What Is The Point Of Compostable Packaging? The Difference Between Biodegradable And Compostable

What's wrong with recyclable?

Everyone likes the word ‘recyclable’, but here’s some news which highlights the real challenges of recycling used ‘recyclable’ packaging.

But in fact , just very few part for recycling,such as UK exports 70% of its paper and 66% of its plastic for recycling, with no idea if it actually gets recycled. but over the years discovered it isn’t good enough quality to recycle. Since January 2018, China has banned imports of household plastics, and only accepts cardboard and paper with less than 0.5% contamination. Other Asian countries are considering similar bans, to avoid becoming a dumping ground for unrecyclable waste.

What’s the learning here? That in reality, card + plastic + food isn’t recyclable.

What is EATware sustainable disposable plates made from?

EATware makes catering disposables from bamboo. After use, they are designed for industrial composting with food waste. EATware replaces conventional plastics with various plant-based materials. For example, Bamboo fibre is another practical material we use for our lunch box, tray,plates and bowls. Known as bamboo, it performs really well, keeping heat in but not trapping condensation. Plus, it’s renewable.

What's the difference between biodegradable and compostable?

Same process, different breakdown speeds. Forget the term biodegradable, as it tells us nothing about timescales (wood is biodegradable, but a log cabin can stand for generations). Compostable means something can break down in under 12 weeks and is therefore suitable for industrial composting.

Make sure your disposables supplier has compostability certification – that’s the real guarantee.

What are composting conditions?

Compostable packaging needs to be in composting conditions in order to compost. Industrial composting creates the perfect balance of microbes, moisture and warmth, so that compostable packaging can be included in food waste recycling.

Home composting conditions vary with the skill of the householder, so we don’t make any claims there, but there have been successful trials using hot compost bins.

What's the point if l can't compost it?

The earth has finite resources. Disposables are used for such a short time, so it makes sense to switch to renewable materials, reserving conventional plastics for applications where they can’t be easily replaced.

Lots of people enjoy using plant-based materials, knowing they are a simple way to reduce carbon and help their business go green.

Bamboo , not plastic.

EATware bamboo-based catering disposables are made from renewable, lower carbon, recycled or relaimed materials, and can be composted along with food waste.

Once taken to composting, it will break down in a commercial composting facility in less than 12 weeks.