Biodegradable Packaging

Remain environmentally responsible by using biodegradable packaging

By Lisa Wilsbacher
As landfills continue to fill, it is becoming more and more essential to take real steps towards conservation in the business arena, such as using biodegradable packaging. As more companies focus on developing sustainable technology, it becomes easier to find biodegradable packaging to fit your needs.

While perusing biodegradable packaging information, you may become overwhelmed with the options available to you. There is a wide variety of biodegradable packaging styles available for practically any packaging need. To make these choices more manageable, view the options in terms of packaging styles. Three of the main styles are:
  1. Pressed pulp style biodegradable packaging.
  2. Plastic replacement style biodegradable packaging.
  3. Styrofoam packing peanut alternatives.

 

Find biodegradable packaging trays and plates from various pulps

These pulp-based packaging options are often made from pulp that would have normally gone to waste, such as palm or sugar cane pulp. By using these for your packaging needs, you are, therefore, providing a twofold reduction in waste. These types of packaging are perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat.
Try: CPT Coextruded Packaging Technologies offers Go-Green sugar cane trays in various shapes and sizes. They also offer non-neutral colors for an additional charge. Earthcycle Packaging offers palm pulp packaging in many forms, including produce and meat trays and garden pots.

Use biodegradable packaging as a replacement for many plastic packaging applications

New technologies have made it so that the available biodegradable packaging list has become almost endless. Biodegradable packaging is now available for practically any packaging that traditionally uses flexible plastic.
Try: Good Earth offers biodegradable plastic packaging made with traditional polymers that have been blended with organic and inorganic components to make them biodegradable. Since they are made of similar materials as traditional polymer packaging, they have similar characteristics and uses. Excellent Packaging & Supply, a truly all-natural biodegradable packaging provider, offers a biodegradable packaging directory of their innovative products, including NatureWorks® Biopolymer, a plastic made from corn.

Boycott Styrofoam peanuts by using biodegradable packaging peanuts and packing materials

One of the most wasteful aspects of plastic packaging are Styrofoam packing peanuts used to cushion shipments. By using a biodegradable alternative, you will be protecting your shipments while still protecting the environment.
Try: Puffy Stuff offers various styles of 100% biodegradable packing peanuts. Henkel sells an entire line of CareMail® EcoPacking solutions, including biodegradable peanuts and shredded packing.

 

  • Even biodegradable products can be wasteful if overused. Work to develop the best plan to minimize your packaging to product ratio. Not only will this help protect the environment, it may also lower your shipping costs.