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Biodegradable food packaging – 15 benefits to really shout about!
We love a good dictionary definition here at National Flexible, and we’ve got one here for biodegradable:
“A substance or object capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution.”
That seems straightforward enough, but before we dive into our list of benefits, let's look at how that transfers into packaging materials and products.
What is biodegradable packaging, exactly?
Although the term biodegradable seems pretty straightforward, it can be unclear to pin it down as an industry term. Most materials are capable of decomposing—eventually. For example, a piece of paper, in suitable conditions, would decompose in practically no time. In contrast, a fallen tree—ultimately the same base material—would take decades to decompose entirely, if not hundreds of years.
So, in industry terms, we’re looking at products and materials that take less than 180 days to decompose completely—around six months. The following should be on our list, too; even if these packs make it to landfill, they won’t stick around amidst the rest of the rubbish for long.
1. Protecting natural resources
Biodegradable packaging materials are typically manufactured using natural fibres from renewable organic resources. That means less plastic is being made from petroleum-based supplies. Utilising more natural fibres and plant-based plastics in our packaging and packs will help to safeguard crude oil resources. The alternate view is that plastics are made from the fraction of crude oil which is a waste product and would otherwise be ‘flared off’. So, there is much debate here!
2. Completely safe
As biodegradable packaging in the UK steadily becomes more accessible, the majority of materials used in their construction are toxin and allergen-free. While non-toxic and allergen-free materials are a must in food packaging, they’re also vital to a society that cares about their products, the planet, and how modern material use impacts their families.
Plus—biodegradable packaging and products are free from the toxins and chemicals emitted by petrol-based plastic products during their breakdown.
3. Low-cost alternative to traditional packaging
Using bioplastic options instead of traditional paper and card in biodegradable packs enables substantial weight savings—lowering transport costs. Bioplastics typically weigh less than petroleum-based plastics, too, so whichever way you look at it, bioplastics can save weight and money.
4. Enhanced brand image
As the world pays more attention to climate change, environmental issues, pollution, and waste problems, most of us would like to play our part—but as long as it doesn’t take too much effort! Our lives are busy enough; we’d love to help, but ultimately, our time is precious. If the producers of what we buy do the job for us, and all we have to do is switch brands to become part of the society that’s saving the planet, then many of us make the switch without a thought.
Raising awareness of your eco-friendly packs and practices allows your customers to place more trust in your brand, earning their loyalty and boosting your sales.
5. Increased marketing and promotional opportunities
Not only will your brand strength increase when you opt for biodegradable, recycled content, or recyclable materials, your products will be far more attractive to the environmentally conscious market and the green pound.
It’s a huge market in today’s society. Interestingly, it’s the younger generations that are leading the charge. They’re far more connected to politics, the planet, and environmental issues than previous generations at the same age.
Selling more of your product on the strength of being a trustworthy and green provider is an easy attribute to market, boosting your shelf appeal and your profit.
6. A solution for unrecyclable ‘contaminated’ waste products
When it comes to recycling, many paper and card food packs are left soaked in grease and other residues. This is known as contaminated waste. The problem here is that even the smallest amount of grease or food can ruin a complete batch of paper and card recycling, sending all of it into landfill.
Ideally, and with a little education, many of us can compost some of these items at home or consider an industrial composting collection service fit for purpose.
Due to how it’s made, some branded compostable cardboard can’t be recycled, which means they must be destroyed or composted—at home or composting facility. Either way, they’re zero-waste, so potentially still good for the planet.
7. Save money on waste and production
While businesses keep a tight hold on their finances, the disposal of plastic waste often racks up high costs. With eco-friendly and biodegradable products, the cost of waste disposal is often reduced—and considerably. Manufacturing processes tend to be more effective, too, so with better efficiency, less harmful emissions and waste, you’re minimising the effects on the planet and disposal costs.
8. Diversity of materials equates to a diversity of products
Fresh produce packaging comes in many shapes and sizes, and that’s just as true with biodegradable options. While we’re used to associating natural products with unbleached, raw, and earthy materials and colours, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Plant-based materials are often heat resistant, sturdy and safe for use in all kinds of areas. They’re ideal for print processes. If you marry them with water-based inks, emission and solvent-free printing, then you’ve got an all-natural container that looks identical to your previous packaging—and with a far smaller carbon footprint.
9. Lower carbon footprint
Businesses and production plants have specific environmental goals to meet—or face hefty fines and taxes. By making better use of natural materials and leaning less on petroleum-based resources, those businesses will deliver reduced pollution levels—throughout production and at the end of the product’s life. It’s a win-win for both business and consumer alike. The important thing is to check with an expert as to the carbon footprint across the whole life cycle analysis of the product versus any substrate.
10. Easy disposal
This is a key advantage and selling point of these superb materials. Recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials are designed to be easier to dispose of at whatever stage of their life, all while being better for the planet.
Home composting enthusiasts will delight in some of these packs and their end-of-life advantages. Reconstituting their garden soils, as they would any other compostable material, only offers extra appeal.
11. Supporting the future of packaging and the planet
By choosing new and preferable materials, protecting the planet from pollution, excessive waste, and environmental issues, you become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Supporting businesses that turn away from existing unhealthy processes and towards better, healthier methodologies, you can feel proud that you’re playing your part.
12. Ideal for repurposing
Biodegradable materials—including bioplastics—can be recycled or repurposed before their life cycle ends. And because they’re plant-based, they’re chemical and toxin-free, perfect for every type of application.
13. Reduced pollution
Breaking down naturally in soil or another natural component, biodegradable materials release far fewer pollutants—if any. Without any kind of chemical reaction required to kick-start the breakdown process, it’s the healthiest decomposition you’re ever likely to come across.
14. Reallocation of petrol and oil products
The production of traditional plastics uses a significant percentage of petroleum products. Switching over to biodegradable and naturally occurring resources to make our plastics will include all of the environmental benefits of cutting down on petroleum-based plastic production while re-allocating those resources to better use, such as fuel, heating, and transport. The alternative view outlined in 1 also needs to be considered.
15. Edible packaging – the ultimate biodegradable option!
Another biodegradable superstar is edible food packaging. What an all-around win! Current uses include seaweed-based water pods and plastic wrap, edible coffee cups, and utensils made from grains, to name just a small selection that is already in use.
We use 500 billion plastic bottles globally each year, so any reduction on that vast number has got to be a step in the right direction.
The gel-captured water pod packaging isn’t only used for water but also for cold drinks, sauces, cleaning, and personal hygiene products.
Issues around safety and hygiene need to be addressed but this is potentially a growth area for the future.
Wrapping up…
(Get it? We make plastic films for, well, wrapping things up!)
There are so many excellent reasons for choosing to create or use biodegradable food packaging in the UK and beyond; in fact, we can’t think of many reasons not to!
It’s a big nod to future generations, too. We understand enough to know that if we keep leaning hard on the things that are damaging to the planet, those who will suffer the most will be our children and their children beyond them. Taking steps to protect future generations is not only our responsibility to them but to the planet where we live.
We should respect all the amazing things we have access to—the sights, sounds, and smells that Mother Nature delivers and how good they all are for our wellbeing and mental health. It’s time we took the best steps possible to protect them, each other, and our future.