Whether you are looking for Clamshell Containers, Dinnerware, Compostable Bags, Compostable Branded Cups, or Food Service To-Go Containers – you can make a responsible choice with Eco-friendly & Sustainable packaging products from Container Mill.

Eco-friendly & Sustainable packaging products are important because they reduce waste and pollution at all stages in the product lifecycle. Also, it helps both the product and consumer reduce their environmental impact. Brands’ image can be effectively enhanced when packaging reminds people of environmental awareness. 

Overview

While “biodegradable” and “compostable” may appear to be synonymous terms, there are important differences. While everything that is compostable is technically biodegradable, not everything that is biodegradable is compostable because there are specific third-party standards and time frames associated with compostability that do not exist for biodegradability. This becomes particularly important when the terms are used to describe the end of life attributes of products and packaging.

Biodegradable

The term “biodegradable” is accurate when used in technical contexts, but is highly problematic and even illegal to use in sales and marketing language for single-use products, including those certified and marketed as “compostable”.

“Biodegradation” is the term used to describe the process of microorganisms consuming organic carbon in a material, and it is the name of an important test criteria in the ASTM compostability standard specifications. It is not technically incorrect to refer to certified compostable products as “biodegradable”.

“Biodegradable” is not an appropriate marketing term or claim for describing end of life behavior because it lacks specificity on timeframe and environment. More importantly, the term is often used to describe non-compostable products intentionally made to look similar to certified compostable products. These products are commonly referred to as “lookalikes” and are a leading cause of contamination at compost facilities. For these reasons, four states in USA have made it illegal to use the term “biodegradable” in sales and marketing language for single-use products.

Compostable

For BPI-Certified products and packaging that meet ASTM and other compostability standards, the term “compostable” should always be used when describing end of life attributes.

Prominent and consistent use of the term “compostable” instead of “biodegradable” on all products, packaging and marketing materials will help consumers and others begin to understand the difference between legitimate compostable products and their non-compostable counterparts – a critical first step in the effort to send contamination free organics streams to composters accepting compostable products.

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is the leading authority on compostable products and packaging In North America and has been certifying materials and finished goods since 1999. All products and materials certified by BPI meet ASTM standards for composability, as well as the following three elements not required by ASTM: 

Eligibility Requirements – Only items that are associated with desirable feedstocks like food scraps and yard trimming are eligible for BPI Certification. This helps keep the total volume of packaging in organics streams lower, which gives composters accepting compostable products a better chance at managing contamination from non-compostable products. 

Fluorinated Chemicals (PFAS) – BPI's standard for fluorinated chemicals went into effect on January 1, 2020. Products may no longer be claimed as BPI-Certified unless they meet all conditions of the rule, including no intentionally added fluorinated chemicals, a test report showing less than 100 ppm total organic fluorine, and a technical review of the formulation. 

Labeling Requirements – No organization has done more work on compostable product labeling than BPI. Part of that work entails reviewing every piece of product and packaging artwork to make sure the BPI Certification Mark is present, and to help guide other labeling decisions. 

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