Wrap has published new guidance to help companies decide when to use compostable plastics – and which type to use – amid fears the material could actually contribute to the plastic pollution crisis when employed badly.
The advice tells companies compostable plastics are most useful for flexible packaging which contains food residue.
Under the guidance, key uses include for food caddy liners (and other bags such as carrier bags or fruit and vegetable bags that could be used as food caddy liners), fruit and vegetable stickers, tea bags, coffee pods and ready meal trays.
Wrap also recommended the use of compostable plastic for closed-loop situations such as music festivals, where it said rigid compostable plastic packaging such as cups could be beneficial, whereas they should be avoided in other circumstances because of the lack of a closed loop.
The advice said compostable plastics should be avoided wherever there is potential for them to contaminate conventional plastics recycling, and said clear labelling for citizens on their disposal is “crucial”.
“We know from research that 77% of citizens believe that compostable plastic is better for the environment than other types of packaging,” said Wrap strategic engagement manager Helen Bird.
“However, compostable plastic is still plastic, and it is no silver bullet for solving plastic pollution.
“Businesses need to be clear on when it is viable, given the complexities surrounding current treatment infrastructure. When it comes to recyclability, Wrap is clear that a claim of ‘recyclable’ should only be made if it can be recycled in practice. The same should be applied to compostable plastics. And it is critical that end markets for recycled plastics are not compromised; people need clear instruction not to place compostable plastics in the recycling bin.”
In March, Wrap will be launching a new campaign aimed at consumers to provide “factual and balanced” information about plastics, including compostable plastics.
The guidance is available here.
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