The packaging industry is undergoing a major transformation. Consumers are demanding more sustainable options and governments are pushing for regulation that favors eco-friendly materials. As the market shifts, compostable packaging is gaining traction as a promising alternative to traditional plastic. But is it the right choice for your brand? In this blog, we’re exploring what compostable packaging is, the benefits and challenges, and how to decide if it fits your product.

What is Compostable Packaging?

Compostable packaging is packaging made from materials that break down into non-toxic, natural components. When disposed of in the right composting conditions, the packaging material will break down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Unlike traditional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, compostable packaging is designed to return to the earth quickly. There are two main types of this kind of packaging:

  • Industrial: Requires high heat and controlled conditions found in commercial composting facilities.
  • Home compostable: Can break down in a backyard compost bin, though it may take longer.

Benefits of Compostable Packaging

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

There are a range of benefits compostable packaging offers to the environment. It reduces landfill waste as it breaks down into natural materials rather than lingering in landfills for decades (or centuries.) It also helps cut down on plastic pollution and supports a circular economy.

Brand Image and Consumer Appeal

More consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, with many of them willing to spend 9.7% more, on average, for sustainably produced or sourced goods. Compostable packaging can signal that your brand takes sustainability seriously, adding perceived value to your products. Additionally, it can differentiate your product on store shelves and lead to more sales.

Regulatory Readiness

Compostable packaging can also help you prepare for the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging laws that are coming into effect. The goal of this movement is to shift responsibility for the end-of-life of products away from the consumer/taxpayer and toward the producer (brand/importer/distributor).

At the time of writing, 12 states have introduced legislation that will impact your business. Most EPR for packaging programs encourage or require packaging product producers to join a collective Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). With most EPR programs, the producer pays a fee to the PRO, which then distributes the funds to cover the costs required by the program legislation. Part of the costs will typically provide funding for the end-of-life of the infrastructure of covered products.

While some EPR for packaging laws do not have frameworks for compostable packaging, others do. For example, Colorado’s and California’s laws do contain compostable frameworks, signaling the importance of this type of packaging when it comes to EPR regulations. Depending on where you’re located and where you’re selling your products, compostable packaging could offer major benefits.

Want to learn more about EPR for packaging? View our in-depth blog here.

Potential Challenges to Consider

Cost and Availability

Compostable films often cost more than traditional materials and may not be available in every format or volume. The price gap can be a hurdle, especially for companies with tight margins.

Product Fit

Compostable packaging won’t be right for every product. Some items may need a more advanced structure than current compostable films can provide. An experienced packaging manufacturer can help you decide if it’s right for your application.

Is Compostable Packaging Right for Your Product?

Before switching to this type of packaging, consider the following questions:

  • What are your sustainability goals? If you’ve set public goals related to carbon emissions, landfill reduction, or sustainable sourcing, compostable packaging could be an important tool to help meet those targets.
  • Who is your target audience? Are your customers eco-conscious and likely to value compostable materials? If your core demographic is willing to pay more for sustainability, it could be a strong value-add.
  • Do your product’s storage needs align with compostable materials? As noted above, not all products are compatible with compostable materials. It’s best to consult an experienced packaging manufacturer to determine if it’s right for you.
  • Do you have volume or budget flexibility to test a compostable line? Running a small batch or limited release can be a smart way to evaluate performance, consumer response, and ROI before scaling across your full product line.

How PPC Flex Can Help

If you’re in need of customized compostable packaging, work with the experts at PPC Flex. As an advanced flexible packaging manufacturer, we’ve been providing powerful, purposeful packaging solutions for decades. Through our experience, we’ve seen the profound impact packaging can have on the growth of a business. That’s why we develop a deep understanding of your needs to deliver the best packaging, every time. We’ll help you grow by finding the right flexible packaging solutions that preserve products, create incredible shelf presence, and deliver a better product experience.

Our Thrive line contains the Bio-Pouch, a compostable pouch made from annually renewable plant-based materials. It meets ASTM-D6400 testing standards for BPI certification. We also have Earthfirst® PLA made with Ingeo and Tipa materials that are compostable and compatible with a wide range of products. Explore our offerings here.

Let’s Get Started

Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team for an initial consultation.