Page 10 - Packaging News Magazine July-Aug 2020
P. 10

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         SUSTAINABILITY |
www.packagingnews.com.au | July-August 2020
                                    Clarity for compostable plastic packaging
Based on the systems and infrastructure currently available, the guideline identifies the key potential applications and oppor- tunities for certified compostable plastic packaging, with a strong emphasis on pack- aging that could also facilitate the collec- tion of food waste. These include food caddy liners, fruit and vegetable stickers, and so-called “closed-loop” situations such as festivals.
Recommendations are also provided about how to correctly communicate with end con- sumers, including accurate certification and correct language for labelling and market- ing. Statements to avoid are also highlighted, including the misleading terminology and greenwashing claims that contribute to unintentional litter and contamination of the mechanical recycling system.
APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly said the organ- isation was delighted to launch the new guide- line – along with ABA and AORA – which will provide a clear and consistent approach to the packaging format going forward.
“With brands facing intense consumer pressure to move away from plastics, cou- pled with thousands of Australian food out- lets turning to takeaway packaging formats for the first time, there’s never been a more important time for businesses to receive accurate and consistent information about compostable packaging,” Donnelly said.
“Compostable plastics currently account for around 0.1% of plastic packaging on
                                                                                               Three Australian environmental organisations have teamed up to publish comprehensive guidelines to help businesses
make informed choices around compostable
plastic packaging.
T
HE Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) and the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) have partnered to back a common approach to com- postable plastic packaging.
APCO, in partnership with ABA and AORA, has published Considerations for Compostable Packaging, a resource that aims to help businesses make informed choices when considering the use of com- postable packaging.
Designed to cut through confusion, the prac- tical new resource aims to help industry pro- fessionals – particularly brand owners, pack- aging technologists and designers, and food service providers – decide when and where to use certified compostable plastic packaging and associated items such as cutlery.
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TOWARDS MORE DEFINITE DEFINITIONS
 Bioplastics
e.g. bio-PA, bio- PE, bio-PET, bio-PTT
Conventional plastics
e.g. PE, PET, PP, PS and PVC
Bioplastics
e.g. PBAT, PBS, PHA, PLA, Starch blends
Bioplastics
e.g. PBAT, PCL
BIO-BASED FEEDSTOCK
   FOSSIL-BASED FEEDSTOCK
The authors of Considerations for Compostable Packaging acknowledge that the terminology around compostable plastics can be confusing for the average consumer.
The publication suggests businesses only reference “certified compostable plastics” or “conventional plastics” to help provide clarity.
Additionally, the publication points to the term “biodegradable”, saying that it can be problematic. “[The term] is often misused and applied to a broad range of different materials,” the publication
reads. “The term is vague because a biodegradable product may biodegrade in some environments and not in others in an unknown time frame.”
Additionally, the terms “fossil-based” and “bio-based” can also be confusing, as not all bio-based plastics are com- postable or will biodegrade.
Also, for plastic to be compostable, it is not required to be made from bio- based materials. “The origin of the feedstock for the production of a certified compostable product is irrelevant,” the publication reads.
           NON BIODEGRADABLE BEHAVIOUR
BIODEGRADABLE BEHAVIOUR
































































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