The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of reducing the environment impacts of flexible packaging thru substitution to more sustainable forms of packaging.
Available Courses of Action
- Action 1 – Adopt Certified Compostable Packaging
- Action 2 – Adopt Biobased Packaging (including papers) that enable recyclability
Action 1 – Adopt Certified Compostable Packaging
The adoption of certified compostable packaging can reduce the environmental impacts of packaging, notably when the packaging is typically not recycled due to the presence of food waste. In those instances, compostable packaging can increase the redirection of food waste while avoiding undue contamination of industrial composting systems. In instances where packaging applications are likely to result in food waste or food cuttings, certified compostable packaging is worthy of consideration.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where the adoption of certified compostable packaging has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Sinclair | Petroleum and bio-based certified industrially compostable PLU fruit stickers | Produce | 2019 |
| Acculabel | Paper-based alternative for plastic PLU produce stickers | Produce | 2001 |
| Packnatur | Certified home compostable cellulose-based tube netting replaces hard-to-recycle plastic | Fresh produce (citrus, avocado, onion, others) | 2020 |
Action 2 – Adopt Biobased Packaging (including papers) that enable recyclability
The adoption of biobased packaging, including papers, can result in more recyclable or sustainable packaging solutions than some commonly used packaging forms. In instances where non-recyclable plastic packaging can be replaced with alternatively recyclable materials, notably papers, the adoption of such biobased options should be considered. A key consideration when exploring biobased options is the overall life cycle impact of substituting to biobased packaging, notably any changes in greenhouse gas emissions and net overall carbon footprint.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where the adoption of biobased packaging has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
Use Cases are currently being identified and reviewedSupporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to flexible packaging include:
General Information
- Model Principles for Labelling Compostable Products
BPI and US Composting CouncilLists the top 10 key principles of labelling compostable products
- Flexible Packaging: Substitution for Compostable Flexibles. Design and Circulation
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF)Identifies key actions businesses and policymakers can take to advance substitution to compostable flexibles.
Compostability-related Studies
- Contamination at Composting Facilities March 2024
Closed Loop PartnersTo support the industry in addressing contamination at scale, the Consortium conducted an in-field study with 10 U.S. compost manufacturers to measure and characterize contamination across different points of the composters’ processes––and analyzed the financial cost to composters to handle contamination. The study examines five commonly held assumptions about contamination and compostable packaging, and breaks down in-field realities in a data-backed and easy-to-follow format.