Compostable
A compostable product is made from renewable raw materials. It is capable of composting into 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 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 from 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
If you would like to view our full compostable range please click here
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"Did you know, although compostable packaging breaks down it doesn't actually add any nutritional value to compost? Having said that importantly the end of life of the product has been dealt with."
waste processing
composting
Commercial or industrial composting is 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 is recycled.
landfill
Landfill is a site for the disposal of waste material by burial. 55% of waste items end up here.
incineration
Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste material. Currently 12.5% of waste goes to incinerators.