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The environment is getting polluted by 42% of plastic used in the packaging of goods manufactured in distinct types of industries all around the globe.Compostable packaging is all about using eco-friendly materials that significantly reduce plastic consumption in the product packaging of retail and online platforms. It is quite a convenient option for businesses as it starts the process of decomposition in three to 12 months. This type of packaging efficiently decreases the number of landfills, supporting a safe and clean environment.

Let’s have a look at the following article highlighting the importance of compostable packaging with its pros and cons.

What is Compostable Packaging?

Compostable packaging is a type of environmentally friendly packaging material manufactured from a range of natural raw materials including sugarcane, corn starch, wood pulp, and potato starch.

Compostable packaging gets easily decomposed by microorganisms into a material called compost. The material is used as an efficient fertilizer to enhance the growth of plants and the richness of soil. This works as a great solution to the pollution caused by the immense use of plastic packaging by reducing landfills and water paths. The process of decomposition usually starts in 180 days and could last about 12 months in total.

What Material is used for Compostable Packaging?

 The traditional style of packaging is quite harmful and extremely damages the ecosystem. Therefore, it is imperative to think about eco-friendly packaging alternatives that perform incredibly well for the safety of your goods during transit. There is a wide range of compostable packaging available in the market including:

• Cardboard and paperboard

Cardboard could be effortlessly decomposed by dumping it into the compost pile. The clean cardboard is quite easy to decompose than the chemically treated one. Avoid mixing the clean cardboard with the chemical cardboard to evade contamination and maintain its worth.

• Bubble wrap

The plant-based bubble wraps are manufactured to give your premium products a great cushioning effect and keep them safe from any type of shock/damage during the tough shipping process. This type of packaging material is produced using cornstarch polylactic acid polymers (PLA). This takes around 90 to 180 for the process of decomposition.

• Cornstarch packaging

Cornstarch packaging is a great alternative to plastics and Styrofoam. These are manufactured using biodegradable plastics called PLA that can be converted into nutrient-based biomass through the process of composting. These are quite affordable and work best for the shipping of goods.

Is Compostable Bags Eco-Friendly?

Compostable packaging is eco-friendly as it keeps nature safe from hazardous substances. The packaging does not cause pollution, rather decomposes quite faster than the traditional plastics. Compostable bags use natural raw materials in their production process, which does not cause any landfills. The bags manufactured utilizing nature-based substances hold nothing dangerous for living beings. One of the best examples of compostable packaging is mylar bags which can be customizable according to your item. Also the custom mylar bag are eco friendly and you can print your own company logo and artwork on them. Most of the local and international Food brands use these mylar bags to print their product information on them and sell their product in retail stores.

Difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging?

Biodegradable packaging and compostable packaging are eco-friendly but their process of decomposition contributes differently to the environment. Both are considered quite beneficial for the reduction of pollution and the safety of nature. The microorganisms convert chemical-free compostable packaging into fertilizers to efficiently improve the quality of soil, eventually augmenting agricultural production. On the other hand, the breakdown of biodegradable packaging results in the contamination of soil if not handled properly.

Compostable product packaging decomposes quicker than the biodegradable packaging. The wood-based compostable packaging takes around 45 to 60 days to completely vanish while the other type of compostable packaging takes up to 6 months. The biodegradable packaging takes around 3 to 6 months to completely decompose.

Some Advantages of Compostable Packaging:

The following are some advantages of compostable packaging:

·      Reduces carbon footprint

The manufacturing process of compostable packaging demands less amount of energy than the traditional style of packaging.

·      Water Resistant

Compostable packaging is resistant against water keeping the product safe from any type of moisture.

·      Broaden customer base

It sounds quite attractive to the nature-conscious customers. The packaging augments the customer base, eventually enhancing the company's sales volume.

·      Enhanced brand image

The eco-friendly packaging improves the brand image and depicts it responsible towards the security of nature. The use of compostable packaging makes the brand earn a great reputation in the target market.

Some Disadvantages of Compostable Packaging:

The following are some disadvantages of compostable packaging:

• Difficulties with disposal

The packaging could become difficult to discard in the absence of proper landfills holding the compost piles.

• Costly for Small Entrepreneurs

The cost depends upon the type of compost packaging you choose for your premium products. The overall cost also includes the labor charges and the maintenance cost.

•  It may Produce an Unpleasant Smell

The process of decomposition could cause a weird smell, making the environment smelly for the people living in the surroundings.

Wrapping it Up

Plastic packaging is extremely harmful to the ecosystem. Therefore, the brands should make their best efforts to invest in compostable packaging, keeping nature away from hazardous substances. Such type of packaging also ensures product protection during the shipping procedure. Therefore, the brands should make an effort to hire the leading packaging manufacturer to get their custom-printed mylar bags designed cost-effectively. The packaging companies offer great discounts on bulk orders, helping the brand start driving the roads toward progression.