What is compostable packaging material?

Compostable packaging material is made from 100% plant-based materials. The pouch is made entirely from natural components that can be returned to the soil. This type of packaging reduces the production of harmful, non-degradable materials and lowers harmful emissions. The result is a fully circular product where the packaging can break down within 12 weeks.

What happens to compostable packaging after use?
That depends on what the user does with it. Does someone have a compost heap? Then the packaging will break down there into compost just fine. For those users, compostable material is a good solution.
But if people throw it in the bin, which often happens, the story is different. Most waste processors do not wait 12 weeks for it to compost. The material then ends up with residual waste and is burned. That releases almost as much harmful emission as other materials. In that case it is not so sustainable.

Biodegradable

These materials break down naturally through bacteria, fungi, or other natural processes. There is no fixed time frame. The breakdown can take weeks or even years, depending on the conditions.

Compostable

These materials also break down biologically, but within a set time. Within twelve weeks the material must be fully broken down into compost with no harmful residues. The time element is essential here.

Besides the difference in breakdown, there is another important point that matters for the circular economy, the waste treatment. If compostable packaging does not end up on a compost heap, it usually goes with residual waste. In practice this means it is burned with other waste despite its sustainable image.