Biodegradable Packaging: What it is, How it works and Benefits?

What is Biodegradable Packaging?

As global concerns about environmental sustainability intensify, the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions has never been higher. Businesses are under increasing pressure to minimise their environmental impact, and biodegradable packaging offers a compelling pathway. This blog aims to educate businesses about biodegradable packaging, its functions, key materials used, and its benefits.

Biodegradable packaging refers to packaging materials that break down into natural elements, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, over time after disposal through the action of naturally occurring microorganisms. Biodegradable packaging is designed to decompose much faster than plastics, reducing the environmental burden.

Difference between Biodegradable, Compostable, and Recyclable Packaging

• Biodegradable packaging: These materials decompose through microbial action into natural components in the environment without leaving harmful residues. Nevertheless, the degradation time varies substantially across processes of various materials.
• Compostable packaging: Composting is an accelerated and managed form of biodegradation. Compostable materials degrade within 180 days in a controlled environment and produce nutrient-rich compost.
• Recyclable packaging: Unlike biodegradable and compostable packaging, recyclable materials are processed and repurposed into new products. Recycling aims to reduce waste by reusing materials but does not involve the natural degradation process of biodegradable and compostable materials.

How Biodegradable Packaging Works?

The decomposition process of biodegradable packaging is facilitated by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that digest the material, breaking it down into basic natural substances. The process begins with fragmentation, breaking the material into smaller particles. Subsequently, microorganisms disrupt the molecular bonds and transform the material into natural elements. The enzymes generated by microorganisms facilitate this process, which aids in the rapid disintegration of complex polymers.

Timeframe for Degradation
Depending on the material and environmental conditions, the timeframe for decomposing biodegradable packaging can vary significantly. For example, biodegradable paper may decompose within weeks, whereas Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastics require several months to a few years to decompose. Temperature, moisture, oxygen levels, and the presence of microorganisms all substantially impact the degradation rate.

Effective biodegradation requires specific conditions that may include, but not limited to the following:

• Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms are crucial. These different species of organisms impact the speed of the biodegradation.
• Temperature: Higher temperatures generally accelerate the breakdown process. Industrial composting facilities, which maintain temperatures between 50-70°C, can significantly speed up the degradation of biodegradable materials.
• Moisture: Adequate moisture is necessary for microbial activity. Too little moisture can slow down or halt the process, while too much can create anaerobic conditions that are not conducive.
• Oxygen: Aerobic conditions (presence of oxygen) are ideal for decomposition, as many microorganisms in biodegradation thrive in oxygen-rich environments.

Key Types of Biodegradable Packaging Materials

• Plant-based Plastics
  Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a popular biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. PLA is widely used for food packaging, disposable tableware, and other consumer products. It decomposes under industrial composting conditions but can take longer to break down in natural environments.

• Starch-based Plastics
  Starch-based plastics are made from corn, potatoes, or other starch-rich plants. These materials are often blended with other biodegradable polymers to improve their properties. Starch-based plastics decompose relatively quickly and are used for packaging materials, bags, and disposable items.
• Biodegradable Paper
  Paper is inherently biodegradable and is commonly used for packaging. Biodegradable paper is often untreated or coated with biodegradable substances, making it suitable for composting. It decomposes rapidly, especially in moist and oxygen-rich environments.

• Other Materials

  1. Mushroom Packaging: Made from agricultural waste and mycelium (mushrooms’ root structure), mushroom packaging is a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials. It decomposes naturally and enriches the soil with nutrients.
     
     
  2. Seaweed Packaging: Derived from seaweed, this packaging is entirely biodegradable and dissolves in water. It is used for various applications, including food packaging and single-use items.
     
     
  3. Protein-based Films: Packaging derived from agricultural by-products like whey protein and zein (corn protein) has shown promise in food packaging applications. These materials offer excellent barrier properties and are fully biodegradable.
     
     
  4. Nano-engineered Biopolymers: Incorporating nanoparticles into biopolymers has led to materials with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. For instance, nanocellulose-reinforced starch films exhibit significantly improved tensile strength and water resistance.

Benefits of Biodegradable Packaging

Switching to biodegradable packaging has many advantages that are good for both the environment and business:

1. Environmental Impact Mitigation: A study published in 2023 showed that using recyclable packaging instead of regular plastics could cut greenhouse gas emissions to a certain extent.
2. Landfill Diversion: Biodegradable packaging is a good idea because dumping space is getting tighter. According to the European Environment Agency, dumping trash could drop by 20% by 2030 if everyone did this.
3. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Biodegradable materials have a lower carbon footprint in production.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Regulations like the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive are getting stricter. Biodegradable packaging can help businesses comply with these rules.
5. Market Differentiation: A recent Nielsen study found that 73% of people worldwide would change how they buy things to minimise environmental impact. This presents an opportunity for brands to use environmentally friendly packaging.
6. Resource Efficiency: Many biodegradable materials from renewable resources contribute to a more sustainable supply chain.
7. Technological Innovation: Investing in biodegradable packaging can spur technological innovation, which could lead to progress in material science and bioengineering.
8. Branding and Customer Appeal: Using biodegradable packaging on a large scale can help a company’s image. Environmentally friendly practices attract like-minded consumers. Such a reputation can give brands a much-needed edge over the competition.

Certification and Standardisation: The TÜV SÜD Approach

As the market for recyclable packaging grows, it is important to set up strong accreditation and standardisation systems. TÜV SÜD is a global inspection, testing, and certification leader, offering several solutions.

TÜV SÜD’s certification for biodegradable packaging aligns with international standards and regulatory requirements, including ASTM D5338, ASTM D5988, and EN 13432.

TÜV SÜD’s certification assures compliance and supports continuous improvement in biodegradable packaging technologies. Its global network of experts offers valuable insights into emerging trends and regulatory developments, assisting organisations in staying at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation.

Biodegradable packaging will gain more prominence as we move toward a circular economy. Businesses can use biodegradable packaging to help the environment, promote innovation, and build long-lasting value.

Organisations that adopt biodegradable packaging can help create a sustainable future, meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders, and align with global sustainability goals.

References:

1. https://www.jbmpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/biodegradable-packaging/

2. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/988/2/022006/pdf