Why Compostable Packaging Is Not A Strong Solid Waste Solution
Composting packaging may seem like an ideal solution to the waste crisis, but it presents several challenges that undermine its effectiveness.
Non Circularity That Contributes to Greenhouse Gas Generation
By definition, compostable materials cannot be used again. The primary offshoots of biodegradation are greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and/or ammonia. Cellullose materials can create compost, but by ASTM standards, this must be less than 10% of the total weight of the original package. Compostable plastics do not generate ANY compost or humus.
Limited Composting Facilities
A key issue with compostable packaging is the lack of adequate composting facilities. Many regions lack the necessary infrastructure to process these materials effectively. As a result, compostable packaging often ends up in landfills where it doesn't degrade any faster than conventional plastics due to the lack of proper composting conditions.
Contamination in Composting Streams
Compostable packaging can contaminate compost streams. Not all compostable packaging is created equal; some require specific conditions to break down. When mixed with organic waste, these materials can complicate the composting process and reduce the quality of the final compost.
Greenwashing and Consumer Misunderstanding
Companies often market compostable packaging as an environmentally friendly option, but this can be misleading. Consumers may not understand the specific conditions needed for these materials to decompose, leading to improper disposal. This misunderstanding can contribute to more waste, as compostable packaging disposed of improperly has little environmental benefit.
Resource-Intensive Production
The production of compostable packaging often requires significant resources. The cultivation of crops like corn or sugarcane for bioplastics can lead to deforestation, water consumption, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. These environmental costs sometimes negate the benefits of the end product being compostable.
Slow Decomposition and Specific Conditions
Compostable packaging typically decomposes slower than organic matter. Moreover, it requires specific conditions — the right temperature, moisture levels, and microbial activity — which are not always available or achievable in many composting systems.
False Sense of Sustainability
There's a risk that compostable packaging could create a false sense of sustainability. Consumers might feel less guilty about single-use products if they believe they are compostable, potentially leading to increased consumption and waste production.
Impact on Recycling Systems
Compostable plastics can disrupt recycling systems if they're mistakenly placed in recycling bins. They are not compatible with traditional plastic recycling processes and can contaminate recycling streams, making the recycling process more difficult and costly.
Conclusion
While compostable packaging is a step towards sustainable practices, it's not a panacea for the waste crisis. A more comprehensive approach is needed, focusing on reducing consumption, improving recycling systems, and developing truly sustainable materials that don't rely on specific disposal conditions to mitigate their environmental impact.
Innovation Manager at Lifoam Industries
1yI'm late to the party here, Robert, but some thoughts. Overall impression: The science and sustainability press seem to have a uniform message on compostables and bioplastics, and the above article is as derivative of online chatter on the topic as we'd expect from an AI bot. I have two main objections to this seemingly standard framing.
#paperboard #compostable #plastic-free #FINALLY
1yExcellent post! Will share as well if ok?
Vice President Marketing at Waiākea | Full Stack Marketer | B2B & B2C Growth Marketer | Constantly Evolving 🤙
1yGood read. What about items like k-cups that aren’t going anywhere but the “recyclable” is not practical with the immense cleaning and they all get trashed? There are 1 or 2 truly industrially compostable k-cups and many parts of California and other states can process them in green bins. I know the argument will be against k-cups, but they exist and are growing. Also, they do provide the exact amount of coffee needed so from a food waste perspective they are decent. So I guess if the use case above is acceptable the order of preference would be: Reduce Reuse Recycle Compost
Recycling, Sustainability, Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist
1yThanks for this, it’s interesting to see the perspective you posted. What this shows is that packaging materials aren’t sustainable and reuse is the best way to go. Everything you stated is especially true for traditional plastic. Traditional Plastic (TP) packaging has proven to be unsustainable. One issue you brought up is compostable packaging contaminates oil and natural gas plastics. That’s in part because it is given the #7 resin code (other). It needs to be changed to #8 and be a green/brown to help dispose if it properly. 1. We have limited, no recycling facilities for many types TP. Where are the facilities for flexible packaging? Why can’t there be more composting facilities? 2. Maybe the solution to making compostable packaging more efficient is to better inform consumers on how to compost it properly. 3. Improve composting facility technology could address the issue. 4. The resource and pesticide use is a definite issue. Maybe we don’t need to rely so much on pesticide as we’ve traditionally done in the past. 5. Valid point on single use, it highlights why reuse is better to reduce packaging. 6. Contamination is a major issue, this is why we need to have the resin code changed to number 8 and colour code it.
Working with organisations to understand business opportunities in the biobased product sector | Chemicals, Plastics, Materials | Managing Director at Bioeconomy Consultants NNFCC
1yShows the issue with ChatGPT, for all its abilities it will just throw back what's already written. For novelty and insight ask people who know what they are talking about. For me this review is superficial, simplistic and wrong, so below is a superficial simplistic response. 1) Non Circularity That Contributes to Greenhouse Gas Generation: This totally misses the point - compostable packaging is an enabler, it supports the production of clean uncontaminated compost and the recycling biogenic material which reduces GHG emissions. 2) Limited Composting Facilities: So invest in some! – It’s not the hardest technology to build out. 3) Contamination in Composting Streams: We have standards for this, any issues can be addressed by aligning composting processes with material standards and vice versa. 4) Greenwashing and Consumer Misunderstanding: So make labelling clear, give as much communication effort to disposal as to marketing – problem solved. 5) Resource-Intensive Production: The key words here are ‘can’ and ‘sometimes’, don’t forget that durable packaging ‘can’ and ‘sometimes’ causes pollution and we won’t mention oil spills and fossil fuel based GHG emissions.