Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, the world’s economy, and even the economic systems before that period, functioned solely based on a linear economy. The linear economy consists of taking a product, making or fulfilling its use-case scenario and then dumping the leftovers into waste. The idea of compostable packaging revolves around a circular economy, where the waste product is re-entered into the production of the resource stream as a form of compost. In a way, it is miles better than the conventional linear economy that carelessly disposes of the waste, which will end up in a landfill and spread toxicity to the surrounding environment.
One of the main drives of the Australian economy is to ensure 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable items of packaging by the year 2025. The reason compostable packaging is highly sought after by businesses and companies across the country is that the material is made in such a way that it breaks down quickly given the right environmental conditions. It’s a far better alternative compared to plastics which will take decades to degrade.
What Makes Packaging One Hundred Percent Compostable?
- The main criterion of compostable packaging is that materials should be at least 90 per cent biodegradable and when it breaks down, the majority of them should be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water. The decomposition should happen in less than six months.
- At least 90 per cent of the packaging material must degrade into smaller pieces, no less than two millimetres in size within the timeframe Basics of Fiverr.
- For the packaging to break down within six months, specific conditions are required. The product, and the packaging as well, should not negatively affect these conditions.
Benefits Of Compostable Packaging
- There are way fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere as these types of packaging require fewer resources and energy to manufacture. Compared to the manufacturing of synthetic packaging materials in Australia like plastic, compostables are a way better option.
- The packaging helps reduce the total amount of waste that gets dumped in landfills. Furthermore, it helps direct organic wastes from food away from the landfills, thereby reducing the harsh impacts of landfill organic wastes on the surrounding environment and groundwater. Another potential danger of organic waste in landfills is that it breaks down into methane due to the absence of oxygen, a chemical compound that is significantly more dangerous to the atmosphere than carbon trendingbird.
- Most of the compostable packaging is made from plant-based products. Hence, it is renewable and degrades back into the soil to provide nutrients for the growing plants. There are no toxic chemicals, no allergens and no carcinogenic compounds like phthalates that can harm life.
- It is better for the environment when it comes to disposal as compost is helpful for the soil. When the compost breaks down, it enhances the overall soil structure and quality, promoting moisture retention and plant’s growth. The carbon produced from the compost acts as energy fertilising the soil. Due to the fertilising nature of the compost, there’s no need for chemicals and other toxic products that will, in time, run off into the nearby ponds and lakes and disrupt the marine ecosystem.
- The packaging makes it easier to dispose of food waste at homes and in prominent places such as airports and stadiums. Hence, it allows a cleaner and more efficient recovery of food waste to the convenience of the customers.
