Report paints positive picture for future of compostable packaging
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- Compost & Biodegrade
A study conducted by the SPC of a range of U.S. composting facilities finds a positive attitude toward handling packaging, but some challenges need to be overcome.
When Frito-Lay launched the new snack bag for its SunChips brand last April, it introduced compostable packaging to the mainstream. Although previously used in packaging such as deli containers, carryout bags, and disposable serviceware, compostable packaging until that point was not much of a topic of consumer debate in the U.S. With such a large-scale investment in compostability by Frito-Lay, however, more questions are being asked about the existing U.S. infrastructure for composting and its viability as a large-scale end-of-life packaging solution.
Answering some of these questions, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has released its findings from a new survey of U.S. composting facilities, “Compostable Packaging: The Reality on the Ground.” The report is compiled from the responses of 40 facilities chosen to represent a diversity of plant sizes, composting methods, and geographic locations. Because compostable packaging is typically associated with or accompanies food waste, the SPC selected only composters that accept food waste. Says the report, “This subset was intended to provide a range of experiences with packaging, rather than gauge the total U.S. capacity for processing compostable packaging.”
One of the major findings of the report was that 90% of the facilities surveyed actively accept compostable packaging. Among the reasons cited by those that do not are the potential for contamination from conventional plastic packaging; the time it takes for compostable packaging to break down; and the difficulty in identifying whether packaging is certified compostable. These facilities added that they would be more apt to accept compostable packaging if labeling were more clear.
Overall, 82.5% of the facilities surveyed noted that standardized labeling is one of the most significant areas for improvement. Suggests the SPC, “To maintain a consistent look and feel, it may be appropriate to codify the label in law to enable government oversight, level the playing field, and limit greenwashing potential.”
SPC adds that there already is an established certification program in place in the form of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) “so the solution is not to replace that logo,” it advises. “Rather, to address the mentioned concerns, it must be a dialogue about modifications for visibility, commonality, and enforcement.”
One of the conclusions of the study was that compostable products and packaging are most effective when they assist in the diversion of other organics, particularly food waste, because this improves business for composting facilities and makes hauling more efficient. In fact, 72.5% of respondents reported that compostable packaging allows them to increase food waste tonnages.
The report is available free to SPC members and to nonmembers for $50.
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The challenge with developing a standardized label is finding one that doesn't increase the costs for manufacturers and, in turn, consumers. Printing a green stripe on every type of compostable product just isn't feasible for current manufacturers. Printing on a PLA cup is one thing, but printing on a PLA fork or food container presents huge obstacles that haven't been overcome to date. The recycling industry faces similar challenges because people are now putting all different types of packaging in recycling bins, but virtually the only products that are actually recycled in 90+% of recycling facilities are #1 and #2 narrow-neck bottles. The recycling industry hasn't required a labeling system on recyclable products because each facility differs on what they can accept. From my experience in the foodservice and compostable products industry, the best solution is to only require the word "Compostable" on compostable products as the sole label requirement. Anything else will deter manufacturers from producing these products and increase prices for consumers. The products that claim "Compostable" should have ASTM D6400 certification, and possibly a 3rd party verification like the Biodegradable Products Institute, to back it up. I'll repost this article on http://www.ecoramblings.com
Luke - Fantastic follow-up comment. I work in the compostable food service space (running a co-operative - http://vivbizclub.com - that helps small businesses get discounts on these products) and you've absolutely hit the nail on the head here.
An imprint or print of the word compostable is absolutely the way to go. An imprint would work on cutlery as well as bagasse/wheatstraw products like to-go containers. A print of the word compostable would work on all other corn or paper based products.
I will say that many of our customers do prefer to have green labeling on the products as it helps their end consumers (e.g., someone who's eating the ice cream out of a compostable cup) to actually identify the item as compostable and get it into a composting bin.
That being said, it's not possible right now from a manufacturing standpt.
As you've said, meeting ASTM D-6400 or D-6868, and being certified by the BPI are also essential. There are way to many brands out there greenwashing with the term 'biodegradable'.
omg this whole article is bs. first of all everyone knows that compostable packaging has been proven to be bad for the environment. second of all it has been shown that forklift paint is better for the body than compost piles could ever be...
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