Unpacking the Compostables

In this introductory blog post, I am going to delve into the world of compostables, exploring what they are and their significance in our modern day society. They are in widespread use today, so I am going to uncover the role compostables play in environmental sustainability, waste management and their potential to enrich soil health.

With over 20 years of experience in the composting & recycling industry, supplemented by an additional 5 years in the food transport sector, I firmly believe that compostable containers for food packaging, coffee cups and takeaway boxes make perfect sense.  But, and there is always a but, provided they are a) genuinely compostable, b) used correctly and most importantly, c) disposed of correctly (i.e. composted & not landfilled).

From what I have seen so far, we as a society seem to be missing a golden opportunity with compostables, as we continue our daily addiction for coffee and takeaways out of ‘single-use’ ‘throwaway’ packaging.  We could very easily be reducing our environmental footprint, waste to landfill, greenhouse gases, etc. whilst at the same time sequestering carbon, increasing soil nutrient levels and microbiology through the application and use of compost produced from these daily habits.

We live in an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of consumer choices, compostable food packaging has emerged as a promising solution. But what exactly are compostables and are they really environmentally friendly coffee cups and eco friendly take away boxes? 

Let us dive in and unpack the essence of compostables.

Understanding Compostables

Compostable food packaging refers to materials that can be broken down into nutrient-rich compost within 12 weeks, BUT only when placed in an industrial composting environment. Unlike traditional plastics that linger in landfills for centuries, compostables offer a sustainable alternative that aligns with nature's recycling process. But there is a caveat, which we will explore in our next blog: Are Compostables Really Environmentally Friendly?  From coffee cups to takeaway boxes, compostables encompass a wide array of products designed to reduce our environmental footprint, provided they are disposed of correctly.

The Role of Compostables in Sustainability

In today's world, where environmental degradation poses a significant threat, compostables have emerged as a beacon of hope. By opting for compostable food packaging for serving food and drinks, both food providers and consumers can actively contribute to reducing plastic pollution, mitigating the harmful effects of waste on our planet and at the same time contribute to local economies and local resources.  Composting is not just about diverting waste from landfills, it also entails nourishing soil health, increasing soil organic matter and providing food for the soil food web.  These will be explained more in our upcoming blog: The Benefits & Basics of Compostables

Navigating the Compostable Landscape

As the demand for eco-friendly packaging continues to soar, navigating the compostables landscape can seem very daunting. From bioplastics to plant-based, ‘biodegradable’ to ‘compostable’, paper, cardboard, wooden or bamboo there is a myriad of options available to bamboozle you. Then there’s the logo’s and certifications, ‘Do Not Recycle’, suitable for ‘Industrial Composting’, ‘Home Composting’ and then all the home made logo’s for green washing.  Not all compostables are created equal, and discerning the most sustainable choices requires careful consideration.  In one of our upcoming blogs next month, Understanding the logo's and Certification of compostables, we will try to give some insights into identifying reputable logo’s while avoiding the misleading ones.

End of life Route for Compostables

I can not emphasise enough the critical and pivotal role of proper disposal methods in maximising the eco-benefits of compostables. One of the reasons food4soil was established was to create the missing link for the journey from 'consumer use' to 'industrial composting  facilities', ensuring the compostables are composted.  Over the coming few weeks we will discuss how to introduce compostable bins in your workplace, along with educating staff, colleagues and customers to correctly dispose of them. We will also explain how using compostables for ALL your takeaways can simplyfy your recycling efforts as you can include the food scraps in the same bin as your compostables. No need to seperate lids and cups, empty trays and plates, just throw it all in the compostables bin.

One of the Big Questions here in the UK is; Why can I not just put my compostables in the food waste bin?

Well, for the last decade or so, the UK Government and food waste industry has focused primarily on anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, which process organic waste into biogas and digestate. In a blog later next month, I will explore Why compostables cannot be put in most food waste bins here in the UK.  However, in my opinion, the focus should not solely be on renewables and energy production.  AD has it’s uses for certain waste types, but given the state of the world soils, there should be room for food waste and compostables containing food scraps to be composted in order to provide soil organic matter, nutrients and microbiology back to the soils to grow more nutrient rich food for us humans, thereby closing the loop.

Conclusion

Compostable food packaging represents a promising step towards a more sustainable future. By understanding the essence of compostables and their significance in modern society, we can collectively embrace eco-friendly alternatives that prioritize environmental stewardship. As we continue to unpack the complexities of compostables, let us embark on a journey towards a greener, more resilient planet.

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we will explore the question: Are Compostables Really Environmentally Friendly?