Why Companies Use Biodegradable Packaging?

Businesses have been responding to the rising demand for environmentally friendly products by turning to eco-friendly packaging as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

Biodegradable packaging, made of materials that naturally disintegrate, breaks down into non-toxic components that are safe for the environment. 

The move towards sustainability benefits the environment while also reflecting the values of consumers who are conscious of their impact on the planet.

 

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging, also called sustainable or green packaging, refers to packaging materials and designs with a lower environmental impact than typical packaging materials. 

Some advantages of eco-friendly packaging include the following:

Reduced Carbon Footprint	Eco-friendly packaging materials such as biodegradable polymers, paper, and cardboard have a reduced carbon footprint than non-biodegradable materials such as Styrofoam and plastic. This is because eco-friendly materials use less energy to create and emit fewer greenhouse emissions during their lives.
Improved Brand Image	Eco-friendly packaging assists firms in positioning themselves as environmentally responsible and mindful.  Using sustainable packaging, businesses can appeal to consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility while making shopping decisions.
Savings	Using eco-friendly packaging can result in significant cost savings over time. Switching to reusable packaging could reduce the need to acquire new packaging materials regularly while lowering waste management expenses.
Increased Consumer Loyalty	As consumers become more concerned about the environmental impact of packaging, they are more likely to be loyal to sustainable brands.  Businesses can attract and maintain environmentally concerned customers by utilizing eco-friendly packaging.
Regulatory Compliance	Many countries are enacting legislation and policies to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. By choosing eco-friendly packaging, businesses can ensure compliance with these requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties.
Reduced trash	Eco-friendly food packaging materials are meant to be recycled, composted, or biodegraded, resulting in less trash in landfills or the environment. This, in turn, reduces pollutants and the overall environmental impact of compostable packing.

 

Common Types of Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging refers to materials that disintegrate naturally and are safe for the environment. They are made of renewable resources and are intended to reduce waste caused by packaging materials such as plastics. These are some examples of common eco-friendly packaging:

Biodegradable Plastics	Biodegradable plastics are created from natural ingredients such as cornstarch, potato starch, or sugarcane. They can be broken down into organic compounds by microbes in the soil or compost.
Biodegradable Paper	Paper is a renewable, recyclable and biodegradable material. It can be made from environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo or repurposed materials. It decomposes spontaneously and does not harm the environment.
Biodegradable Foam	Biodegradable foam is manufactured from cornstarch, wheat, tapioca, or potato starch and can degrade spontaneously into organic molecules. It is also an excellent substitute for regular polystyrene foam.
Biodegradable Textiles	Biodegradable textiles are those created from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or hemp. They disintegrate over time in soil or compost.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts	These peanuts are made from cornstarch and are an excellent alternative to regular Styrofoam peanuts. They can naturally degrade in the soil or compost.
Biodegradable Films	Green packaging films are created from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane, or cellulose. They can decompose spontaneously in soil or compost.

 

Challenges of Biodegradable Packaging

When opting for biodegradable packaging solutions, it is necessary to anticipate specific challenges and factors:

The cost of switching to eco-friendly packaging

There are significant obstacles to the widespread use of eco-friendly packaging. The cost of converting to biodegradable materials is one of the major hurdles. 

Sustainable packaging remains more expensive than regular packaging, which could be prohibitively expensive for small firms and startups. 

Eco-friendly packaging necessitates a separate production method and supply chain, which can raise costs even further.

Limitations of the technology

Another area for improvement with eco-friendly packaging is technological limits. Although biodegradable polymers degrade faster than typical plastics, they require special environmental conditions to disintegrate. 

Some biodegradable materials, for example, require high temperatures, moisture, and microbial activity to degrade. As a result, eco-friendly packaging can only be appropriate for some products or settings. Some biodegradable materials degrade only partially, leaving microplastics behind that could harm the ecosystem.

Maintaining the quality and durability of the packaging

Another area for improvement is maintaining the quality and durability of compostable packaging. Traditional plastics are known for their strength and durability, which is necessary for protection during transportation and storage. 

Biodegradable materials can be less durable, especially if they are formed using natural elements. This can result in leaks, tears, and product deterioration. Furthermore, biodegradable materials will not be able to endure high temperatures, compromising the quality and safety of the products they contain.

Biodegradable food packaging is a potential solution to the plastic waste problem, but significant obstacles remain. The cost of transitioning to biodegradable materials, technological restrictions, and the requirement to preserve packaging quality and durability are all key hurdles that must be solved.

As the demand for environmentally friendly packaging grows, firms and manufacturers must spend on research and development to improve the viability and scalability of eco-friendly packaging.

Biodegradable Packaging Vs. Plastic Packaging

Biodegradable packaging and plastic packaging are two distinct types of packaging with distinct features and environmental consequences. The following are a few important distinctions between the two:

Impact on the Environment	Biodegradable food packaging is designed to decay naturally over time, leaving no non-biodegradable trash behind. Plastic packaging, on the other hand, is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to degrade, resulting in substantial waste and pollution.
Production	Sustainable food packaging is made from natural, renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or cellulose.  Plastic packaging, on the other hand, is typically constructed from petroleum-based goods that take substantial quantities of energy and resources to make.
Recycling	Green packaging can be composted or processed in a recycling center, resulting in additional benefits, including soil improvement and energy production.  Plastic packaging, on the other hand, is recycled once or twice and then discarded, exacerbating the waste problem.
Cost	Green packaging can be more expensive than standard plastic packaging because of the production method and the cost of biodegradable components.  On the other hand, the long-term environmental and social benefits of compostable packaging can offset the early expenditures.
Durability	Biodegradable packaging can be less resistant to high loads and severe handling than plastic packing. On the other hand, sustainable packaging can still suit the needs of many products and sectors. Recent breakthroughs have resulted in the development of more durable and resilient biodegradable materials.

 

Switch to Eco-friendly Packaging with Patek Packaging

Patek Packaging is a reliable and trusted supplier of biodegradable packaging. We focus on giving businesses and companies choices that are sustainable and good for the environment. We are committed to ensuring that our products are safe and good for the environment, meeting the highest business standards.

If you need a reliable food packaging supplier with options that patronize sustainability and efficiency, call us today. Our team is ready to help you find the right way to package your goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify if a package is biodegradable​?

If you want to know if a package is sustainable, look for the following signs:

• Check the materials used for packaging: Biodegradable packaging is usually made from plant-based products like starches, cellulose, and sugarcane. Look for packaging that says it can be composted or will break down in the environment.

• Look for certifications: Organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) certify many biodegradable packing materials. These certificates make sure that the packaging is biodegradable and meets certain standards.

• Check the label: Look for a label that says the packaging is made from plant-based products, can be composted, or is biodegradable.

• Check out the company that made the packing. Many companies that make biodegradable packaging will say that on their website or in marketing materials. Check with the company to see if they market the fact that their goods are biodegradable.
  
  
• Conduct a test: If unsure if a package is biodegradable, you can conduct an easy test. Put the box in dirt or compost and watch it for a few weeks. The packaging is recyclable if it starts to break down and decompose. It is not recyclable if it stays together.