• The adoption of sustainable and biodegradable food packaging is accelerating, driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressures like the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and technological advancements such as protective coatings and bio-based materials.
  • Biodegradable packaging offers environmental benefits like reduced waste, lower carbon emissions, and less reliance on fossil fuels, with innovations such as compostable materials, edible films, and cellulose coatings paving the way for a more sustainable future.

 

Product packaging plays a pivotal role in shaping the consumer experience, but it also contributes significantly to environmental waste. Traditional packaging methods, often reliant on single-use plastics and excessive materials, are increasingly criticised for their unsustainability.

“This growing awareness has sparked a collective demand for innovative packaging solutions that balance environmental responsibility with functionality and aesthetic appeal,” said Paula Sng, Senior Manager of Innovation & Technology.

Modern consumers are not the only ones driving this shift. Organisations worldwide are under mounting pressure from regulatory bodies to reduce their environmental impact. The European Union, in particular, is leading the charge with its forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This groundbreaking legislation directly targets economic operators, compelling them to revamp their entire packaging strategies to align with stringent sustainability goals.

The PPWR is revolutionary in its approach, setting unprecedented targets to minimise packaging waste across all material types. By mandating reductions in packaging usage, the regulation aims to foster a circular economy and significantly lower the environmental footprint of packaging industries. Meanwhile, new technology in Singapore is driving the development of more sustainable solutions. Innovations in protective coatings, biodegradable materials, and intelligent packaging systems are crucial in enhancing the sustainability and functionality of packaging. These technological strides not only help reduce waste but also ensure that packaging remains effective and consumer friendly.

Understanding Biodegradable vs. Compostable Packaging

As businesses increasingly offer sustainable food packaging options, it's important to distinguish between the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" as they are often mistakenly used interchangeably. While both contribute to reducing environmental impact, they have significant differences.

Biodegradable Packaging

Biodegradable packaging refers to materials that break down into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass through natural processes, namely bacterial digestion and exposure to the elements. It is important to note, however, that the term "biodegradable" is broad and often lacks clarity regarding the time frame and requirements for decomposition.

Some materials may only decompose under specific environmental conditions, and without clear labelling, it's difficult to determine the actual decomposition time. For instance, while a cellulose-based wrapper may biodegrade within weeks, a wooden box could take decades or even centuries. Moreover, certain biodegradable packaging is generally not recyclable, which can diminish its overall sustainability.

Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging, made from plant-based materials like corn and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), breaks down into nutrient-rich compost within 3-6 months, leaving no harmful residues. This predictable, eco-friendly decomposition process is part of a broader shift toward sustainable packaging solutions.

In particular, agricultural and fruit-based by-products are emerging as valuable sources for sustainable bio-based materials from agricultural side streams. These materials not only offer high recyclability and reusability, but also support resource efficiency, energy conservation, and the principles of a circular economy, advancing the movement toward more sustainable, renewable packaging options.

The Call for More Compostable Solutions

To advance sustainable packaging, more research and development in compostable materials is essential. Enhancing composting infrastructure and expanding material options can drive wider adoption.

Benefits of Biodegradable Packaging

1. Reduced Petroleum and Energy Consumption

Biodegradable food packaging, particularly those made from polymers, require significantly less energy to produce compared to conventional plastics. Manufacturing these materials consumes up to 65% less energy than producing plastics derived from crude petroleum. This shift reduces our reliance on petroleum, which can then be reserved for essential uses like transportation and heating.

Additionally, biodegradable plastics can be made from renewable resources such as switchgrass and corn, further decreasing dependency on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional plastics, the production of bioplastics does not involve the energy-intensive process of burning fossil fuels, resulting in lower environmental contamination and greater efficiency in production.

2. Reduced Waste and Landfill Usage

About 450 million tons of plastic waste is generated every year. Of this, only 9% is recycled, with the remainder ending up in landfills. These landfills pose significant environmental and health risks, contributing to the spread of diseases and occupying valuable land that could be used for industrial, residential, or agricultural purposes. Biodegradable packaging offers a solution by breaking down into compost or humus, enriching the soil and significantly reducing the volume of waste destined for landfills.

