Tipa urges policymakers to support compostables after outperforming conventional plastics in fresh produce preservation study

26 Jul 2021 --- Tipa’s micro-perforated compostable packaging gives a longer shelf life to fresh vegetables than traditional plastic packaging, according to new research conducted by scientists at the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) and The Volcani Institute, Israel.

Published in the journal Foods, the study used cucumbers and bell peppers to test the differences between compostable and conventional plastic packaging.

The researchers found compostable packaging can enable a shelf life for bell peppers of up to 21 days and for cucumbers up to 15 days – an improvement of five and seven days, respectively, compared with conventional plastic. 

Speaking to PackagingInsights, Tipa’s vice president of technology Eli Lancry says the findings were “not at all surprising,” given the breathing capacity of plastic. 

“Compostable polymers exhibit different breathing behavior in terms of the relevant gasses that take place in the ripening process.”

“The results cast new doubt on beliefs that conventional plastic packaging is the only possible solution for preserving freshness on the market.”

Applicability along the entire supply chain 
Lancry emphasizes that the findings are relevant not only to food producers looking to preserve their produce but for the entire supply chain. 

“Using smart compostable bags for fresh produce can reduce the plastic problem and also contribute to the reduction of food wastage.”

The advantages of compostable packaging are due to the composition of its polymers and the resulting modified atmosphere inside, he explains. 

“Fresh produce keeps breathing post-harvest. For that, oxygen is consumed, and carbon dioxide is emitted. Compostable polymers can be smartly formulated for better regulation of the oxygen that is available for consumption and the release of carbon dioxide that has accumulated inside the bag.”

“This is achieved easily by compostable films due to the unique breathing regime of such gasses without the need for complicated and expensive modified atmosphere technologies used for polyolefins films.”

Cucumber decomposition shown without packaging, in polypropylene or in Tipa compostable packs.

Government intervention needed 
Lancry stresses companies like Tipa need support from the government and policymakers to compete with plastic manufacturers. 

“As an innovative industry we need support from policymakers to implement this disruptive technology. Just like other solutions, compostable bioplastics are not a silver bullet solution, but they can effectively substitute conventional plastic, which is hard to recycle otherwise.

“This holds especially true for flexible packaging where only four percent is currently being recycled in Europe.” 

Otherwise, it will be tough to reach ambitious recycling targets, she says. Certified compostable flexibles have been shown to break down in their designated end-of-life environment, an industrial or home composter. However, consumers need help facilitating these processes and expanding the use of compostable packaging. 

“Labeling, collection and sorting need to be addressed with the help of policymakers. Mandatory organic-waste collections will greatly support the case of compostable solutions and help bring organic waste safely back to soil,” says Lancry. 

Italy leads the way 
Following the national imposition of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) on July 3, the Italian government came under fire from environmental campaigners after passing laws they say violates the tenants of the SUPD – namely, by exempting compostable items from its ban. 

Campaigners are challenging Italy’s decision to exempt compostables from its single-use plastics ban.Lancry says Tipa welcomes Italy’s move and hopes other European countries will follow suit. 

“Italy’s interpretation of the SUPD comes as a welcome relief as some other countries in Europe remain skeptical toward compostable solutions. Italy has the longest experience in dealing with compostable materials.” 

The ban on compostable items in the SUPD comes following studies that show many items purporting to be compostable in fact require industrial treatments that are not widely available and consequently add to landfill and pollution. 

However, Lancry says Italy’s example proves that composting can work with the right infrastructure. 

“Italy has the highest collection rate of bio-waste and successfully brought down plastic contamination not only of the organic but also the mechanical waste stream,” he notes.

“In addition, Italy is the first country to introduce an EPR scheme dedicated to compostables, and clearly differentiates compostables and recyclable material from conventional plastic in its plastic tax.”

“We are confident the good example of Italy will positively influence EU and national policy to help brands and retailers open up to innovative, sustainable solutions to address the contamination of our sea and soil with plastic.”

Expert support for compostables 
This year, a Tipa-commissioned review attracted “landslide expert support” for compostable packaging across the EU as a means to reduce plastic contamination in organic waste streams and increase the amount of food waste captured for recycling. 

Ricardo Energy environmental consultancy investigated the opportunities and barriers for compostable packaging in the EU through research and interviews with stakeholders across the compostables value chain in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

Some 72 percent of respondents said compostable packaging would help increase the amount of food waste captured and decrease plastic contamination. All respondents agreed conventional plastic packaging poses a challenge to organic waste streams.

By Louis Gore-Langton