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Composting is the natural recycling of organic materials. It’s when organic matter, like leaves, food scraps and even compostable packaging, is broken down by fungi, bacteria, insects and other organisms to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser. This powerful fertiliser can enhance the quality of soil and plants, which has so many positive flow-on effects for the planet.
So, what is compostable packaging then? Simply put, compostable packaging is packaging that has the ability to naturally break down in a composting environment – whether that’s a commercial composting facility or your backyard compost.
Compostable packaging is typically made from rapidly renewable, plant-based raw materials, giving it the ability to break down in a composting environment. Leading compostable packaging companies use a range of innovative materials with the lowest environmental impact like Aqueous Coated Paper, Plant Fibre, PLA Bioplastic and FSC™ Certified Wood and Paper.
There are two main types of composting – home composting and industrial composting. Both create nutrient-rich compost, they just achieve it in different ways. The Certified Compostable Logo on a product will tell you which method to use.
To display the logo, a company and its materials must pass strict, rigorous tests at laboratories accredited by the Australian Bioplastic Association (ABA).
Here’s an example of Certified Home Compostable and Certified Industrially Compostable products correctly showing the logo and verification.
Aqueous cups and sugarcane lids are a home compostable takeaway cup solution.
This is verified by the Home Compostable Logo, where you can see both the certification type and a company’s specific licence number.
PLA is a bioplastic made from plant-based resources, typically fermented plant starch like corn, cassava and sugarcane. PLA can only break down properly at a commercial compost facility.
This is verified by the Industrially Compostable Certification, where you can see both the certification type and a company’s specific licence number.
First Mile provide dedicated Compostable Packaging Recycling bags that can be disposed of via their Pay-As-You-Go sack collections, or through their Return & Recycle Scheme.
Learn more here.
Right now, the UK government could be doing more to support composting. That’s why we started Compost Connect – a platform connecting businesses across London and Birmingham to commercial composters.
We’re currently powered by our partnership with Zap Waste and First Mile, and looking to onboard more composters to make this service available throughout the UK. Find out if there’s a local commercial compost service in your area today.
If you’re an individual, you can support businesses that compost or write a letter to your local council to encourage more action on a government level.
While the UK has sufficient composting facilities, the infrastructure to transport compostable packaging—especially from kerbside collections—is lacking. Consequently, some compostable packaging inevitably ends up in landfill or incineration. We recognise this isn’t the ideal place for compostable packaging (these methods emit harmful chemicals or greenhouse gasses).
In saying that, compostable packaging going to landfill is still better than the alternative: traditional plastic packaging going to landfill. Why? Because traditional plastic packaging is made from energy intensive, fossil-based resources, whereas compostable packaging is made from rapidly renewable, plant-based resources, so it’s a more sustainable production process.
While you’re waiting for more compostable facilities to become available, write a letter to your local council to let them know you want to see change.
It’s simple, throwing food waste into a compost bin instead of landfill can have a big impact. Here are three more reasons why we should compost.
Composting stops valuable materials from ending up in landfill. By composting, we reduce food waste and turn it into incredibly valuable nutrient-rich compost instead. This has several environmental benefits.
The ground beneath our feet is crucial to life on earth. By composting, we’re adding precious nutrients to the soil. This promotes healthy soils that require less water, fertiliser and pesticides, as well as promoting resilient farming systems and supporting food security.
If global food waste were a country, it’d be the third largest emitter of global greenhouse gases. (Source) By composting, we’re reducing these GHG emissions, capturing carbon and returning nutrients to the soil. This can ultimately reverse the effects of climate change.
The UK government could be doing more to encourage compostable packaging.
Right now, PLA bioplastic is affected by the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy making it difficult and expensive to distribute and dispose of PLA based compostable packaging.
Compost Connect is staying ahead of the government by proactively connecting businesses to compost pick up services.
Making sure all food packaging products are made from compostable materials is an ongoing challenge – yet something we see as possible.
Our board is committed to constant research and development to find better, more sustainable ways of doing things. This means when a new innovative material becomes available, we will be one of the first to know about it.
Composting can be complicated.
Industrially compostable, home compostable, biodegradable and recyclable claims all mean different things, so it’s little wonder why so many consumers are left confused.
We’re working to simplify composting for everyone. Through education, we want to create a world where people know what to do with their organic waste.
PFAS (AKA forever chemicals) are found everywhere. The discovery of PFAS in sustainable packaging products has meant that many commercial composting facilities have started turning this packaging away.
Leading compostable packaging companies are moving quickly to completely phase out PFAS from their products by the end of 2024.
Look for proof through certifications. To gain an industrially compostable certification (EN13432) or home compostable certification (NFT51-800) products need to undergo rigorous testing and hold a compostability licence number.
In Europe, the trusted certification bodies that do that are the TÜV Rheinland Group and DIN CERTCO. On their website, they both have a list of companies and products that are certified. Check the TÜV website and DIN CERTCO website for more information.
Products containing added PFAS cannot be composted in home and industrial composts.
Leading compostable packaging companies continue to innovate and launch new and exciting packaging solutions. Within the next 12 months, we’re expecting to see a plant-based and home compostable PLA bioplastic called PHA – a new home-compostable material created by microbes through the fermentation of renewable materials like plant sugars or vegetable oils. This will truly revolutionise the packaging industry.
Yes. If a product is certified home compostable to European standards (NFT51-800) you can throw it in your backyard compost.
Yes. The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) is the peak industry body for manufacturers, converters and distributors of bioplastic products and materials through Australia and New Zealand, making the home compostable verification standards applicable in both Australia and New Zealand.
Aqueous cups are today’s home compostable solution. They:
– Biodegrade in less than 12 weeks in your home compost
– Contain less than one-third of the waterproof material needed in a PLA-lined alternative
Right now, Aqueous material does not fall under the Plastic Packaging Tax.
Powered by Zap Waste and First Mile, we connect businesses across London and Birmingham to compost pickup services. Together, let’s turn your traditional ‘waste’ into nutrient-rich compost.
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