3. Enhanced Sustainability

This is somewhat self-explanatory when one considers that this is the main goal of using biodegradable packaging. The majority of the materials used to create biodegradable packaging can also be reused, reduced, or recycled. The latter option is especially helpful in mitigating the growing plastic waste problem and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing. In addition, recycling can potentially save up to 30% of carbon emissions, with some studies suggesting that switching entirely to biodegradable materials could increase this number to as much as 80%.

Applications of Biodegradable Packaging in the Food Industry

Biodegradable packaging is rapidly expanding in the food and beverage sector with diverse applications:

  • Traditional Box Packaging: Compostable paper and cardboard allow for innovative designs that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
  • Shrink Wrap for Fresh Produce: Breathable films protect fruits and vegetables, extending shelf life with minimal environmental impact.
  • Snack and Single-Serve Packaging: Biodegradable films cater to on-the-go lifestyles while reducing single-use plastic waste.
  • Edible Films: Made from materials like seaweed or fruit extracts, these films can be consumed along with the product, eliminating waste entirely.
  • Coatings: Thin layers made from natural ingredients such as wax, starch, or proteins can be applied to sustainable packaging or the products themselves to extend shelf life and reduce waste. An example of the former is a Singapore-based water-based barrier coating for paper packaging, which imparts protective functionalities and enables repulping of the coated paper to promote recyclability.

Environmental Impact of Biodegradable Packaging

Biodegradable packaging ultimately poses fewer negative consequences to the environment compared to traditional plastics, and their widespread adoption will consequently lead to the following effects:

Reduced Pollution and Waste Accumulation

Unlike their non-biodegradable counterparts, biodegradable packaging has far less of an impact on pollution, particularly in landfills and oceans. Additionally, they do not persist in the environment nor break down into microplastics that may get ingested by aquatic wildlife, which means they pose little to no health risks. Overall, biodegradable packaging reduces waste accumulation and helps to mitigate the environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution over the years.

Minimise Harmful Effects on Ecosystems

Biodegradable materials are far less disruptive to natural ecosystems and thus do not exacerbate the concerning levels of soil contamination and water pollution already present. This not only saves the wildlife from harm but also undermines natural processes. By adopting biodegradable packaging, organisations can support sustainability, reduce environmental vulnerability, and maintain the health of our water systems in a changing environment.

Innovations Driving the Future of Biodegradable Packaging

The development of biodegradable packaging continues to progress by leaps and bounds, with numerous innovations making eco-friendly options increasingly mainstream. This shift promises to simplify the transition for organisations aiming to adopt fully sustainable materials.

1. Biodegradable Packaging for Fresh Produce

This notable innovation from Thailand involves packaging made from natural rubber latex, a material that offers excellent cushioning and moisture resistance, ensuring the safe transport and storage of fresh produce.

2. Advancements in Paper Packaging

Innovations in sustainable coatings are enhancing the barrier properties of paper packaging, making them competitive with plastic in terms of protection against oxygen, moisture, and grease. For example, a Hong Kong-based developer is creating FDA food-grade certified packaging that is fully recyclable, biodegrades within 180 days, and integrates seamlessly with current manufacturing processes.

The evolution of biodegradable packaging represents a critical step forward in addressing the environmental challenges we face today. With numerous innovations coming out each year, organisations worldwide are gradually moving towards viable, eco-friendly alternatives to align with global sustainability goals. As the packaging sector continues to innovate, the adoption of biodegradable solutions will play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable future.For local enterprises, this shift presents a strategic opportunity. “By adopting sustainable packaging, businesses can differentiate their brand, enhance customer trust, and stay ahead of evolving regulations. Embracing these innovations not only future-proofs operations but also contributes to a greener economy,” Paula added.

To explore the future of sustainable and biodegradable food packaging—its impact on the industry, consumer expectations, and regulatory compliance—connect with IPI’s technology scouting specialists at techscout@ipi-singapore.org and embark on a co-innovation journey toward eco-friendly packaging advancements.