The Inexorable Rise of bio-based Packaging

As consumer awareness of plastic pollution and the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials continue to rise, bio-based packaging has emerged as the most prominent and viable sustainable alternative. But what exactly is bio-based packaging? And is it the panacea for the packaging sector that its biggest proponents would have us believe?

What are the benefits?

As its name suggests, bio-based packaging is made from renewable, biological materials, such as plant-based plastics or bioplastics. These ‘plastics’ are themselves often made from crops and are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels.

One of the key advantages that bio-based packaging has over its traditional counterpart is that it is biodegradable and compostable. Unlike fossil fuel-based plastics, which can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in the environment, most bio-based packaging can decompose in just a matter of months. This means that it is less likely to end up in landfills or as litter in the environment, where it can harm wildlife and contribute to plastic pollution. Another of bio-based packaging’s environmental plus points is that it is made from renewable resources. Traditional plastics are made from fossil fuels which, as we all know, are non-renewable and contribute significantly to climate change.

Bio-based packaging, on the other hand, is made from crops, such as corn, sugarcane, or cassava, which can be grown, harvested, and regrown on a regular basis. This makes biobased packaging a more sustainable option in the long term.

A Choice of materials

One of the most common types of bio-based packaging is polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a bioplastic made from fermented plant starch, such as corn. It is a versatile material that can be used to make a wide range of products, from disposable cutlery and straws to more durable items like containers and packaging. Because it is made from plant-based materials, PLA is biodegradable and compostable, making it a more environmentally friendly material than traditional plastic.

Another type of bio-based packaging is made from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in plants. Cellulose can be used to make a range of products, including cellulose-based films, which can be used to wrap food products or other items. Cellulose is biodegradable and compostable and can be made from a variety of plant materials, including wood pulp, cotton, and hemp.

Bio-based packaging can also include items such as biodegradable plastic bags and containers made from plantbased materials. Biodegradable plastic bags are made from crops such as corn starch which break down quickly in the environment, therefore reducing litter and plastic pollution. Containers made from plant-based materials, such as bamboo, are a sustainable alternative to plastic containers and can be used to package a wide range of food and non-food products.

What’s the Catch?

Despite the many benefits of bio-based packaging, there are also a number of issues that still need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is that bio-based packaging is often more expensive than traditional packaging materials. This can make it difficult for companies, especially SMEs, to scale-up its adoption to meet demand. It is also the case that some bio-based packaging materials may not be as durable or functional as traditional fossil fuel-based plastics, which can limit their potential uses.

Another challenge is that, despite the “bio-based” label, not all bio-based packaging materials are actually biodegradable or compostable. For example, some bioplastics are designed to be durable and long-lasting, and may not break down in the environment as quickly as traditional plastics. Additionally, some bio-based packaging may only be biodegradable in industrial composting facilities and not in natural environment.

The manufacture of bio-based packaging can also contribute to deforestation if the crops used for production are grown on land that was previously forested. For example, if palm oil is used as a feedstock for bio-based packaging, and the palm oil is produced on land that has been deforested specifically to grow crops, the problem of deforestation is exacerbated.

Additionally, the production of the crops used to produce bio-based packaging often requires large amounts of land, water, and other resources, thus putting further pressure on forests and other connected ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, bio-based packaging is a promising solution for reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. As awareness of the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials continues to grow, it is likely that more companies will adopt bio-based packaging as a way of reducing their environmental footprint and meeting consumer demand for sustainable products.

Edible Packaging to Cut Out Waste

The shift towards bio-based packaging also brings with it an opportunity to transform something that was once only a novelty item, into playing a pivotal part in the zero-waste trend: edible packaging. Unlike traditional packaging, which is discarded after use, edible packaging can be fully consumed, cutting out waste completely and potentially providing additional nutritional benefits as a bonus.

Edible packaging can be made from a variety of materials, including starch, gelatine, agar, and chitosan, all of which are biodegradable, should the consumer leave the packaging uneaten. It can also be flavoured, sweetened, or coloured to enhance the overall sensory experience.

One of the main challenges connected with edible packaging is ensuring that it is safe and suitable for consumption. Some edible packaging materials may contain harmful additives or contaminants, so it is important to carefully consider the materials used and to follow strict quality control procedures. Any potential allergens must also be detected and well labelled. Additionally, the production of edible packaging can be more complex and expensive than traditional packaging, which may limit its widespread adoption.

The Public Sector’s Role

Governments and organisations around the world are also working to promote the use of bio-based packaging. For example, the European Commission has established a number of initiatives aimed at promoting the use of bio-based materials and reducing plastic waste. In the United States, several states have passed legislation aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic bags and promoting the use of biodegradable and compostable alternatives.

Consumers also have a pivotal role to play in driving the adoption of bio-based packaging. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials, they are demanding more sustainable alternatives. Several companies are responding to this increased demand by offering bio-based packaging options and promoting their environmental benefits.

The Future is bio

In conclusion, bio-based packaging is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Made from renewable biological materials, it offers a way to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability. Although there are still challenges that need to be addressed, the benefits of bio-based packaging are too significant to ignore. As demand for sustainable products continues to grow, it is likely that biobased packaging will become increasingly common and play an important role in reducing our impact on the environment.