not only positions your brand as an industry leader but also supports a collective movement toward a greener future.
What’s Next?
You don’t have to know all the answers to start exploring compostable packaging—contact TIPA at any stage! Be sure to include some information about your packaging needs and expectations. This will help our experts recommend the most suitable packaging solutions for your business.
Switching to compostable packaging can position your company as innovative and environmentally responsible, further strengthening your brand’s image amid consumers’ growing environmental awareness.
