The Complexities of Compostable Food Packaging

Despite being a fraction of the $800 billion global packaging market, compostable packaging is gaining in popularity. Compostable packaging is processed into decayed organic material called compost, which can be used to fertilize soil. The nuanced role of compostable packaging, standards, and types of compostable packaging coalesce to achieve more sustainable food packaging.

Composting: Closed-Loop Versus Open-Loop

Compostable food packaging functions in two scenarios: closed-loop and open-loop. A…