Not all biodegradable packages are equal despite people’s perception that any green packaging is good for the environment. Maybe you have come across terms such as ‘recyclable packaging’ or ‘compostable packaging,’ but do you understand the difference?
Even if both are used to minimize our effect on the environment, they are different from each other and have several procedures and advantages. However, to get to know which one of them is the best for you or your business, then you have to read on.
However, let me basically break it down to features and advantages and disadvantages, if you would, the considerations for each of the choices.
What Is Recyclable Packaging?
You might not think about this often, but there is an awful lot of recyclable material packaging out there – packaging that has been created with the express purpose of being recycled and turned into new packaging again. This is the crux of so called recyclable packaging. However, for compostable and recyclable there is a difference most people do not know.
The packaging that is usually recycled consists of materials such as plastics; glass and metal among others. These materials can be degraded and then recycled in order to be utilised again to emanate new materials. This leads to efficient use of raw materials hence putting a check to the use of natural resources and thus protecting the environment.
This is not always true because in certain societies not all packaging materials are allowed for recycling. It is normal to find somebody asking a question like ‘are compostable bags recyclable?’ In most cases the answer is negative The compostable packaging materials include bags are made to degrade in conditions of composting not recycling. They must become exposed to specific conditions so that they can break down completely and these conditions cannot be easily provided under normal recycling centers.
What Is Compostable Packaging?
Although most consumers are familiar with the concept of Recyclable packaging this one might sound quite new to you. Compostable packaging means that such packaging is intended for composting, and it will degrade in compost environment. It is made from plant based raw materials such as corn starch and other elements like wheat and what’s impressive is that it is not only biodegradable but it also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
Compared to other recyclable materials, compostable packaging does not require to be converted and reuse in a form of a different product. Rather, it goes back to the ground on its own making it an eco-friendly product with no residue wastage left behind. It is popularly used in food service such as plates, cups and cutlery etc, but new areas of usage are emerging as the food industry look for eco-friendly packaging materials.
But at the same time, one should know that compostable packaging requires certain conditions in order for it to break down properly. It needs heat, moisture, oxygen and microorganisms which are normally present in industrial composting system. While it is capable of degrading in a home compost pile, it might probably take a longer time. So there is growth toward eco-friendlier packaging but compostable packaging on its own does not solve all the problems and as such should be considered with its drawbacks.
Compostable vs. Recyclable: Key Differences
In order to make the right decision about such packaging, it is necessary to define the differences between compostable and recyclable packaging. You might know that compostable packaging is specifically supposed to be degrade in the manner found in a compost process. It is biodegradable material derived from plants and can be fed on by microbes which in turns produce nutrient-rich compost. Recyclable packaging on the other hand is produced from material that can be recycled for anew product on the market.
Here's where they diverge: Just because a packaging material is made from compostable material it cannot be placed in your recycling bin. Why? Due to the fact that they contaminate other recyclable materials since these compostable materials have to be sorted out from the recyclable ones. They are not meant to be recycled but thrown away and recycled materials are made weak intentionally to ensure that it can easily break down during the recycling process. In order to decompose properly compostables require heat, moisture and microbes, elements not found in the environment of a recycling plant.
For its part, recyclable packaging has another disadvantage; it cannot go into the compost bin. Some of the recyclable products are biodegradable, one thing that is unique with them though is that they are not biodegradable like the compostable products. These they can provide residues not appropriate for the enrichment of the soil.
Thus, compostable and recyclable are two distinct concepts of dealing with waste management but the two may not mean the same. For proper application and positive environmental impacts, there is a need to identify the differences between sustainable materials.
Are Compostable Bags Recyclable?
Breaking it down further one might wonder if in fact compostable bags can be recycled. Although it may sound more plausible to categorize all environmentally friendly packaging under one category it is not entirely the case.
- Different process: Food waste bin and recycling receptacles have different fabrication procedures. Composting is the process of reducing material to organic material. Recycling on the other hand reuses the material into new products Reusable poly bags can be recycled then converted into other poly bag products. They want to know that compostable bags cannot be recycled.
- Contamination risk: Some of the things to note about reusable and compostable bags include the following, they are capable of polluting the recycling process. Their composition entails that they are not like most plastic bags out there in the market. However, when incorporated in the process, they interfere with the functioning of recycling equipment and also affects the quality of the recycled plastic.
- Facility limitations: Not all recycling facilities can handle compostable bags. If they aren't equipped to separate these bags from regular plastic, it can lead to inefficiencies.
- Separate disposal: The best way to dispose of compostable bags is in a composting facility or a home compost pile, where they can break down naturally.
Choosing the Right Packaging Solution for Your Business
Since the procedures of recycling and composting can be elaborate, special attention should be paid to selecting the most appropriate type of packaging for your enterprise. However, more than making it a practice to being environmentally conscious, using biodegradable materials has its benefits in terms of separating costs and balancing customer expectation.
Firstly, to secure the product meet it requirement evaluate your current needs. Is it a breakable item, foodstuff or materials that are affected by humidity. Cardboard that is recyclable is a durable and inexpensive form of protection although it has a larger ecological impact. While the former includes scrap materials that are not easy on the pocket but are more durable and long lasting, the latter is compostable material not easily affordable but are more friendly to the environment.
Second on your list should be operational capacities within your home country and host country. Recyclable materials include paper, PET bottles, tetra packs among others, do you have the capacity to sort and dispose the following?: Some customers have issues with a short product shelf life so, can you manage short compostable packaging shelf life? This and many other factors must be considered before making the decision.
Finally, match it up with your brand’s sustainable development objectives. If you stand for decrease of waste, such packaging may inform customers that you have a low-waste policy. If you aim more at reuse and getting them lasting longer, then good and recyclable material should be selected.
For businesses looking to make an environmentally conscious choice, sourcing Packaging Supplies in Melbourne that align with sustainable practices is a great step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for Compostable Packaging to Decompose?
It varies based on the material and conditions, but generally, compostable packaging decomposes in a commercial facility within 90-180 days. At home, it might take longer, up to a year or more.
Can I Recycle or Compost Packaging That Has Food Residue on It?
Yes, you can compost packaging with food residue. It'll add to the breakdown process. However, recycling is different. Food residue can contaminate the batch, so it's best to clean recyclable items before disposal.
What Happens to Recyclable Packaging if It Is Not Properly Sorted?
If you don't sort recyclable packaging properly, it's likely to end up in a landfill. There, it doesn't decompose well and can contribute to environmental issues, like pollution and waste management problems.
Conclusion
Although both recyclable and compostable packaging help in environmental sustainability they are in different manners. While recyclable items, products are used again in the production of other products, in contrast compostable products turn into organic matter.
To some people’s dismay, compostable bags cannot be recycled because they are made of different materials. Therefore, deciding between the available types of recyclable and compostable packaging should be based on the ideal environmental management agenda of the business alongside the disposer options of the customers.
