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WASTE MANAGEMENT
design for sUstainability:
A
Understanding Compostable plastiC paCkaging
primary concern with compostable plastic is disposal – if a consumer incorrectly disposes of a compostable plastic container in a recycling bin, it can contaminate the
recyclable waste around it. This contamination may adversely affect waste recovery and recycling systems, which have evolved to manage common packaging materials. Introducing new materials can be problematic. Indeed, Materials Recovery Facilities have
been designed to segregate and handle materials that we value and materials that councils want to recycle – such as PET, aluminium, steel, glass, and card. When new materials are introduced, there is no guarantee that they will flow as they need to, or they may inhibit the ability of the system to capture existing target materials. Just a small amount of compostable
material can contaminate standard plastic recycling streams, leading to the waste of vast quantities of recyclable material. Given these issues, in January 2020, WRAP published new guidance materials to help businesses make informed choices when considering the use of compostable packaging. “Businesses need to be clear on
environmental concerns surrounding unrecycled plastic waste have prompted a rise in alternative ‘sustainable’ solutions which look and feel like traditional plastic but can be composted at end of life, helping to combat excess waste. these solutions sound great in principle – however, in practice, the solution is not so straightforward, with many now recognising that improper use of compostable plastic packaging could do more harm than good. as lee metters, group business development director, domino printing sciences, explains.
when it is viable [to use compostable plastics], given the complexities surrounding current treatment infrastructure,” Helen Bird, resource management specialist at WRAP, said. “It is critical that end markets for recycled plastics are not compromised; people need clear instruction not to place compostable plastics in the recycling bin.”
What should be compostable?
The key to the successful use of compostables is finding areas where collection and recycling of single-use plastics is problematic and where
compostable materials could help to divert food waste from landfills. For example, hard-to-recycle, heavily food-
contaminated items do not currently have an ideal waste stream for disposal. Such items can cause issues when placed in traditional recycling streams and can contribute to methane emissions caused by the anaerobic breakdown of residual food waste if sent to landfill. This latter point is key to any discussion
surrounding compostables – as methane emissions from landfill are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with governments worldwide committing to the introduction of mandatory household food waste collections in a bid to curb this.
UPCOMING REGULATIONS INCLUDE:
European Directive (EU) 2018/851 – this directive mandates the introduction of separate collection of food waste as of 1 January 2024 within the EU
UK Government Resources and Waste Strategy – this strategy pledges the introduction of separate collections for household food waste in the UK by 2023
As the following scenarios outline, these
upcoming regulations present a considerable opportunity for compostable plastic packaging when used correctly.
18 JUly/aUgUst 2022 | indUstrial ComplianCe
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