Why Compostable Plastic Is Not Home Compostable

Photos: MOCHNI

We are only too aware of the irreparable, short and long-term damage plastic does to our environment. Some countries are moving to legislate for more sustainable packaging. By 2025 in Australia, for example, 100% of the packaging must be reusable, recyclable or compostable. In the mean-time, it is up to individual companies to do what they can, especially now that valid alternatives exist. This is where The Better Packaging Co. comes in.
The Better Packaging Co. offers sustainable, circular, zero-waste and home compostable-certified (very important!) eCommerce packaging. While based in New Zealand they also have warehousing and distribution in Australia, USA, UK and China. Scroll down to discover the amazing packaging solutions by The Better Packaging Co. and to learn about the difference between home compostable and compostable packaging.

What Is Home Compostable ?

Packaging labeled as home compostable means that the customer simply can place the packaging in the home compost bin along with fruit and vegetable. Home compostable packaging means that any component or material used in the packaging including the printing ink, and the adhesives decompose into organic soil.

Very Good:
Better Packaging Co. packaging carries the Australian Home Compostability standard (as well as the European standard) which is the only one to include a rigorous worm toxicity test.

What Is Compostable?

Compostable packaging refers to the ability of packaging to biodegrade and decompose only in a commercial composting facility. Industrial composting facilities treat the packaging at high temperatures (above 55 degrees, much higher than can be achieved at home) to accelerate degradation of the material.

Good:
Compostable packaging reduces the environmental impact at the end of its life if the packaging makes its way to in industrial composting facilities.

The Problem:
Commercial composting facilities are rare and most of them are not located near cities. The other problem is that there are no official containers that collect compostable plastic separately.
Currently, South Australia is the only state in Australia that allows compostable packaging and food waste to be collected on the curb. Local SA bodies provide residents with a garbage bag so they can use the green container for industrial composting (we need that in Europe, the USA and the rest of the world, too).

The comPOST Range by Better Packaging Co. is 100% HOME COMPOSTABLE

All Better Packaging Co. products are brand-able, waterproof and durable.

This certified home compostable packaging range comPOST Range consists of courier satchels, poly or garment bags, courier labels, padded bubble (mailing) bags, as well as the newest addition, zip lock bags. These products are made from 100% biodegradable materials: corn starch, PLA (synthesized from corn) and PBAT (Polybutyrate Adipate Terephthalate). All inputs are certified free of GMO material. This combination of materials represents a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastics and it is non-toxic. Read more information here. Now let us understand the difference between home compostable and compostable because they need to be disposed of quite differently.

The comPOST Range offers 7 different measurements and more options.

We are 100% convinced of the packaging. You too? If you have an e-commerce business, don’t wait any longer and choose these sustainable packaging solutions. You’re doing something good for the environment.

And if you already use The Better Packaging Co. like many eco fashion brands (for example Natasha Tonic) then share it with us by using the hashtag #betterpackaging. We will share your posts in our stories!