Using Biodegradable Packaging Saves the Planet

Many companies have been using various biodegradable packaging options in recent years. The effects of using biodegradable packaging can be seen in various areas and is most often noted in reduction of landfill use. The effects of using biodegradable packaging can also be seen in reduced carbon footprint and a healthier environment overall. There are many forms of biodegradable packaging and companies are continuously experimenting with new options. Using biodegradable packaging will save the planet for future generations and will make our lives more comfortable overall. There are many forms of biodegradable and recycled packaging that can be used in place of materials that are petroleum based or that are not biodegradable.

Using various forms of biodegradable plastics which can be made from various plants will be a growing area of demand for eco-friendly consumers. Recycling regulations are also causing added demand for biodegradable packaging. The effects of using biodegradable packaging on consumers can be seen primarily in initial cost of various products. However, the long term effects of using biodegradable packaging will far outweigh the added cost to manufacturing these products today. Some packaging companies are seeing as much as a twenty percent increase in demand for biodegradable packaging. As the demand increases the cost will fall to a level more comparable with that of non biodegradable packaging options. The price difference of materials consisting of renewable materials rather than standard plastic materials has decreased considerably and will continue to do so as technology becomes more widespread. Food packaging has seen an increase in cost of petroleum based products which has actually caused the cost of biodegradable package options to become less of a factor. Sugar and starch are less expensive materials than mineral oil and using a process that takes advantage of this can help increase the use of biodegradable packaging.

Many governments as well as industries have taken steps to use biodegradable packaging in place of non biodegradable materials due to the effects of using biodegradable packaging on the environment and economy as a whole. For example, the plastic that is used to bind soda or beer is required to be biodegradable under the law in Oregon and Alaska. In Italy all non biodegradable plastics have been banned. The packaging industry is still experimenting with various biodegradable packaging options for food products. There are several coalitions that have formed to address the use of biodegradable products particularly in oil and plastic industries. While developing the technologies needed may be costly not only for industry but for the consumer, The Council for Solid Waste Solutions and the Council on Plastics and Packaging in the Environment are actively leading the charge to get this development into the mainstream. A successful move toward wide spread use of biodegradable substances has been seen in some markets. The Europeans have been using biodegradable plastic bags as mulch to cover crops. Lawn bags that are biodegradable would be a help to composting businesses because non biodegradable bags have to be disposed of separately before the yard waste can be composted. In landfills, bagged yard waste occupies as much as 25% the space, decomposing waste and biodegradable bags can produce methane gas which can be recovered and used for power generation.