The Cause of Ocean Plastic Pollution

The food industry is currently experiencing a move away from traditional plastic packaging materials, which account for 42% of all plastic produced worldwide and are a major contributor to global plastic pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic dumped in the oceans every year.

When plastic waste finds its way into the ocean, it causes significant harm to marine life and ecosystems, posing a grave threat to animals and marine mammals. In addition, plastics break down into the ocean over time; these tiny particles are known as microplastics and are ingested by aquatic organisms, thereby entering the food chain and becoming hazardous to all life, including humans.

Plastic packaging also has a short usability lifetime with many products being regarded as single-use or disposable, and less than 9% of all plastics are recycled. However, alternative solutions like compostable packaging made from natural materials like sugar cane, starch, and wood pulp have the potential to extend the usable life of packaging materials without harming the oceans. Compostable packaging is particularly attractive as a packaging material because, unlike plastic, microorganisms can break down compostable materials into compost, turning packaging waste into a valuable fertilizer.

 Rise of Compostable Packaging as a Sustainable Solution

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable products and practices rises. This trend has led businesses to reevaluate their packaging practices and materials, aiming to reduce their use of traditional packaging, mainly plastic. Alternative materials such as compostable packaging can decompose naturally in the environment as they are mostly made from renewable resources, although most are designed to break down in an industrial facility. But unlike conventional plastic materials that can pollute the oceans for hundreds of years; compostable materials disposed of correctly create a closed-loop system, which reduces waste and pollution, enriches the soil, and makes a sustainable production and consumption cycle.

The growing trend of compostable packaging

Compostable packaging is a powerful weapon in the fight against environmental challenges. Not only does compostable packaging prevent harmful waste and pollution, but it also generates valuable agricultural compost. Despite initial difficulties and challenges, the current surge in demand and supportive policies and legislation has driven companies to invest in research and development to produce innovative new materials. Compostable plastic is one such innovative material, and in addition to being decomposed into compost, it offers unique advantages over traditional compostable packaging materials such as paper. Compostable plastic is much better at keeping products dry and can be transparent with a green or brown tint so easily identified as compostable, yet still allowing consumers to see the produce before buying.

The packaging landscape continues to evolve with global initiatives and national legislation supporting the introduction of programs to facilitate composting. As consumers continue to embrace compostable and recyclable materials, the use of compostable packaging is expected to rise significantly.

Benefits of compostable packaging over traditional plastic

Compostable plastic packaging offers a sustainable solution to combat the negative environmental impact of traditional plastic waste. Instead of the ubiquitous disposable plastic takeaway cups, the adoption of recyclable cups ensures much less harmful environmental waste is left, and valuable agricultural compost is created instead. Compostable plastics can also incorporate bio-based polymers, reducing the dependence on oil in plastic production. Incorporating greener natural resources helps reduce the packaging industry’s carbon footprint.

Traditional plastic packaging contributes significantly to ocean pollution and harm to wildlife. Whereas compostable packaging can break down into organic matter, leaving no harmful waste behind.

Practical Tips for Using Compostable Packaging

• Compostable packaging must be appropriately labelled to distinguish it from regular waste and ensure it is disposed of correctly. This clear labelling policy applies to all compostable or recyclable products; they need to have clear labelling so consumers know how to deal with them.
• Consumers must store most compostable materials in a cool, dry place to prevent premature degradation. The last thing you want is for the packaging to lose its strength before using the it.
• Always follow local guidelines for composting to ensure materials are accepted at your composter. There are different composting methods and standards, and the accepted materials vary between them.

How Compostable Packaging Reduces Ocean Plastic Pollution

Using compostable packaging as an alternative to traditional packaging materials such as plastic can significantly reduce ocean pollution if they are composted at home (if suitable) or more likely in an industrial facility. Conventional plastics can linger in the environment, causing harm for hundreds of years, while compostable packaging can break down naturally into helpful compost. Innovative packaging materials that are compostable can prevent plastic waste from entering our oceans if adopted in conjunction with an education program to encourage businesses and consumers to use local industrial composting facilities.

Innovations and Technologies in Compostable Packaging

The latest innovative compostable packaging materials are revolutionizing the industry by offering green alternatives to traditional plastics. Plant-based bioplastics and biodegradable polymers are trending materials that are sustainable, reduce the carbon footprint of packaging processes, and can even improve sales and  profits by appealing to ‘green’ consumers and embracing their ethical values. These cutting-edge materials can positively impact the environment while attracting new customers.

Conclusion

The adoption of compostable packaging presents a practical and plausible solution to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. Shifting away from traditional plastic materials is a significant step forward. Compostable materials made from natural resources can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste being dumped into our oceans.

Compostable packaging not only extends the usable life of materials, but these materials also help promote a sustainable production and consumption cycle. The current high demand for compostable packaging is set to rise as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability. Government policies and legislation will likely continue to support this trend, further incentivizing companies to invest in research and development, which will lead to the development of innovative compostable plastic-like materials.

Global certifications and standards must be agreed upon so consumers can easily identify which products and companies adhere to industry best practices. Certification that products and packaging are compostable can instil confidence in consumers, foster trust, and help build brand loyalty.