Industrially compostable

The process of biodegradation under aerobic conditions [1] within a time frame of 6-12 weeks is called composting. When placed in an appropriate environment or facility, compostable products break bioplastic polymers down into CO2 and other ingredients into biomass or soil. This ‘appropriate environment’ consists of an ambient temperature between 50-70°C, the correct humidity, pressure, and appropriate numbers and types of microbes.

A consumer can either use home or industrial compost [2] :

The end product is compost that adds organic, natural and non-toxic nutrients to the soil.

The U.S. standard for testing industrial compostability is ASTM D6400 [3]  and the EU standard for testing industrial compostability is EN 13432 [4] .

Home compostability certifications are very new to the market. The organisation TÜV Austria has created a certification for home compostability: OK compost HOME [5] but it is yet to be widely adopted.

Brands may opt for industrially compostable materials as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. While technically biodegradable, these plastics can take up to 1000 years and more to break down into natural occurring elements.

Compostable products, under the right industrial environment, will break down into CO2 and valuable nutrients in 6-12 weeks.

A brand that has in-depth knowledge of its customers may decide not to use compostable packaging as it knows that their customers don’t have access to the appropriate composting facilities.

Not all municipalities give residents access to composting facilities, and backyard composting requires first and foremost having a backyard, which isn’t so common in cities, as well as time, money and resources. Backyard composting also may be unable to create an environment suitable to compost even certified materials [6] .

Many compostable products are designed to look and feel like what we’re familiar with ? petroleum-based plastics. As a result, many users may by default throw these compostable resources in with traditional recycling. This puts more of a strain on already pushed recycling facilities.

Packhelp follows the compatibility standards of industrial compost systems, rather than home composting standards. Packhelp products that carry the compostable mark can, therefore, be recycled in municipal/industrial facilities.