In the quest to reduce environmental impact, many people assume that compostable and biodegradable packaging are the most eco-friendly options. However, this is not as straightforward as it may seem. Although compostable and biodegradable materials are often marketed as “green” solutions, they can have a more complex and sometimes even higher environmental footprint. At ePac, we prioritise recyclable packaging, aligning with regulations and supporting a sustainable, circular economy.
Why Recyclability is Better than Compostability
Reducing environmental impact isn’t as simple as swapping one material for another. As Daniel Whitehead, founder of The Organic Protein Company, explains, “plastic is the least worst option currently available.” Here’s why recyclable packaging, especially plastic, often presents a more effective and reliable choice:
- Misconception: Many consumers mistakenly believe that compostable and biodegradable packaging will naturally decompose in any environment. However, these materials require very specific industrial conditions to break down, conditions which are not readily available or accessible for most people.
- Industrial Requirements: For compostable materials to decompose properly, they need controlled temperature and moisture levels only found in specialised industrial facilities. Since these facilities aren’t widely available, much of the compostable packaging ends up in landfills or as litter, where it doesn’t decompose as intended.
- PPWR Regulations and Limited Exceptions: Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), recyclability is preferred over compostability, with exceptions only for specific items, such as sticky labels and certain permeable tea and coffee bags. This regulation reflects the recognition that recyclable packaging is better aligned with existing waste management infrastructure.
ePac’s Approach: A Circular Economy Focus
As Johnny Hobeika, Managing Director at ePac, explains, “Our commitment is to create sustainable packaging solutions that can be recycled and integrated back into the economy. We believe this approach not only minimises waste but also empowers consumers to make practical eco-friendly choices.” Here’s how we support a circular economy:
- Prioritising Recyclable Materials: ePac is committed to offering flexible packaging that can be recycled through established facilities in the UK. This minimizes both environmental impact and reliance on complex disposal systems.
- Supporting Waste Reduction: By choosing recyclable materials, we reduce the demand for new raw materials and conserve resources. Each item that is successfully recycled helps lower the environmental footprint of packaging as a whole.
- Consumer Convenience: Recyclable packaging provides an easy, accessible way for consumers to reduce waste without specialized knowledge or equipment. By aligning with existing recycling systems, ePac supports everyday sustainability that is more realistic and impactful than compostable options in most situations.
The Hidden Costs of Compostable Packaging
Switching to compostable packaging may look good on paper, but it’s often less sustainable than plastic alternatives. As Daniel Whitehead highlights, compostable materials frequently rely on fossil fuel-derived ingredients for durability, and they have a larger carbon footprint due to the need for resources from multiple countries. “Compostable plastic is still plastic,” as Whitehead points out, “and it is no silver bullet for solving plastic pollution.”
This larger footprint is amplified by:
- Transport Emissions: Many bioplastics are made from a combination of materials sourced from different countries. This increases emissions from transportation and manufacturing.
- Limited Decomposition: Compostable packaging doesn’t break down easily in natural environments, such as oceans or landfills. Whitehead even conducted his own experiment, submerging a compostable pouch in water for two years; the pouch remained intact.
Bioplastics: Promise and Challenges
While bioplastics hold promise for the future, they currently face limitations that make them unsuitable for widespread use. According to research by Lisa Zimmerman, Ph.D. student at Goethe University, bioplastics are “not necessarily safer than conventional plastics” due to the complex chemical mixtures they contain. Additionally, the large-scale switch to bioplastics could lead to significant environmental damage, including deforestation to create farmland for raw materials.
Looking Forward
At ePac, we’re continually exploring new ways to minimise our environmental impact. This includes keeping an eye on innovations in bioplastics made from agricultural waste or bacteria, which may offer a viable alternative in the future. Until then, our focus remains on recyclable packaging solutions that align with both the practical needs of our consumers and the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions.
While compostable packaging may seem appealing, recyclable materials remain the more effective choice for reducing environmental impact. By prioritising recyclable options, we support a circular economy and provide consumers with easy, eco-friendly choices. As Hobeika says, “Sustainability isn’t just about what looks green; it’s about making practical decisions that reduce our footprint on the planet.” We’ll continue to evaluate new packaging solutions, with the hope that advances in recycling and biodegradable materials will one day provide sustainable alternatives. Until then, ePac is committed to using recyclable packaging to protect both products and the planet.
