An introduction: biodegradable and compostable plastic
The desire for alternatives to traditional plastic packaging that deliver lower environmental impact has created a growing market for biodegradable and compostable packaging. However, there is currently very little in the way of effective consumer education around biodegradable and compostable plastics. In addition to this, brand owners, retailers and consumers typically are unaware of the range of material types available, their properties, and when it is appropriate to use each.
To assess the alternatives available in plastic packaging, it is important to understand the differences between the types of plastics. Developing a culture of responsibility and circularity regarding product packaging is also important.
The majority of plastics in use today are fossil fuel-based, and are known as Fossil fuel-based polymers. Bio-based polymers, on the other hand, are plastics derived from renewable (plant- based) sources. This sounds like they would be an alternative, with a different structure to fossil fuel-based polymers; however, they may be identical, the only difference being that the monomeric units are produced from plant-based materials rather than fossil fuels. They may be first-generation, derived from food crops such as corn, potatoes and sugar cane; or second-generation, derived from agricultural by-products, non-food crops or organic waste. These bio-based polymers can be recycled with conventional fossil fuel-based plastics.
Biodegradable materials degrade through natural biological activity, resulting in a specific change in the chemical structure of the material. Degradation can occur under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Compostable materials are a group of biodegradable materials that break down in an aerobic composting process through the action of naturally occurring microorganisms, and do so (to a large extent) within a specified timeframe. Oxo-biodegradable materials are broken down into tiny fragments in the presence of oxygen. These fragments are then further slowly biodegraded by biological activity. Biodegradable, compostable and oxo-biodegradable plastics are currently marked with resin code 7; the material used to create the product should be listed below the code, to avoid confusion.
But thinking about changing your plastic packaging material and selecting the best option is not the end of the journey; you must also consider how the material will be managed after use. Hopefully, the requirements for this will be clearer once the Extended Producer’s Responsibility (EPR) regulations currently in process are finalised.
In addition, remember that all food contact materials must be tested and certified to comply with the same local and international food safety legislation (detailed in the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act) as for traditional plastics, to ensure that they have the necessary barrier properties to guarantee effective food protection, that they contain no contaminants (including natural organic toxins) that may threaten food safety, and that material integrity will not be compromised by extended shelf-life.
Unfortunately, there is currently no mandatory legislation specific to the material properties of biodegradable and compostable plastics. The South African National Standard (SANS) for Compostable Materials based on ISO 17088 is a useful tool, and does specify that the relevant raw material technical data sheets should accompany such products; but it is not currently a compulsory standard.
There are provisions within the Standards Act of 2008 that prohibit businesses from operating in a manner that is likely to create the impression that products comply with a South African National Standard or other publications of the SABS. In addition, sections of the Consumer Protection Act refer broadly to ‘false claims’ relating to the performance of materials.
Several stakeholders have raised the concern that inadequate or misleading marketing – coupled with poor consumer education – could create incorrect expectations with respect to biodegradability, and thereby promote a ‘throwaway’ culture. It is the responsibility of the food industry, when considering alternative plastic options, to ensure that the product meets the requirements of the appropriate standards; and wherever possible, to educate your customers as to how to dispose of it after use. As a producer, it is also important that you make design and packaging decisions on a ‘fit for purpose’ basis; compostable packaging is not just an automatic choice as an alternative.
If you want to know more about assessing whether biodegradable and compostable plastics are fit for your purpose, contact us today.
Biodegradable and compostable packaging: A review of the South African landscape Prepared by The Moss Group, on behalf of The South African Initiative to End Plastic Waste (mossgroup.co.za)
CircularVision, Sally-Anne Käsner (circular-vision.com)