Difference Between Biodegradable And Compostable Packaging
Over the past years, there has been an increasing concern over environmental protection and climate change. Based on a recent study, approximately 8 in 10 Singaporeans strongly believe that climate change will significantly impact the future generations if nothing is done about it. As such, people are now consciously making more eco-friendly choices, such as recycling small disposable containers and choosing products with sustainability in mind.
Hence, if you are a restaurant or F&B business owner, you should consider using more sustainable food packaging solutions. There are different kinds of sustainable food packaging out there, two of which are biodegradable and compostable packaging. These kinds of sustainable packaging solutions come with some key differences. Read on to find out what makes biodegradable packaging distinct from compostable packaging.
What is Biodegradable Food Packaging?
Biodegradable food packaging materials naturally break down over time. However, their disintegration process usually takes a long time, sometimes around 6 months, depending on the materials utilised. If the biodegradable food packaging specifically uses petroleum-based plastics, it can take a longer time to break down.
With that said, there is a type of plastic called “bioplastics,” which can disintegrate easily without any harmful impact on the environment. These bioplastics are sourced from organic plant-based materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA). Besides plastic container boxes for food and cups, there are numerous biodegradable packaging options available on the market, including paper lunch boxes and cardboard trays.
What is Compostable Food Packaging?
Compostable food packaging solutions are those made from organic materials and are created by naturally processing renewable resources. Some of the most popular examples of compostable food packaging materials are Kraft and bagasse food packaging. These are eco-friendly materials that have no environmental drawbacks and that share a lot of the same qualities as plastics.
The only disadvantage to compostable food packaging materials is that there are only a few industrial facilities in the world that can process them. Nonetheless, many products are home compostable, which makes it easy for homeowners to dispose of their packaging by using a compostable bin. Moreover, since compostable packaging comes from organic materials, it is intended to decompose in about 6 to 12 weeks in appropriate conditions.
Conclusion
Overall, the key difference between biodegradable packaging and compostable packaging lies in the materials they are derived from as well as in the way they break down and for how long after being used. With that said, both biodegradable packaging materials and compostable packaging materials are sustainable solutions that help protect the environment and prevent the worsening effects of climate change.
If you have a restaurant or an F&B business, using biodegradable and compostable food packaging solutions is highly advised, as doing so can make your business more responsible and can help your brand attract more customers, who are increasingly becoming more eco-conscious these days. Ultimately, the use of sustainable packaging solutions seems to be the future of F&B businesses now.
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