The word ‘compostable’ has become a bit of a business buzzword in recent years.
As organisations become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their operations and supply chain, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and plant-based products for packaging.
With more focus and investment in this area, the range of compostable items on the market has rapidly expanded. It now includes frequently used items, including biodegradable retail bags, gloves, dog waste bags, and eco-friendly courier bags. They’re all produced using renewable, natural materials and break down harmlessly after use.
So, if you’ve been considering bringing these products into your operations for some time but have yet to make the shift, a few questions or concerns may be holding you back.
Let us address some of the common hesitations business owners have about compostable products, including their efficacy compared to plastic, their material makeup, and their viability from a cost perspective. Hopefully, we’ll be able to dispel any concerns and convince you that choosing plant-based over plastic is an excellent way to start your business’s sustainability journey.
What does compostable mean?
First of all, let’s define what ‘compostable’ really means. A compostable material is made of organic matter and can break down naturally into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to degrade and may release harmful toxins into the environment, compostable items can break down in mere months, depending on the conditions.
What are compostable products made from?
Compostable products are produced using plant-based materials, such as cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca and sugarcane. These crops are renewable, which means they can be grown repeatedly, making them a more sustainable option for the planet than traditional plastic.
Are compostable products as durable as plastic?
One common concern is whether compostable products are as strong and durable as traditional plastic products. The truth is that while in use, compostable items can be just as sturdy and reliable as plastic, depending on the materials and manufacturing processes used.
Are compostable products as convenient as plastic?
There’s no question about compostable items being just as good an option as plastic products. They’re available in various sizes and styles, are readily available to purchase, and work just as well as plastic for their intended purposes. In addition, using compostable products will give you a sense of satisfaction and pride in knowing your business is doing its part to help the environment.
Are compostable products affordable?
The good news is that as the demand for compostable products grows, these items are becoming more and more cost-effective for consumers. Advances in this space have come a long way over the past few years, and compostable products are just as affordable and available as plastic products. Plus, many companies, including Because We Care, offer bulk purchasing options that can save you even more money.
Is it hard to dispose of compostable products properly?
While compostable items require a composting environment to break down entirely, the good news is that various disposal options are available. For example, you can add them to a privately-managed compost pile, throw them into a council-run organics bin, dispose of them in a commercial composting facility, or even ShareWaste with another business or individual in your area. Even if you don’t have a composting set-up at your business premises, many cities now offer composting programs that make it easy to get rid of your compostable products in the right way.
What compostable products are available for businesses?
Now, let’s talk about some specific types of compostable products. There’s a wide range of products on the market, but the most popular and frequently used item has to be the compostable bag. Whether it’s a grocery or retail bag, as long as it’s plant-based, it is a much better alternative to traditional plastic bags.
If you’re in the gardening business or require eco-friendly cleaning items, biodegradable gloves and drawstring gardening bags are perfect for gardening, cleaning, and kitchen tasks.
For animal related-industries, including veterinary practices and animal shelters, compostable doggy bags are a no-brainer and make it easy to dispose of domestic pet waste without harming the environment.
And for any retailer who offers e-commerce, compostable mail satchels are the best choice for shipping orders in a planet-friendly way. After arriving at their destination, the bags can be disposed of in the compost along with the organic waste.
Where can I buy compostable products for my business?
Compostable products are an excellent way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and help the environment. Robust, affordable, convenient, and relatively easy to dispose of properly, compostable items offer a much better alternative to plastic in your organisation’s supply chain and day-to-day operations.
Whether you’re looking for checkout bags, doggy bags, fresh produce bags or single-use mail satchels, Because We Care has a compostable product that’s right for you.
So why not take the plunge, give compostable items a try, and see the difference they can make?
