Regulations
US Green Guides: Recyclable and Compostable Claims Need Different Evidence
The FTC Green Guides separate evidence for recycling access from evidence for composting performance and availability; a certificate does not answer every claim.
Topic coverage
Compostability
Compostability is explained here as a defined end-of-life claim tied to managed composting systems rather than a general synonym for biodegradable. The articles distinguish industrial and home composting routes, certification evidence, complete-item requirements and real facility acceptance. Practical coverage includes how compostability differs from biodegradable and recyclable claims, what PLA and other bioplastics can and cannot prove, molded-fiber and bagasse foodservice packaging, and why local infrastructure determines whether a certified item is actually processed.
Guide & reference
Regulations
PPWR Compostable Packaging: A Narrow Route, Not a Mandate for Every Pack
Article 9 identifies particular compostable formats and conditional national choices, while directing other biodegradable packaging toward material recycling.
Guide & reference
Packaging Trends
Why On-the-Go Drink Packaging Is Splitting Into Paper, PET, PP, Reuse and Fiber-Lid Systems
Takeaway drinks are no longer a one-cup decision. Paper, PET, PP, reusable cups and fiber lids create different systems for heat, clarity, sealing, condensation, delivery, reuse and end-of-life.
Guide & reference
Packaging Trends
Barrier-Coated Paper, Cellulose Films and Compostable Flexibles: Where Plastic-Laminate Alternatives Actually Fit
Paper, cellulose film and compostable polymer films can all replace selected plastic laminates—but only when their barrier, sealing, machineability and recovery route fit the exact application.
Guide & reference
Market Trends
How Global Buyers Source Compostable, Fiber and Recyclable Packaging
Serious packaging sourcing begins with the application, not the material name. This buyer-side playbook covers performance, food contact, end-of-life claims, PFAS, sample approval, audits, traceability, change control, MOQ, logistics and…
Guide & reference
Materials
Why Thickness, Crystallinity and Additives Change Compostable Packaging Breakdown
The same biodegradable resin can break down at very different rates when thickness, crystallinity, additives or processing change. Here is how those variables alter water access, hydrolysis, microbial attack and…
Guide & reference
Materials
Disintegration Is Not Biodegradation: What Compostability Tests Are Actually Measuring
A package can disappear from view without proving that its polymer carbon has mineralized. Learn how disintegration, biodegradation, ecotoxicity and compost quality are tested separately.
Guide & reference
Materials
Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) in Packaging: Why Starch Usually Needs a Polymer Partner
Thermoplastic starch is not simply melted starch. Plasticizers, humidity, retrogradation, blend morphology and partner polymers determine whether a starch-based package can actually perform.
Guide & reference
Materials
PBS in Compostable Packaging: What Does It Add to PLA and PBAT Blends?
PBS is not simply another biodegradable polyester. In PLA, PBAT and ternary blends it can tune ductility, stiffness, crystallization, morphology, thermal behavior and barrier performance—but only when the formulation and…
Guide & reference
Materials
PBAT Explained: Why a Fossil-Derived Plastic Can Still Be Biodegradable
PBAT is usually fossil-derived yet biodegradable because biodegradability depends on polymer chemistry and environmental conditions, not feedstock origin. Here is what that means for packaging.
Guide & reference
Materials
What Is Biodegradable Packaging? Materials, Claims and What “Biodegradable” Really Means
Biodegradable packaging does not mean a package disappears quickly in every environment. Its behaviour depends on the finished material, receiving environment, time and evidence behind the claim.
Guide & reference
Materials
What Is Bagasse Packaging? Benefits, Limitations, Compostability and PFAS
Bagasse is sugarcane-derived fiber used in molded food packaging, but the finished item—not the feedstock name—determines barrier performance, compostability, PFAS status and recovery.
Guide & reference
Materials
What Are Bioplastics? PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT and Starch Blends Compared
Bioplastics are not one material. This guide separates bio-based feedstock from biodegradability and compares PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT and starch-based packaging systems.
Guide & reference
Materials
PLA Plastic Explained: Is PLA Biodegradable, Compostable or Recyclable?
PLA is a bio-based thermoplastic with several possible end-of-life routes, but the material name alone does not prove compostability, home compostability or local recyclability.
Guide & reference
Materials
What Is Compostable Packaging? Industrial vs Home Composting Explained
Compostable packaging only works as intended when the complete item, certification route and receiving compost system match. This guide separates industrial and home composting, certification and real facility acceptance.
Guide & reference
Materials
Biodegradable vs Compostable vs Recyclable Packaging: What’s the Difference?
Biodegradable, compostable and recyclable describe different end-of-life pathways. This guide explains what each term means, what evidence it needs and why local infrastructure matters.