Plastic is undoubtedly useful. It’s cheap, versatile, light and as a result, we’re surrounded in it, with it being widely used in everything from water bottles to aeroplanes. However, less than 1% of the world’s plastic is classed as compostable, biodegradable or bio-based. Fossil fuels continue to be burned and consumed in the creation of plastic, which all contributes towards the rise in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere at many points in the process of manufacture.
Unfortunately, plastics tend to cause a negative environmental impact throughout their life cycle from production to disposal and incineration, made only worse by the low rate of plastic recycling. Plastics find their way into the environment in other ways too, like in littering and improper waste management, where they will stay for literally years in streams and forests. At the moment, plastic pollution in the worlds seas and oceans are harming the wildlife no end, and this is one of the main driving points towards a move away from single-use plastics and towards more sustainable materials for packaging. Biodegradable, compostable and bio-based products are a part of those alternatives, but the understanding of these materials isn’t as good as it needs to be, and the confusion around them isn’t positive for sustainability.
Biodegradable and Compostable Explained
Biodegradable and compostable materials are some of the best options for a move away from single-use plastic for their ability to be broken down. Microorganisms in water, CO2, mineral salts and other processes can break down compostable and biodegradable materials over a period of time and this is typically within a year. Now, the specific timescale does depend on some variables like temperature, oxygen, microorganisms and more.
An Overview of Plastics
- Biodegradable Plastics: These plastics are designed to break down when exposed to certain conditions and over various timescales.
- Industrially Compostable Plastics: These plastics can be broken down when processed through an industrial process that will compost the item for further use in another medium.
- Home Compostable Plastics: These plastics can be broken down when processed through a home composter at much lower temperatures than would be required for an industrial process.
- Bio-Based Plastics: These plastics are made in part or fully with biological raw materials instead of the convention plastic material or fossil raw oil.
- Non-Biodegradable Plastics: These plastics are commonly referred to as single-use plastics and last for a long period of time regardless of condition. They can also break down into microplastics which can exist perpetually in the environment. Take a Styrofoam cup, for example, as these cups will last forever without breaking down in the environment.
- Oxo-Degradable Plastics: These plastics are made up of additives that, through oxidation, will lead to their degradation into microplastics or chemical decomposition.
Biodegradable vs Compostable
Biodegradable materials are classed as materials that will break down completely and eventually decompose into the natural elements around them within a year. This helps to combat the build-up of refuse and reduces the amount of material pollution. Compostable materials require specific conditions to break them down, which is most commonly temperature. These materials will break down into a useable compost but not naturally. There are some concerns around the amount of energy burned to conduct this process.
Both compostable and biodegradable materials have their uses and benefits, and while compostable materials require a process to break them down, you receive a product in return which can be used in other industries. Biodegradable materials will help to reduce the waste issue many countries are suffering from along with the reduction of harmful greenhouse gasses that are leaked into the atmosphere every day.
Biodegradable Label Products
With the focus on sustainability and promoting an environmentally friendly ethos coming to the foray for companies both large and small, brands are paying far more attention to how their processes, products and packaging contributes to their environmental footprint. Single-use plastics are not far away from being permanently banned, so there’s never been a better time to make the shift over to alternative products that contribute towards sustainability. These labels are perfect for everything from food products to cosmetics and even industrial purposes, and there is absolutely no compromise on quality or versatility.
What Material is Used for Biodegradable Labels?
Begasse Cane Fibre
This is a woodfree, matt white and uncoated printing paper which is composed of around 95% sugar cane fibre and 5% hemp and linen. Of course, being biodegradable, this product does have a shelf life, so when stored at 22 degrees Celsius, it will last for 2 years.
Semi-Gloss Biodegradable Primecoat FSC
A good alternative to Begasse Cane Fibre is the Semi-Gloss Bio Primecoat which is a little cheaper. Again, this is a woodfree, white and one-side coated printing paper with a semi-gloss aesthetic.
Natural Bois
Natural Bois is very popular for a wide range of products due to its natural look and style. It is an uncoated, brown kraft printing paper composed of PEFC pulp.
We have a great range of options for every product on the market, so if you’re unsure on which material of label fits best with your brand and products, speak to one of our team who can help find the best option for your business.