The new trend in packaging materials continued to be influenced by sustainable strategies and goals. However, the topic of compostable packaging continues to be dismissed before actually being considered. Susanna Carson, president, BSI Biodegradable Solution spoke at this past SustPack 2015 in Orlando, Florida. She discussed a case study on one brand owner who brought stakeholders together to create an environmental solution to packaging needs.
In her discussion, “Certification vs. Collaboration: Securing End of Life Options for Compostable Packaging” she touched upon the highest level of interested for environmental friendly packaging is from consumers. The more consumers become interested and educated on the end of life impact of packaging waste in our oceans and landfills the more they are tired of convenient packaging that inevitably sits for thousands of years. Compostable packaging is being driven by consumers and adopted by companies that are listening to what people want. While the interested and demand is high, the use of compostable packaging is low. Companies are still working out pricing, operational issues, facility acceptance, and material performance. Carson emphasized that no one wants to fail and that developments take time.
Compostable packaging is the result of incredible advancements in technology. Plant-based, and bio based polymers perform on par with conventional petroleum-based materials, except that certified compostable packaging will not spend the end of life in landfills and oceans. The similarity is striking; however, it can make it hard for facilities to differentiate between the three types of packaging which can result in facilities rejecting material because it may cause contaminants in their healthy compost.
For further reading on Susanna Carson’s case study and for the full article, please visit http://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainable-packaging/will-interest-in-bio-materials-boost-compostable-packaging-in-the-us150324
Source: Packaging Digest
