Biopackaging is not a new concept, but it has become more widely adopted because of increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious packaging. Biopackaging can mean different things to different people. In the context of this article, biopackaging is any type of biogdegradable packaging, whether paper, plastic, foil or similar material. The main reason for adopting biopackaging initiatives is for the purposes of sustainability, whereby resources are harvested in a way that the source will not be permanently damaged or exhausted over time. Biopackaging initiatives can also strengthen an eco-conscious brand and help organizations achieve their environmental mandates. Let’s have a look at bioplastic technology, as well as commercial examples of products that use biopackaging materials.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastics manufactured from renewable biomass sources (vegetable oils or corn starch, for example), instead of from limited petroleum-based sources. They come in all shapes and sizes such as hard plastic containers, straws, clamshell packaging, blister packs and cellophane. What sets them apart from other plastics is their ability to break down and decompose much faster than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels. It can take only a matter of weeks for bioplastics to decompose, whereas it can take traditional plastics much longer (sometimes upwards of 100 years).
It should be mentioned that bioplastics are not always designed for use in products with an “expiration date”. In some cases long-lasting products like carpet fibres and plastics used to produce cellular phones may be manufactured using these more eco-friendly materials. The intent for these products is not to use bioplastics for their compostability, but rather so that they are acquired from more sustainable sources.
However, the manufacturing of bioplastics is not always straightforward, and although the plastic may not be derived from petroleum sources, the manufacturing process may still rely on petroleum. For example, the farming equipment used to manage and transport the crops relies on petroleum, as do the fertilizers and pesticides used in production. Other concerns of bioplastic production include accelerated deforestation and effects on water purity and soil erosion if the industry is not well managed. However, if the process and sustainability efforts are effectively managed, bioplastics offer an excellent alternative to the more environmentally damaging petroleum-based plastics.
Current Real-World Examples of Biopackaging
Lays Potato Chips
A well-known commercial example of biopackaging is the Lay’s SunChips bag. The Frito-Lay Corporation used the first 100% compostable chip bag for their SunChips brand. The bag is derived from plant-based material that completely degrades back into the soil within 14 weeks and premiered on Earth Day 2010. This bag has caused major controversy that has nothing to do with the biopackaging aspect of the bag. Sales fell by 11%, which has been, in part, attributed to the new packaging material’s noise level. This is a case demonstrating that many consumers only care about eco-initiatives when it’s preferable for them.
Mighty Leaf Tea is a company with an eco-conscious mandate. As part of their environmental responsibility efforts, all of their tea is sold in biodegradable “Tea Pouches”. They are made of a polylactic corn-based material that is 100% compostable. Additionally, the handcrafted Tea Pouches are not held together with any glue or staples, but are instead stitched with 100% unbleached cotton. The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) awarded Mighty Leaf’s Tea Pouches with the “Best New Product Packaging” distinction in 2006.
Nezinscot Farm in rural Maine has a clever tagline that has translated into their packaging. Designer Lindsay Perkins took the farm’s motto of “the grass is greener on our side” to a whole new level, as the farm’s product packaging is biodegradable and made from recycled paper and grass seed. The integration of this clever packaging helps strengthen Nezinscot Farm’s brand of organic offerings, whereby the disposed of packaging could very well be used to help feed some of the farm’s free range animals. Cheeses are packaged using biodegradable cheese cloth and biodegradable wax paper. The sustainable packaging has also been designed to be label-free with a custom stamp used instead. All cheese packages are branded with a ‘Nezinscot Farm’ stamp to further perpetuate the farm’s one-of-a-kind artisan products that all offer their own unique charm. This “grass packaging” is also interesting from a typographical perspective because the designer hand rendered the type to look like varying blades of grass.
The 60BAG is a unique product for eco-conscious companies to provide to their environmentally savvy customers. The bags are designed to decompose naturally within 60 days after they are disposed, which reduces the expense and pollution generated from traditional recycling programs. The bags were specially formulated in Poland and are made out of a flax-viscose non-woven fabric. This fabric is sourced from flax fibre industrial waste, thereby allowing the material to be acquired from a renewable resource with minimal environmental impact. The bag’s sleek design is proof that form and function can go together.
Every little bit of help counts when it comes to managing a sustainable future in a consumer-driven world. Biopackaging has become more advanced than ever and there are so many creative and functional options available. It’s no wonder more and more companies are adopting greener packaging alternatives.
However, biopackaging and what happens after products have been purchased and disposed of, is only part of the picture. Other aspects of a sustainable future for packaging include making sure companies are sourcing, manufacturing and transporting the materials in a sustainable way. It will be interesting to see if a push from consumers to be greener will help drive positive change up through the supply chain. Finally, it is important to keep the ultimate goal of establishing more eco-friendly packaging alternatives top of mind – it’s all about sustainability.