Frequently Asked Questions about Biodegradable Packaging
Biodegradation is a biological process in which materials are metabolized into CO2, water and biomass, with the help of microorganisms. The process of biodegradation depends on the conditions of the specific environment and on the material or application itself, and therefore, the rate of decomposition varies significantly.
Compostability describes material which biodegrades within a time frame of 180 days under composting conditions — high humidity, high temperature and the presence of microorganisms and bacteria. The specific conditions are described as ‘standards,’ such as the European standard for industrial composting EN 13432 (for packaging) or EN 14995 (for plastic material in general). Materials and products complying with these standards can be certified and labelled accordingly.
No. We encourage the proper disposal of all kinds of waste, including organic products.
The idea behind film and laminate solutions is that when organic waste is collected for composting, the composting process and ultimately the result can act as a natural fertilizer for plants.
Compostable packaging has many benefits, including the fact that it can be treated like organic waste, and therefore, decompose naturally just like organic matter. When compostable packaging is discarded in the organic waste stream as compost, it will fully decompose within 6 months into a natural fertilizer for soil and plants.
TIPA’s packaging should be treated the same as organic waste. The rate at which TIPA’s materials will decompose depends on surrounding conditions. In an uncontrolled environment such as a landfill, it is difficult to estimate how long it will take TIPA’s products to decompose.
No waste should ever end up in the ocean! Currently, there is no global standard addressing waste spilling into natural ecosystems. We aim for TIPA’s products to be part of the organic waste stream, encouraging a circular economy, consumer education and global infrastructure, therefore reducing ocean waste.
Compostable packaging cannot be recycled in traditional facilities. However, it can be naturally recycled in a home and/or industrial compost facility where it will biodegrade back into nature in the form of water, carbon dioxide and organic matter.