The future of compostable packaging

Though we hear about it more and more, there is much confusion around compostable packaging - what it is, how sustainable it is, how it differs from other types of packaging, how to dispose of it properly, and how to choose the right compostable packaging, as a consumer and as a brand. In this article, we take a closer look at compostable packaging and what we can expect as the world shifts toward more sustainable packaging.

Compostable confusion

The word “compostable” itself is often misunderstood. Perhaps due to a lack of information or clear instructions, many consumers think that they can discard compostable packaging freely, much like the compost used for plants. In reality, just like any waste material, it must be separated from other waste for proper processing and disposal.

Biodegradable versus compostable materials

The words “compostable” and “biodegradable” are often used seemingly interchangeably, but there’s a big difference, and in terms of sustainability, compostable and biodegradable materials are not created equal. Below we explain some differences between the two.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable materials can be broken down by microorganisms, which differ depending on the environment where biodegradation occurs. They will completely break down within a reasonably short period of time (typically a year or less) after customary disposal (i.e. without special treatment). While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable. Biodegradable materials can be made from either biological or fossil fuel-based materials.

Compostable

Compostable materials are a subset of biodegradable ones. They return to the earth safely within a defined time period, will disappear almost entirely in compost, and can be used as mulch or soil-conditioning material. They can be added to home compost piles, but are typically best suited to industrial compost piles (which use specific conditions, including elevated humidity and temperature). Compostable materials can be produced using either plant-based or fossil fuel-based materials.

To summarize, while biodegradable materials will break down under natural conditions, compostable materials not only break down but can also be returned to the earth safely.

The relentless rise of sustainable packaging

Compostable packaging is increasing in popularity and has been proposed as one of the main ways to fight plastic waste and build a circular economy for plastics. For example, The Global Commitment, launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN Environment, includes ambitious 2025 targets linked to decreasing virgin plastic use; increasing recycled content; moving from single use to reuse models; and ensuring that 100% of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. It is an important step toward addressing the causes of plastic waste, and over 500 governments and other organizations worldwide are taking part.

Meanwhile, biodegradable plastics are also growing in popularity, as highlighted in a recent report. The update estimates that the global market for biodegradable plastics will rise from 7.9 billion USD in 2023 to more than 20.9 billion USD in 2028, thereby enabling a major reduction in landfill waste buildup. Europe is the largest consumer of and the fastest growing market for biodegradable plastics (with packaging as its largest end-use industry).

To further support the creation of a circular economy for plastics, the European Commission is continuously developing and updating EU waste legislation. Examples are the Waste Framework Directive and the Packaging Waste Directive, which include targets to increase recycling, reduce landfilling, and boost the reuse of valuable materials. The Commission recommends that biodegradable and compostable plastics be used when it is not possible to reduce, reuse, or recycle.

Such international regulations and recommendations are driving increased adoption of compostable materials. For example, in Italy and France disposable point-of-sale plastic bags have been banned; Italian supermarkets have implemented a complete replacement of plastic bags by compostable alternatives, while in France bags for uses other than at the cash register have to be home-compostable.

Standards for biodegradable and compostable packaging

An important part of adopting biodegradable and compostable packaging is making sure that it is in fact a safer and more sustainable option. International certifications and testing standards can help ensure this and also build consumer trust.

For biodegradable products there is no official standard, but TUV-Austria does offer "OK Biodegradable" certification for soil, marine, and water environments. To avoid “green washing” it is recommended that packaging producers always state clearly the environment in which the product biodegrades and the time frame involved.

Meanwhile, in order to claim compostability, materials must pass rigorous third-party testing. All components of the end product have to be tested, including colorants, intermediate materials, and printing inks. Certification is done by different independent third parties. Strict pass/fail limits ensure dependable compostability in approved products. Certificates last for limited periods and must be renewed. Samples of certified products can be requested by certification bodies to check that standards are being maintained.

For example, the European standard for compostable materials, EN 13432, includes criteria such as disintegration; microbial conversion; heavy metal content; and adverse effects on composting. Independent laboratory tests are conducted by organizations such as OWS and ISEGA, and materials must pass every test in order to be proved “compostable.” You can see examples of similar standards here: example 1, example 2, example 3, and example 4.

Industrial versus home composting

Industrial composting facilities use carefully controlled conditions to avoid the production of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, home composting takes place under less controlled conditions and at lower temperatures than industrial composting processes.

A large proportion of compostable materials are made to be composted at industrial facilities, and material breaks down much faster during industrial composting. However, home composting can also play an important role because it can take place at any house with a garden and does not require special waste collection infrastructure.

A European standard, EN 17427, has been developed for home compostable plastics, specifically home compostable carrier bags. It includes requirements for disintegration and biodegradability, specifications for ecotoxicity tests, and clear rules on environmentally hazardous substances and substances of very high concern.

Logos to help consumers

Certification bodies have developed logos to help users and consumers easily recognize how a product should be disposed of. Once certification has been awarded, the logo can be used on product packaging, and an appropriate accompanying explanation can both educate consumers and promote brand values. See example logos from TUV-Austria and DIN below.

Real world examples of compostable packaging

When used in packaging, compostable materials should break down into usable compost at approximately the same rate as the other materials being composted. A good example is a compostable bag for supermarket self-weighed fruits and vegetables; the bag should compost alongside the food waste.

Fresh food packaging is the dominant segment for both compostable and biodegradable materials. Compostable packaging is important in fruit and vegetable applications because it allows packaging to be disposed of in its entirety, including any food that might remain inside. This is especially useful when disposing of unused supermarket stocks. Other applications include compostable materials being used for agricultural mulching film.

Examples of compostable food packaging abound, in both large and small companies. To name just a few, Samova Tea in Germany uses compostable packaging for their tea bags. Dutch confectioner Van Eigen Deeg uses compostable starch-based packaging for cookies. And Unilever’s Carte d’Or ice cream has relaunched in compostable packaging.

When plastic is the right choice

As well suited as compostable and biodegradable packaging are for certain applications, we are not yet at a point where they can always be used in place of conventional plastics. Despite the fact that plastic is often portrayed in a negative light to consumers, in some situations there are good reasons to keep using it, for example to fight food waste.

To maintain consumer trust and keep making progress, it is important for packaging producers to make clear to consumers that not all plastics can be replaced and removed, while at the same time working to remove plastic where possible and ensuring that remaining plastics are not only recyclable or compostable but are also actually being recycled or composted.

Choosing compostable label materials

Labels are a critical component of packaging, and must also be compostable in order for packaging to qualify as compostable. Avery Dennison offers a variety of certified compostable label materials, including starch- and cellulose-based products such as PLA or Natureflex. In addition, most of our paper facestocks are compostable.

When selecting and qualifying compostable or biodegradable labeling materials, proper technical support is important. We work closely with our partners throughout the label design process to ensure that regulatory requirements have been met and that the end product offers sustainability benefits and performs well compared to conventional solutions.

Conclusion

In the face of accelerating environmental crises, pressure on governments and businesses to take action to reduce plastic waste will continue to rise. As an alternative to conventional plastics, biodegradable and compostable packaging materials have a key role to play in reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the environment.

Packaging producers can contribute to the solution by adopting the right sustainable materials for their applications, doing what they can to educate consumers, and avoiding misleading green washing. At Avery Dennison, we will do our part by developing labeling materials that meet sustainability goals, convert well, and deliver uncompromised performance.

Learn more

If you want to learn more about how compostable solutions can help you achieve your sustainability goals, visit our compostable labels page. If you have any questions or other feedback, feel free to get in touch with our experts.

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The future of compostable packaging