What’s the deal with biodegradable packaging?

When Capers first began to package its premade to-go foods in corn-based compostable packaging, I have to admit I was skeptical. It seemed too good to be true.

For one, I doubted if I could truly just toss them into my home composter. For another, my mind reeled with the complexity by which one could turn an ear of corn into a sturdy see-through box to carry my quinoa salad; I speculated that the amount of chemicals and water needed to process the base material into something so clean and container-like was likely enough to negate the product's viability as a replacement for plastic and styrene.

I knew I wasn’t alone in my skepticism. When I sent out a request via Twitter for consumer questions about biodegradable packaging, I got back a flood of responses. After collecting the questions and boiling them down, I turned to biodegradable packaging experts Brad Yates of Green Century Enterprises and Susanna Carson of BSI Biodegradable Solutions, both of whom are passionate cheerleaders for the industry in which they work.


 

Your questions answered

Click a question below to find the answer.

Q: Are wooden utensils really that much better?

Q: Can you define exactly “biodegradable packaging” and provide tips for spotting imposters?

Q: What materials are used to make biodegradable packaging?

Q: What chemicals are used to make the material?

Q: How much water is used to make the biodegradable packaging compared with plastic?

Q: Can biodegradable packaging be tossed in my kitchen composter?

Q: Is hybrid corn a concern?

Q: What is the price difference to a food retailer to use biodegradable packaging over plastic?

Q: Does it work as well as plastic for hot foods and liquids? Or can it melt?

Q: Do I need to worry about PLA linings causing health problems?

Q: Is the result of biodegradable packaging still little bits of nasty plastic in the environment?

Read the questions and answers below. And don’t be shy to post your own questions in the comment form at the bottom of the page.

Q: Are wooden utensils really that much better than plant-based plastic or petroleum plastic, considering the trees that go toward producing them?

SUSANNA CARSON: There is sincere debate on the relative impact of new technologies (whether they are forestry related or the use of potential food crops) to replace petroleum. Regardless of the source, I believe the key is sustainability. If we can create a truly sustainable system (either from forestry or agriculture), then we have the flexibility to develop resources/products from the system.

Forestry gets a well-deserved bad reputation, though it has always had the potential to be “sustainable.” … The record of the bio-plastic industry is new, and it has not yet developed a reputation.

As part of the production/supply system for this new industry, our company works to be active in promoting sustainable practices with suppliers/manufacturers. Our company was one of many buyers that asked International Paper (IP) to have their compostable coffee cups made with certified sustainable forestry paper. Originally, it was just regular (uncertified) paper stock. IP responded last year, with an industry certification of sustainability on the paper in their cups and in the cases that the cups are packaged in. Now we continue to ask when they are going to get third-party certification on the same paper… We will do the same with bioplastics as the opportunities occur.

Buyers of compostable/environmental products and services have the same opportunity to ask for something better from providers like us. If buyers ask suppliers, and the requests go up the chain to manufacturers and producers, we all have the opportunity to influence how sustainable industry develops.

It may take time, as change is rarely easy or quick. But it all starts with a conversation and a request.

BRAD YATES: … Sustainability is very important. If you can manufacture something that is biodegradable and sustainable like PSM cutlery made from plant starch, there is no need to use our precious forest commodities.

Q: I'm very interested in this life cycle. I'm finding that the term “biodegradable” is being used very loosely. Can you define exactly “biodegradable packaging” and provide tips for spotting imposters?

BY: With so many types of “degradable” products on the market today that range from plastics, chemicals, paper and non-wood paper products, it is important to realize exactly how products actually degrade and how they affect the environment when they do.

“Biodegradable” actually refers to only organic matter that originates from plants and animals and is broken down in the soil by other living organisms. Terms like “photo-degradable” and “oxo-degradable” are often confused as being “biodegradable” by the consumer. Their life cycles are very different in that they are initiated by chemical additives and leave chemical or biomass residues behind in the soil upon degrading.

The key for the consumer is to choose products that are made from organic sources with no chemical additives or chemical coatings. These are the safest for the environment.

 

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SC: The use of the term “biodegradable” on packaging and other items is problematic as there is not a single definition or standard of measurement, and this causes confusion.

There is a good article on About.com that outlines the current state of definitions and limitations. “There is no legal definition of “biodegradable,” but the American Society for Testing and Materials defines the term as “a degradation caused by biological activity, especially by enzymatic action, leading to a significant change in the chemical structure of the material.”

The European Union deems a material biodegradable if it will break down into mostly water, carbon dioxide and organic matter within six months.” The definitions above are similar, though not the same.

To reduce confusion, the consumer needs to look for terms of reference when assessing anything that is listed as biodegradable: biodegradable by what standard, under what conditions, and to what end product? I expect that as composting grows across North America, definitions will improve and standards will become more uniform/defined. Until then, consumers are wise to be skeptical and ask.