compostable
A compostable product is made from renewable raw materials and is capable of composting in to the natural elements in a composting environment, leaving no toxicity in the soil within 12 weeks.
For packaging products to be accepted at a commercial composting site they will need to meet internationally recognised compostability standards either EN13432 or ATSM D6400.
The composting process consists of mixing the product with food waste and using heat, water and oxygen to break the material down. After 12 weeks at least 90% of the material will pass through a 2mm sieve.
Benefits & Considerations
- Made into compost
- Made by plant based material
- Can be mixed with food waste in food waste bins
- Better for the environment
- Currently most composting sites are not set up to accept packaging with food waste and the packaging ends up in landfill or incineration
- Expensive
- Must be disposed of in the correct bins
- If in landfill will not break down in 12 weeks and will give off methane gas
waste processing
composting
Commercial or industrial composting is a large scale composting which is designed to handle a very high volume of organic waste. For packaging products to be accepted by these facilities they must have the correct certification.
recycling
Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction. Many packaging products can be recycled if disposed of in the correct way. Currently 33% of waste gets recycled.
landfill
Landfill is a site of the disposal of waste material by burial. 55% of waste items are landing up here.
incineration
A waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste material. Currently 12.5% of waste goes to incinerators.