As concerns grow over plastic waste, packaging manufacturers are turning to plant-based materials that are truly compostable. By utilizing renewable resources like bamboo, sugarcane and agriculture residues, innovative brands are developing packaging solutions that break down harmlessly in industrial composting facilities.
Bags and Pouches from Bioplastics
Companies including Trex and Taghleef Industries produce compostable shopping bags, produce bags, foodservice films and snack wrappers made from bioplastics like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These are thermoplastic materials created through the fermentation of plant sugars including corn starch, cassava roots or sugarcane.
Advancements in PLA and PHA formulation enable properties similar to conventional plastics like polyethylene while allowing degradation into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within 180 days of industrial composting. Many grocery stores now offer plant based compostable packaging at checkouts.
Molded Containers from Agriculture Waste
Fibers from annual plants like sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw left over after juice/grain extraction provide raw materials for compostable containers. Companies such as BioBag Americas mold these fibers intoclam shells, cups and plates through high-pressure forming with water and heat.
By upcycling crop residues into protective food-safe packaging, these products provide renewable and sustainable alternatives to foam take-out containers and plastic dinnerware while fully biodegrading in industrial compost with no toxic residues.
Eco-Friendly Tea Packaging
For tea bags, brands are developing innovative plant based compostable packaging. PLA non-woven tea bag materials and compostable paper bands from firms like Tea Taggies replace conventional plastic materials. Suppliers work directly with tea growers to source renewable, locally-grown plant fibers whenever possible.
Compostable plant-based tea bag wrappers, cartons and carry tins provide sustainable packaging solutions respecting the natural heritage of premium loose-leaf teas.
Paperboards and Boxes
Bamboo, wheat straw and sugarcane fibers can also serve as raw materials for greaseproof paperboard suitable for foodservice takeout boxes or protective shipping cartons. startups like Elevate Packaging produce molded fiber trays, takeout boxes and protective wraps from these crop residues.
innovations like three-dimensional contouring without adhesives make such paper-based packaging durable while fully home and industrially compostable at end-of-life.
Certified Compostable Standards
To ensure claims of compostability, look for certifications like TUV Austria OK Compost or QC8805 from the Biodegradable Products Institute verifying packages undergo degradation within 180 days of disposal through properly managed commercial or municipal compost facilities.
Compostable certification provides peace of mind materials will not persist as litter or leach potentially toxic elements back into the environment from landfill conditions over long timeframes like fossil-fuel based plastic alternatives.
Advancing Large-Scale Production
As research improves plant-derived biopolymer formulations and fiber treatments, commercialization challenges involve scaling cultivated acreage of feedstocks and optimizing renewable resins production. Innovators construct larger pulping, refining and extrusion plants to lower per-unit costs.
With supportive policies and investment, plant based compostable packaging production capacities are poised for significant growth to serve more brand and consumer needs through diverse renewable, natural material options.