As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, choosing the right packaging material can make a significant difference. But with various options available—such as recycled plastic film, compostable film, and recycled paper—it’s important to understand the environmental impact of each material throughout its lifecycle.
In this article, we’ll explore what each material is, the certifications they carry, and how they compare in terms of sourcing, production, weight and shipping costs, and disposal.
1. Recycled Plastic Film
What Is It?
Recycled plastic film is made from post-consumer or post-industrial plastic waste, such as used poly mailers or packaging film, which is processed and repurposed into new packaging. The most common type is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), often seen in poly mailers and plastic pouches.
Our Certifications:
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
2. Compostable Film
What Is It?
Compostable film is made from bio-based sources, such as corn starch, and is designed to break down into non-toxic components under the right composting conditions. These films are an alternative to traditional plastics, providing a lower environmental footprint at the end of their lifecycle.
Our Certifications:
- BPI
- TÜV Austria
- ABA
3. Recycled Paper
What Is It?
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer or post-industrial paper products that are collected, processed, and repurposed into new paper packaging. It’s widely used for mailers, boxes, and paper-based void fill, offering a recyclable and often compostable solution.
Our Certifications:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification for responsible sourcing.
Sustainability Breakdown
1. Sourcing the Material
- Recycled Plastic Film: Sourcing plastic waste for recycling reduces the need for virgin plastic production, which relies on fossil fuels. Using post-consumer or post-industrial plastics helps divert waste from landfills and the ocean. However, plastic recycling systems are not perfect, and not all plastic waste can be efficiently recovered.
- Compostable Film: The raw materials for compostable films are typically plant-based, like corn or potato starch. These bio-based materials are renewable, but their cultivation can contribute to environmental concerns such as land use and water consumption. It’s important to consider whether the crops used are responsibly farmed.
- Recycled Paper: Recycled paper is sourced from discarded paper materials, like office paper and packaging, reducing the need for virgin tree fibers. This helps preserve forests and minimizes deforestation. However, the supply chain for sourcing recycled paper can vary in terms of how effectively it reduces the need for new pulp.
2. Creating the Material
- Recycled Plastic Film: The production of recycled plastic film requires less energy than making virgin plastic, but it still involves significant processing to clean, melt, and reform the plastic. The chemical processes can have an environmental footprint, but it's generally lower than producing new plastic. However, repeated recycling can degrade the plastic's quality over time, limiting its lifespan.
- Compostable Film: Manufacturing compostable film typically uses less energy than traditional plastics, and the bio-based materials reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, some compostable plastics require complex chemical processes to ensure they maintain durability while remaining compostable, which can have its own environmental impacts.
- Recycled Paper: The process of turning recycled paper into new packaging typically uses less energy and water compared to creating virgin paper. Recycling paper involves breaking it down into pulp, removing inks and contaminants, and then reforming it. However, producing high-quality recycled paper can still consume a notable amount of water and energy.
3. Weight and Shipping Costs
- Recycled Plastic Film: Plastic film is extremely lightweight, which means it’s cost-effective and energy-efficient to ship. Lighter packages lead to lower carbon emissions during transportation, making plastic film an attractive option in terms of shipping efficiency.
- Compostable Film: Compostable films are similarly lightweight and provide the same shipping efficiency as plastic films. However, they may not be as strong for as long as traditional plastic, which can impact their suitability for certain products.
- Recycled Paper: Paper-based packaging is typically heavier than plastic or compostable films. This can increase shipping costs and carbon emissions during transportation, especially if the packaging is bulky. However, some businesses value the perception of using paper, as it is often associated with sustainability.
4. Disposal of Material by End User
- Recycled Plastic Film: Recycled plastic film is generally recyclable, but not through curbside programs in most areas. It typically requires drop-off recycling at designated collection points, such as grocery stores that accept plastic bags and films. Proper disposal can be challenging for consumers who may not be aware of or have access to these drop-off points.
- Compostable Film: Compostable films can be composted, but it’s important to distinguish between home compostable and industrial compostable options. Home compostable materials can break down in backyard compost bins, while industrial compostable films require high heat and specialized conditions, only available through municipal composting facilities. If not disposed of properly, compostable film may not break down in landfills.
- Recycled Paper: Recycled paper is widely curbside recyclable, making it one of the most accessible materials for consumers to dispose of correctly. Uncoated recycled paper can also be composted in both home and industrial composting systems, though recycling is generally preferred for paper to maintain the circular economy.
Conclusion
Each packaging material—recycled plastic film, compostable film, and recycled paper—comes with its own set of environmental impacts across sourcing, production, shipping, and disposal.
- Recycled plastic film is lightweight and recyclable at designated drop-off locations, making it cost-effective for shipping, but its recyclability requires consumer participation in specialized programs.
- Compostable film is bio-based and can break down under the right conditions, but it requires careful disposal, either at home compost bins or industrial facilities, and is not recyclable.
- Recycled paper offers versatility, being both recyclable and compostable, but its heavier weight can increase shipping costs, though it’s highly accessible for disposal through curbside programs.
When selecting the best packaging material for your business, consider not only its sustainability certifications but also how easily it can be disposed of by your customers. The most eco-friendly solution often depends on the type of product, your sustainability goals, and how accessible disposal options are for your end users.