What Are the Benefits of Compostable Packaging?

For more compostable adhesive postal bagsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

With growing concerns around carbon emissions and plastic pollution, what are the social, environmental and financial benefits of compostable packaging? 

There are plenty of considerations to make when choosing packaging. The design and materials should enhance the user experience. 

What Is Compostable Packaging?

Compostable packaging breaks down quickly under the right environmental conditions, typically decomposing within three to six months. Once fully decomposed, there will be no trace of its existence, benefiting soil quality and significantly reducing landfill waste. Compostable packaging products are typically made from naturally occurring, plant-based or recycled materials. These include everything from paper and cardboard to polylactic acid (PLA) and bagasse. 

Compostable packaging has a small carbon footprint. The manufacturing process requires only a small amount of energy when compared to producing packaging using raw materials, especially things like plastic. 

There are a few criteria for packaging to be considered compostable:

1. Biodegradability

   — 90% of the packaging needs to break down into natural elements — like carbon dioxide and water — when it decomposes. This must happen within six months.

2. Disintegration

   — 90% of the packaging material must degrade into pieces smaller than two millimetres within the same time frame. This can indicate the success or failure of the composting process for given packaging materials.

3. Efficiency

   — The composting process requires specific conditions. The packaging or product shouldn’t negatively influence these conditions.

These specifications can make it challenging to qualify certain types of packaging products, so what kind of packaging can you use that is genuinely compostable? 

Examples of Compostable Packaging Materials

Compostable packaging takes many forms. It can be constructed from several different materials. It might come as a surprise to find out that some everyday packaging materials like paper are compostable, but recent innovations in plant-based packaging provide effective alternatives with impressive characteristics and performance.

Some examples of high-quality compostable packaging materials include:

• Recycled Paper

  — Paper is one of the most cost-effective and eco-friendly materials available, making it an accessible option for almost everyone. It’s easily recycled, and it’s easy to compost commercially or domestically once it can be recycled no more. It’s handy for things like

  void fill packaging

  to protect shipments from damage during transportation.

• Kraft

  — Virgin Kraft has several practical applications. It’s tough, tear-resistant, and commonly recycled.

  Kraft paper sheets

  are ideal for medium to heavy applications like wrapping parcels, but Kraft is also an excellent option for

  food packaging

  , either in virgin or recycled form. When it reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be composted, which is handy if used to serve food and drinks.

• Polylactic Acid (PLA)

  — This plant-based, plastic-like material is derived from renewable resources like sugarcane. Waste products from harvesting sugar or maize (corn) are fermented, forming a substance similar to oil-based plastic, without environmental drawbacks. With very little processing, plant debris that would otherwise go to waste can be turned into PLA, which can then be incorporated into packaging like
  

  Kraft food packaging

  .

• Bagasse

  — Another entirely plant-based packaging material, bagasse is made from waste materials of harvesting sugar. Here, sugarcane stalks are pressed to extract the fluid contained within, leaving behind a fibrous substance when dried. This can be crafted into

  compostable packaging for food

  .  

With several different options available for various applications, it’s important to know what separates compostable packaging from other forms of eco-friendly packaging.

Is Compostable Packaging the Same as Biodegradable Packaging?

While compostable packaging shares similar characteristics as biodegradable packaging, there are notable differences. 

Compostable and biodegradable are not interchangeable terms.

The term “biodegradable” refers to materials that will break down naturally over time, whereas “compostable” materials break down into organic, non-toxic elements that benefit the environment.

While things like plastic bags will eventually decay, it doesn’t mean they could be classed as biodegradable. It takes plastics and other similar materials hundreds of years to decompose, and even when they do, they release toxins back into the environment. 

Most online retailers are switching to plastic-free packaging, including supermarkets opting for compostable shopping bags over plastic “bags for life” to enhance their sustainable status. 

If you’re looking for eco-friendly packaging, be sure to know which you’re buying by checking the properties of the material and the credentials of your packaging supplier.

How Does Compostable Packaging Work?

Compostable packaging materials are made from organic matter. They break down into natural elements when composted correctly, but they need specific environmental conditions to do so, outlined below.

Similar principles apply to biodegradable packaging. The difference here is that biodegradable items decompose without necessarily benefiting the surrounding environment, whereas compostable products can be used as compost when they decay, benefiting soil quality and the environment as a whole.

