The less plastic we throw into the world, the better. We already pack a large part of our products in glass, but some are also in plastic bags. That is about to change! This year we switched to compostable foil.
Less plastic? Done!
10 August 2021
From plastic to compostable packaging
Plastic has become a dirty word, and with good reason. A clean environment is important to all of us. Our large range of 436 products contains a large portion of plastic, and that didn’t feel right to us anymore. That is why we started looking for a more sustainable alternative. For starters the progressive Bio4Pack became our partner in bioplastics.
Our promise: every in-house plastic packaging is replaced by compostable foil. We are talking about 100 products, so that makes a big difference. This way we can produce with a clear conscience, and you don’t have to think twice when you are standing with a bag in your hands.
What is compostable film?
Compostable packaging contains 0% plastic. It is made from vegetable and recyclable material. In our case of wood chips. The material is biobased (3 stars). This means that 60-80% consists of renewable raw materials. The film is also industrially compostable. This means that it can be broken down for 90% within 6 weeks. The 10% that remains is compost and is converted into CO2 and water. Doubly sustainable!
What is the difference between biobased, compostable and biodegradable film?
Biobased means that the foil is made from renewable raw materials, such as wood chips or sugars. Biobased materials are not always compostable or biodegradable.
Compostable foil can be broken down for 90% within 6 weeks. Biodegradable packaging can also be biodegraded, but this can also take years.
The term biobased therefore refers to the start of the process: the raw materials. The terms biodegradable and compostable refer to the end of the process: breaking down.
Does compostable packaging help against the waste problem?
The less plastic we release into the world, the better. Yes, the world of plastic is more complicated than meets the eye. But if no one takes the first step towards a better option, then everything will remain the same. With the switch to compostable foil, we are not overcoming the waste problem, but it is a step in the right direction. We assume that the more companies take this step, the more others will have to follow. Until everyone feels responsible for reducing the waste problem.
What can you do?
The simplest thing you can do is separate your waste properly. Want to know how that works with compostable packaging? read it here.
You can recognize the compostable foil by the slightly less transparent edges, but also by the new label. No more bright red, yellow, purple, blue and green, but pink and green.
