The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

The Rise of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging



The first thing that businesses learn regarding their consumers is that their expectations are forever evolving. Nowadays, when a consumer buys something, the first question they ask is if there is an eco-friendly option for it. There is growing environmental awareness, especially in terms of conventional packaging materials and their impact on the environment.

Plastic waste can now be greatly replaced by the demand for more sustainable options, such as biodegradable and compostable packaging, in a packaging supply company. This material will have a minimal effect on the planet by solving the plastic waste problem.

What is Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging?

Biodegradable is different from compostable. Biodegradable implies breaking down with time while partially remaining intact, whereas compostable breaks down and makes organic matter that fertilises the soil.

The most widely used materials in such packaging are:

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

PLA is a bioplastic obtained from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Its production involves thermoplastic polymer that is biodegradable and compostable. The used of PLA is in the production of bags, cups, and food containers. PLA has excellent transparency, tensile strength, and heat resistance. One benefit of PLA is that it is a green alternative to conventional plastic packaging materials but with comparable performance characteristics.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a biodegradable and compostable natural polymer used to make various packaging products, such as bags, plates, and cutlery. Its rigidity and flexibility make it less flexible than PLA-based packaging. It is also the cheapest, making it popular among businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint without burning a hole in their pockets.

Sugarcane

Another recyclable raw material that can be used in designing biodegradable packaging is sugarcane. The sugarcane plant's raw material essentially consists of bagasse, the fibrous residue left after extracting sugarcane juice. Bagasse is a natural, biodegradable, and compostable material that has been very useful in producing different packaging products, such as plates, cups, bowls, etc. Sugarcane-based packaging is tough but relatively natural-looking.

Certifications and Standards

Some certifications and standards have emerged to ensure that biodegradable and compostable packaging meets particular standards. These include:

AS 4736-2006

This is an Australian standard. It defines the need for plastic materials that intend to biodegrade in commercial and municipal composting facilities. It encompasses the decomposing period and toxicity, among many other criteria.

Seedling Logo

This standard is supported by AS 4736-2006. It is implemented both in New Zealand and Australia. The product must pass through the following compliance to qualify for the seedling logo:

  • Undergoes rigorous testing regime by the independent accredited laboratory
  • Obtained from the biodegradable products supplier
  • Audited by the independent third-party technical auditor
  • Has a unique certification number


ABA Number

Any product in the Australasian Bioplastics Association that traces the materials making up the product needs an ABA number to qualify for claims.

Environmental Benefits of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging


Reduced Landfill Waste

Biodegradable and compostable packaging materials are much more advanced than common plastic packaging, which breaks down slowly with time. They prevent the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, which causes environmental pollution and greenhouse gases.

Improved Soil Health

Compostable packaging could be added to compost piles, where it decomposes to rich organic nutrients. The organic nutrients would then be used to enrich the soil, making it fertile for plant growth. This would be very useful to agriculture and gardening in reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers that are harmful to the environment.

Lower Carbons

On the other hand, some biodegradable and compostable packaging packages have a low carbon impact compared to plastic packages. Many raw materials used in developing green products are renewable, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Additionally, energy usage is lower, and there are fewer greenhouse gases at manufacturing time for biodegradable and compostable packaging.

Protection of Marine Ecosystem 

Biodegradable and compostable packaging materials do not affect the marine ecosystem as compared to normal plastic packaging. If the material breaks down in the ocean, it decomposes into smaller pieces and cannot cause huge destruction to marine species. This is generally true today, with more concern over the problems of plastic waste growing up in our oceans and killing marines.

The Future of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging

Biodegradable and compostable packaging would certainly shine bright. Given that demand for sustainable products is still increasing, we shall witness even more exciting things and innovations in this regard. Government policies and regulations may further encourage the active adoption of biodegradable and compostable packaging.

Conclusion

An effective solution to plastic waste is biodegradable and compostable packaging. A decrease in landfill waste creates good health for soils, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Many challenges await now, but the outlook for biodegradable and compostable packaging is still optimistic. It will increase if we decide consciously to support companies that are leaders in the domain of sustainability.

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...