Why Use Compostable Packaging?

In recent years, consumers have gained a much greater awareness of the environmental impact of their purchases. More than half of consumers across European countries are willing to pay more for sustainable products, driving multinational companies to adopt and develop eco-friendly packaging that isn’t destined for landfills. 

The environment matters to today’s consumers, particularly if you’re looking to appeal to millennials and Generation Z, who are particularly concerned with pollution, climate change and protecting the environment.

By demonstrating a social commitment to improving the planet and championing sustainability, you’ll engage an eco-conscious audience. If people believe in your mission and purpose, you’ll win their loyalty. Do things right, and you’ll have a growing number of advocates for your brand, which you can promote via your marketing channels.

Environmental Benefits of Compostable Packaging

We’ve covered some of the environmental benefits of compostable packaging. In summary, compostable packaging has the following environmental benefits:

• Fewer Carbon Emissions

  — Compostable packaging requires less energy and resources to manufacture than synthetic materials like plastic. As a

  carbon neutral packaging supplier

  , we’re passionate about helping you protect the environment with sustainable packaging options that your customers can compost at home or at industrial facilities.

• Reduces Landfill Waste

  — Depending on the compostable packaging you use, it may also be recyclable. You can recycle cardboard packaging like

  postal boxes and mailers

  or

  If you want to learn more, please visit our website pbat material.

  shipping boxes

  if they aren’t spoiled by moisture or other contaminants. Even if this form of packaging is sent to landfills as general waste, it’ll degrade in a relatively short space of time, depending on the environmental conditions.

• Benefits the Local Environment

  — Creating compost improves soil quality, supporting organic life.

  Composting suppresses plant disease

  while microorganisms thrive on organic matter, making compostable packaging a future-friendly option for everyone.

• Enhances the Customer Experience

  — Consumers have multiple options to dispose of their packaging responsibly when using compostable materials. Even if they don’t have the necessary recycling, composting or general waste facilities at home, commercial composting is still a viable option that benefits the planet.

• No Toxins and Allergens

  — Everything you’ll find in our

  online shop

  is made from materials that are non-toxic and free of allergens. This demonstrates a vast awareness of issues important to the consumer. A conscious, informed customer will almost always choose products free of toxins and allergens instead of a packaging material containing problematic chemicals such as phthalates.

Planet-Positive Packaging for a Greener Future

Compostable packaging is paving the way for companies to be more green. Those who opt for sustainable packaging are staying ahead of the curve, and as time goes by, the vast majority of consumers will expect environmentally friendly packaging as standard.

Head to our online shop and discover compostable, recyclable and biodegradable packaging for your every need. Want more from your packaging? Get in touch for a free custom packaging quote within 48 hours.

What exactly is eco-friendly retail packaging, and why is it worth investing in for your brand? Here's how you can get started with sustainable packaging.

Choosing the right packaging design is an important consideration for any business. Packaging makes transportation easier, keeps goods safe in transit, and is an extension of your brand identity.

But today's brands also have another consideration: The sustainability of their packaging.

But what exactly is eco-friendly retail packaging, and why is it worth investing in?

We're going to answer both of these questions in today's blog.

What is eco-friendly retail packaging?

While there is no universal definition for eco-friendly packaging, there are several key principles that packaging designs must meet to be considered sustainable. This includes:

• Safe for both consumers and the environment throughout its lifecycle.
• Reduces emissions as much as possible during manufacturing/transportation.
• Maximizes the use of renewable and/or recycled materials.
• Meets cost/performance requirements.
• Is part of a closed loop e.g. reusable packaging or biodegradable packaging.

Why should brands invest in eco-friendly packaging?

It makes a ton of business sense to invest in sustainable and circular packaging. Here are the top reasons to consider it.

1. Consumers gravitate towards sustainable brands

Attitudes towards sustainability differ between age groups. Yet The Global Sustainability Study 2021 found that 85% of consumers globally have adjusted their purchasing habits to become more sustainable in the past five years. Moreover, 60% of consumers now rate sustainability as the most important factor when choosing products and brands.

So more consumers than ever want to support eco-friendly brands. But how does this relate to packaging?

Packaging isn't just a container to get your products from A to B; it's an extension of your brand's story.

In 2022, the majority of a brand's marketing efforts will take place online. Yet numerous studies have proven that consumers have better recall of offline marketing strategies such as print ads than online ads.

