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What exactly is biodegradable packaging? Simply explained

22/07/2022

What exactly is biodegradable packaging? Simply explained

The vast interest in sustainable business models in recent years has pushed companies to embrace new manufacturing practices and explore new types of product packaging. With a client demand for eco-friendly alternatives just as high, biodegradable packaging solutions have flooded the market.


But what is this biodegradable packaging everyone is talking about? What makes it so special and unique? Why does it matter so much? Can your company reap the benefits of being sustainable without switching to eco-responsible packaging?


Read our article to find the answer to these questions and learn more about biodegradable packaging!

What is biodegradable packaging?

Biodegradable packaging is product packaging, made of materials that break down fast upon disposal, without polluting or having any devastating effects on the climate, the oceans, and the environment.


Biodegradable packaging is a vital part of every corporation following a sustainable business model. Unfortunately, we cannot put all biodegradable packaging into one category. There are different types and solutions.


Most sustainable packaging is made of raw plant-based materials. Paper and cardboard are the perfect examples, as they are compostable, recyclable, and made of wood, which is a completely renewable natural resource. Ideally, this is the perfect biodegradable packaging choice.


The second type is the so-called bioplastics. They are a mix of biopolymers containing

renewable raw materials and biomass. Typically, bioplastics contain cellulose, soy, starch, or lactic acid. The good news is that this is not traditional plastic, as the material can slowly disintegrate into carbon dioxide, water, and plant matter. 


There are also other packaging alternatives that can also make your brand a bit more eco-friendly. For example - reusable and recyclable packaging. However, if you want to be perceived as a sustainable business, biodegradable packaging is the best way to go. 

Types of biopolymers

Biopolymers like cellulose and proteins are what biodegradable packaging is typically made of. There are different ways to produce these biopolymers and adapt them for the packaging purposes of your sustainable business. Let’s see what the differences are in the next couple of paragraphs.


The most common method is an extraction from biomatter. This is how starch-based packaging is made. Starch biopolymers are produced directly from plants like potatoes, green veggies, corn, or rice by heating them. Afterward, the starch is processed to make the final biodegradable packaging product.  


Chitin is another biopolymer worth mentioning. This packaging biopolymer film is slightly different than starch. You can find it in fungi, shellfish shells, and in some insects’ skin. Some biodegradable solutions are a mix of starch and chitin, and they are commonly utilized as edible packaging.

Benefits of biodegradable packaging

No toxins and allergens

The best thing about biodegradable packaging is it generally contains no toxins and no allergens, making it safe for the people and the environment. What deems packaging safe and non-toxic is the fact that the materials are all-natural, not associated with side effects, and common allergies. 


On the contrary, traditional plastic packaging has too many red flags when it comes to health factors. For example, the negative effects of phthalates and microplastics found in plastic containers and boxes are well-known. 


In today’s world, consumers like to be informed and tend to make more eco-oriented purchase decisions. That is just another reason why biodegradable packaging is the perfect choice for your sustainable business.

Reduced production costs

When a sustainable business selects its packaging with the planet in mind, the company reaps financial benefits such as reduced production costs. 


In the production cycle, biodegradable packaging supports the circular economy by following the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ movement:


  • Reducing the supplies needed to create high-quality, thin, light, and tough biodegradable materials

  • Reusing materials and packaging leftovers and smartly repurposing them 

  • Recycling biodegradable packaging is very easy, eliminating the issues of waste generation and pollution, and minimizing costs of new supplies


As you can see, biodegradable packaging perfectly complements the sustainable business model. It is a viable way to lower packaging expenses, including manufacturing, production, storage, and even shipping costs.

Fewer resources needed

We cannot ignore the fact that biodegradable packaging requires fewer resources to make eco-friendly materials, without sacrificing the packaging quality and resilience. In fact, biodegradable materials are just as tough and durable, but less heavy and more customizable, compared to standard product packaging.


On top of that, biodegradable packaging significantly lowers a company’s water and power usage, as well as waste and carbon emissions. In time, sustainable businesses would start to notice all the accumulated savings from using fewer resources in the packaging.

Reduced footprint

When we talk about a sustainable business model, we cannot forget to mention that a business should have both financial and environmental goals. The main goal that needs to be a priority is to lower the carbon emissions, associated with in-house procedures and logistic processes. 


Usually, biodegradable materials are extremely lightweight, which saves money from shipping costs and vastly reduces the footprint of transportation. The packaging production processes also reduce carbon emissions, without a drop in product quality. 


Reducing emissions is great for the environment and even greater for your business. It would allow you to position yourself in the sustainable products market. As a result, you would notice a boost in brand reputation. An opportunity to build a positive image and attract more loyal eco-mindful customers. 

Is it expensive?

There is a misconception that biodegradable packaging is a lot more expensive than traditional packaging. Truth is, bottom line, biodegradables are way more cost-effective in the long run with their significantly lower transportation fees and production costs. As you can see, biodegradable packaging is worth the investment.


If you are ready to elevate your packaging and try biodegradables, Packlion can help. We will get you a step closer to being a sustainable business with attractive eco-friendly packaging, tailored to your needs. Get started today!



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