The term ‘biodegradable’ represents a natural decomposition process, but it doesn’t necessarily refer to conditions or timeframe. Technically, all materials are biodegradable under the right conditions given enough time. For example, wood is biodegradable, but wood structures can stand for generations.
Alternatively, if a material is compostable, it means that under composting conditions (heat, humidity, oxygen, and microorganisms) that material will degrade into carbon dioxide, water, and a nutrient-rich compost within a specific time frame.
Want to know even more? Check out our blog post.
No. Conventional plastic contains synthetic polymers that cannot be broken down by the composting process.
TIPA’s compostable films and laminates are engineered to have characteristics similar to conventional plastic. This gives brands the opportunity to use compostable packaging for their products without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Despite the long-standing popularity of recyclables, most of them will never make it to a recycling center. Globally, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and much of what is labeled as ‘recyclable’ ends up in landfills, where it takes decades to decompose.
For optimal sustainability, companies should choose compostable packaging, as it fully decomposes in a compost bin and leaves no contaminants behind.
Our packaging is made using a proprietary blend of fully compostable polymers that are both bio-based and fossil-based. For further information or technical data sheets, please contact us.
It is unlikely that TIPA compostable packaging materials will start to biodegrade on the shelf, as they are meant to decompose only under compost conditions (high heat, humidity, microorganisms, etc.).
However, the quality of the package will begin to deteriorate given enough time. We recommend planning for a 6-month shelf life for our packaging. With that being said, many of our customers use our packaging for products with a shelf life of a year or more after conducting their own shelf life testing.
In general, all flexible packaging (compostable and non-compostable) requires proper storage conditions, which are usually below 30°C with a relative humidity of 50%.
In environments with extreme humidity or heat, the degradation process for TIPA compostable packaging can be accelerated.
