Allpack Sustainability Packaging Guide V6 - Flipbook - Page 11
Biodegradability
In packaging terms, biodegradable links to
the materials being used in packaging and
whether it can be effectively broken down in the
environment without causing harm. Plastic is not
biodegradable and will remain in our environment
for years, as micro plastics, hidden in our food
chain. Thus, companies are reverting to more
traditional materials, or innovating new materials,
that breakdown naturally, but don’t compromise
on performance and quality.
The rate of biodegradation is based on light,
water and oxygen, so where a product may test
in laboratory conditions as biodegradable, real-life
may in fact prove problematic, as land昀椀ll conditions
are not always rich in the elements required.
Here are some biodegrading rates (marine
environment):
Paper Towel
2-4 weeks
Cardboard Box
2 months
Wax Coated Carton
3 months
Plastic Bags
10-20 years
Plastic Bottles
100 years
Typically biodegradable materials are:
Cotton
Wool
Wood
Paper
Cardboard
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