Likewise, retail and food packaging is a tactile, interactive piece of collateral. This has made packaging designs a key flashpoint in discussions about sustainability and carbon footprints.

Indikon Stories highlights their use of noissue recycled mailer bags (and how to use them) on their Instagram feed.

According to a study by McKinsey, 55% of U.S. respondents say they're “extremely” or “very” concerned about the environmental impact of packaging, while 60-70% said they're willing to pay more for sustainable packaging designs.

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, retailers stand to gain a slice of this rapidly growing market segment.

2. Being eco-friendly helps the environment

It shouldn't need to be said in 2022, but ditching single-use plastic bags and other materials destined for the landfill is simply the right thing to do.

Documentaries by the likes of David Attenborough have drawn attention to issues like plastic pollution and the lack of packaging materials being recycled. The stats make for some grim reading:

But there is an upside. Today, there are plenty of sustainable packaging options out there for brands who are willing to take the initiative.

Advances in areas like compostable packaging and biodegradable packaging have made it easier than ever for retailers to green up their supply chain.

Joanne Hawker uses FSC-approved kraft mailers by noissue to send orders to her customers. The ecommerce equivalent to the paper shopping bag, paper packaging is easily recyclable and channels a more high-end feel. Best of all, these mailers offer a double adhesive for reuse by the customer!

3. Improves the lives and wellbeing of your customers

Competitive advantages aside, sustainable packaging also helps to safeguard your customers against toxic chemicals.

BPA, a synthesized compound found in many types of recyclable packaging including plastic water bottles, has some concerning side effects. As well as containing known carcinogens, BPA is also home to endocrine disrupters that can cause damage to cells.

In sum, you're doing your customers a massive favor by choosing eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging.

However, it pays to do your research. Paper packaging may seem like the healthiest option, but the devil is in the details. Many paper products aren't produced in ways that are socially or environmentally sustainable or may use petroleum-based inks that are non-recyclable.

noissue tissue paper is 100% acid-free and FSC-certified as well as using 100% soy-based inks, which are eco-friendly and produce much more vibrant colors than petroleum-based inks!

4. Eco-friendly packaging can elevate your brand identity

There's a common stereotype that eco-friendly packaging is plain and boring. But it doesn't have to be!

While many sustainable products and brands opt for minimalist designs, businesses no longer have to sacrifice their brand identity in the name of going green.

The rise of new manufacturing processes in the packaging industry has made it possible for brands to design their very own eco-friendly custom packaging to delight customers upon delivery.

Best of all, branded packaging is no longer limited to shipping boxes, which can be expensive due to the amount of ink required.

Greeting card company Spaghetti & Meatballs shows that creating an eco-friendly unboxing experience doesn't have to cost the earth (or your wallet!) Their noissue custom tissue paper and stickers combo create a fun and engaging post-purchase experience for their customers.

5. Eco-friendly packaging can be more cost-effective

Cost is the main reason why businesses are put off from investing in green packaging. According to Raconteur, 43% of businesses cite “expense” as one of the biggest obstacles to adopting sustainable packaging designs.

Because plastic packaging — bubble wrap, poly mailers, and envelopes — is produced on an industrial scale, it can be purchased at a much cheaper price per unit than eco-friendly packaging can.

However, this doesn't consider how non-sustainable packaging designs can cost your business far more than they should.

“Overpackaging”, where more packaging is used than needed to protect a product, is a massive issue within ecommerce. This stems from brands using the wrong type of packaging for their products.

For example, if your cardboard boxes are too big for the items you're shipping, this requires a so-called “Russian doll solution” of boxes within boxes. Your business can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year simply by using smaller containers.

If you're streamlining your packaging blueprint, why not explore eco-friendly ways of packaging products?

noissue's Compostable Mailers are 100% renewable and made of bio-based raw materials including cornstarch and wheat straw, making them ideal for sending small, lightweight items to your customers.

Final words

There are no real downsides to using eco-friendly retail packaging at your business! Sustainable packaging is increasingly becoming the table stakes for effective online selling, especially as consumers grow more conscious about their carbon footprints.

Invest in eco-friendly packaging today for happier customers — and a happier planet. 🌎

Ready to get started with eco-friendly retail packaging? Check out noissue's range of sustainable packaging options today.

Want more information on compostable PBAT plastic For agriculture? Feel free to contact us.