Does sustainable packaging really reduce waste? Well…it depends.

The sheer quantity of global plastic production and the frighteningly low recycling rates warn us that it’s hard to rely solely on recycling to solve our waste crisis. Between 2017-18 and 2019-20, Australia alone placed 1.1 million tonnes of plastic on the market and recovered only 16% of it. Both nationally and globally, we simply do not have the capacity to recycle all of the plastic that we produce. So, what are the alternative options? In this article, I discuss polystyrene and 3 types of sustainable packaging: biodegradable, compostable, and home-compostable, and whether they actually help to reduce our plastic waste problem.

Polystyrene in the cold chain

Both investors and consumers are becoming increasingly focused on ESG, seeking companies that commit to sustainability targets such as reducing waste.  As executives tackle this problem, they are faced with a challenge: how to reduce waste while maintaining the necessary cold chain? Polystyrene has dominated cold-chain transportation since 1954. Its thermal, lightweight properties and affordability mean it has been favoured by corporations as they scale their businesses. However, it is non-biodegradable and is not kerbside recyclable, meaning it often breaks into microbeads and enters our waterways, which can have a series of devastating knock-on effects. 

Not only that, but its inefficiency causes horrific amounts of spoilage in the supply chain. Evidently, polystyrene is not sustainable for the environment or business. Companies like Planet Protector are focused on helping clients reduce their wastage (of both valuable stock and packaging), and this means eliminating polystyrene. By focusing on a more sustainable and efficient alternative (waste wool!), we help companies meet ESG targets without compromising scalability. It’s clear: polystyrene has to go, but what are the other options? Let’s deep-dive into the first sustainable packaging solution. 

Biodegradable packaging

First and foremost, ‘biodegradable’ packaging lacks a standardised definition. In Australia, the absence of a mandatory standard of biodegradability means it is left open to interpretation and often applied in greenwashing. The issue is that biodegradable packaging isn’t necessarily made from bio-based material, and many are simply conventional plastic products with a chemical additive that causes rapid degradation but leaves microplastics. Therefore, be sure to understand what specific materials the packaging is made from and what conditions they require to decompose. In addition, asking this question is essential:

How likely is it to be disposed of correctly?

If the packaging isn’t managed correctly at its end of life, it won’t degrade. The material must be in the correct conditions to decompose. That being said, biodegradable plastic packaging cannot be placed in recycling or organics bins and should be sent to landfill. If it isn’t certified compostable, then its decomposition has not been tested. Often, this type of packaging breaks down into microplastics which enter our soils and waterways.

The widespread misuse of the word ‘biodegradable’ coupled with the lack of consumer education means that this type of packaging often contaminates recycling and compost streams. Ironically, it can also encourage increased littering. Ultimately, biodegradable packaging is not held to any standard, which means you should conduct lengthy research to verify whether it is truly a sustainable option. For further reading, visit these resources on biodegradable packaging:

Where can my plastic go? By the University of Sydney

WWF Report on Plastics in Australia (contains a section on biodegradable plastics) 

Compostable packaging 

Commercially compostable materials (also referred to simply as ‘compostable’) are those that can decompose in industrial composting facilities. In Australia, for a material to be considered compostable, it must meet the AS 4736-2006 Standard, which specifies “the requirements and procedures to determine the compostability of plastics by addressing biodegradability…and the effect on the quality of the resulting compost”.

However, compostable packaging faces a challenge: How to ensure that it actually goes to a facility? There are currently just 150 Commercial Composting and Organics Recycling facilities in Australia, and not all of them accept all types of compostable packaging. The lack of facilities means that it is often sent to landfill, or worse - enters our waterways. As the UN has confirmed, biodegradable and compostable materials are unlikely to completely break down in the ocean as they require conditions such as high heat and oxygen which are not always present. 

Some resources for further reading:

Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC)

Biodegradable versus compostable - knowing your eco-plastics by CSIRO 

Home-compostable packaging

Home composting differs greatly from industrial composting; temperatures are lower, conditions are different, and it takes longer for materials to decompose. As such, packaging that is certified compostable may not be home-compostable. These materials must biodegrade in the average home composting conditions, meaning they can be added to either a home or community compost bin. As with compostable materials, they must undergo thorough validation, as outlined in the Australian Standard 5810–2010. One of the criteria is that the material must biodegrade at least 90% within 180 days in compost. In addition, there must be no harmful effects on the surrounding environment.

Where this packaging differs from its counterparts is in its disposal. While it can be difficult to ensure that biodegradable and compostable materials are managed correctly, home-compostable packaging can be handled easily in the end consumer’s house, which reduces the risk of going to landfill or entering waterways. Planet Protector’s WOOLPACK , for example, is made from waste wool, a naturally occurring material destined for landfill. Both the wool and home-compostable film can be disposed of safely within consumers’ homes. By trusting WOOLPACK as your sustainable packaging solution, you’ll not only cut down on plastic waste but also prevent a valuable material from going to landfill.

In doing so, you’ll join hundreds of satisfied clients across the food and pharmaceutical industries who have made a commitment to align with sustainability goals, meet stakeholder demands, and be at the forefront of innovation. Together, let’s welcome the circular economy. Get in touch with Planet Protector today.