Organic recycling shift: Packagers call for legislative aid as consumer demand rises

28 Jun 2023 --- Organic recycling to achieve a circular economy is taking over the spotlight of typical material recycling. Due to recycling’s limited capacity, the packaging industry has maintained its focus on increasing environmental sustainability but is moving away from recycling and toward biodegradable options.

According to the Centre Region Council of Governments, organic recycling refers to the closed loop of activities involved in collecting and processing organic materials and using a recycled product – such as composting and biodegrading. 

Experts flag an increasing recognition that not all packaging can be genuinely recycled due to high levels of organic contamination. Packaging Insights speaks to Aquapak, Solinatra and SupplyCaddy about the industry’s shift toward organically recyclable packaging and how companies are adapting to the changing industry. 

“The sorting and separation of contaminated packaging streams are easier if organic treatments like controlled composting and anaerobic digestion (AD) are made more available. The packaging then gains some positive carbon impact rather than being diverted to landfill,” John Williams, chief technology officer at Aquapak, tells us.

Innova Market Insights recently found the use of compostable claims in F&B launches is increasing globally, featuring a 15% year-over-year growth when comparing 2021 and 2022 launches.

Innova Market Insights investigates organic recycling. Consumers’ driving demands 
Organic recycling usually breaks down packaging via either AD to where it mainly goes back to the soil and is used as biological fertilizer to help grow new crops, according to Israel-based packager Tipa. 

Bradley Saveth, president and chief operating officer of SupplyCaddy, witnesses a growing demand for packaging materials from renewable resources, such as plant-based plastics or bio-based. 

“Consumers are increasingly conscious of packaging waste’s environmental impact and actively seek products with a reduced carbon footprint. There is a push for innovation regarding functionality and performance of organic recycling packaging, as consumers expect it to meet the same standards as traditional packaging materials.”

Saveth predicts there will be increased research and development efforts to improve the strength, barrier properties and overall functionality of organic recycling packaging materials. 

Organically recycled packaging is trending toward being implemented in food packaging, focusing on to-go packaging, flags Robert I. de Jong, CEO of Solinatra. “Food-contaminated products are often difficult to recycle – so using organic, recyclable materials that can be included with food waste makes it easy for the consumer to dispose of the item correctly.”

“We expect to see more horticultural and household products transition to organically recyclable packaging as consumers become more aware and accustomed to compostable solutions.”

According to Innova Market Insights, in 2022, Folded Box (52%) was the leading packaging format among the compostable claims tracked. In 2022, Carton (53%) was the top packaging material among the compostable claims tracked. 

Balancing sustainability and cost-effectivenessBradley Saveth, co-founder, president and chief operating officer at SupplyCaddy.
Aquapak creates packaging solutions that can be recycled organically. Williams tells us about Aquapak’s polymer Hydropol, which is biodegradable in composting and anaerobic systems while compatible with bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid. 

SupplyCaddy is working on innovations to create packaging that organically recycles. It has developed a fully compostable packaging solution from renewable resources, such as plant-based bioplastics. These materials offer similar functionality to traditional plastics but can be composted in industrial composting facilities.

“Looking ahead, we are investing in research and development to explore new materials and technologies. We are particularly interested in bio-based alternatives that can provide enhanced strength and barrier properties and active packaging systems that can extend the shelf life of perishable goods,” says Saveth. 

Saveth continues that creating organic recycling packaging presents several challenges. “One major challenge is finding materials that balance sustainability and cost-effectiveness. We have been optimizing our manufacturing processes and forming strategic partnerships with suppliers to achieve economies of scale.” 

Meanwhile, Solinatra is working on creating organically recyclable coffee capsules with high water vapor and oxygen barrier properties, which allow for a monomaterial capsule that keeps the coffee inside fresh and brews the perfect cup.”

De Jong explains that legislation is the main challenge in creating packaging products. “Our material is 100% natural and plant-based and will biodegrade in all situations without leaving any microplastics. Outdated EU regulations (such as REACH and the Single Use Plastics Directive) consider natural biomaterials replicated by man as plastics, creating hurdles for innovative materials.”

Aquapak’s Hydropol is biodegradable in composting and anaerobic systems.Changes to legislation
Williams observes that while he sees high-level policy as okay, its implementation strategies often slow everything down. 

“There must be clear objectives on dealing with materials at the end of primary use so the waste industry can confidently invest in new infrastructures knowing there is a stable business framework. Also, accelerate the ban on materials that no longer fit with the drive toward a circular economy and end the pointless debate on these types of products being potentially recyclable at some point.”

Saveth echoes Williams’ call for adjusted legislation, saying significant changes in policy and legislation are needed to achieve a circular economy. 

“There needs to be a shift toward extended producer responsibility, where manufacturers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. Implementing regulations that require producers to design packaging for recyclability or compostability, and providing incentives for using sustainable materials, can drive the adoption of organic recycling packaging.”

“Food packaging laws need to be updated to reflect the availability of biomaterials; many abundant ingredients that are perfectly safe to use are excluded from UK and EU regulations simply because the legislation was written many years ago and doesn’t consider bio-based and compostable materials,” adds de Jong.

“Greater investment in infrastructure is also required across all regions so that people have access to waste disposal options for compostables and recycling.”

According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, the UK has invested heavily in AD facilities to process food waste. However, industrial composting infrastructure is insufficient to process compostable packaging at scale. In the US, fewer than 100 plants can process certified packaging.

Consumer education
Saveth emphasizes the importance of consumer education and awareness regarding organic recycling for a circular economy.

“Educating consumers about the benefits and proper disposal methods of organic recycling packaging is crucial. This includes providing clear instructions on recycling or composting packaging materials and raising awareness about the environmental impact of different packaging choices.”

“By empowering consumers with knowledge, they can make informed decisions and actively participate in the circular economy by choosing products with sustainable packaging."

Saveth dubs collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders the key to driving the change. 

“This includes collaboration between packaging manufacturers, retailers, waste management companies and government entities. By working together, these stakeholders can develop holistic strategies, share best practices and create a supportive ecosystem that promotes the adoption and scaling of organic recycling practices.”

By Sabine Waldeck