Compostable verses Biodegradable Packaging

Compostable packaging can be treated as organic waste as it decomposes naturally without leaving any trace. In only 6 months the packaging will fully decompose into natural fertiliser for soil and plants.

Is there any difference between 'Biodegradable' and 'Compostable' packaging?

Absolutely. Biodegration is a biological process. Materials become metabolised into CO2, water and biomass, with a little help from some micro-organisms. This process depends on distinct environmental conditions, and on the material and application itself. The rate at which the material decomposes varies significantly with the different factors, and could be anything from months to decades or generations.

Compostability is when materials biodegrade within a time frame of 180 days, under ideal composting conditions. These are a high temperature, a high humidity level and with the presence of bacteria and micro-organisms. These specific conditions are described as 'Standards' i.e the European Standard for Industrial Composting EN13432 for packaging or EN14995 for plastic material in general. Products and materials that comply with these standards can carry the label certifying this.

It is time we in the garment industry show the world that we do take sustainability seriously. Everyone can play a part in reducing plastic waste by utilising branded packaging which is friendly to this Earth. We can all work together to lessen and finally eliminate the unsightly scenes of used plastic and papers, and take the lead by using compostable packaging wherever we can.

Get in touch with the team at Weavabel and ask them about sustainable fashion branding, labeling and packaging and be part of this movement, leading the way in the industry by making it more sustainable.