New Report Highlights Path Forward for Compostable Packaging in the U.S.

A recent report by Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium has identified best practices for compostable packaging recovery and composting infrastructure in the United States, based on five years of research and field testing.

Caroline Barry, senior program manager at Closed Loop Partners, emphasized that the study revealed critical insights into the performance of compostable materials in real-world conditions. The largest field test of certified, food-contact compostable packaging in North America showed that compostable plastics achieved an average disintegration rate of 98% by surface area, while compostable fiber reached 83%, both surpassing industry thresholds.

Contrary to common concerns regarding the breakdown speed of compostable plastics, the data indicated that these materials disintegrated effectively within approximately 47 days, addressing operational concerns for compost manufacturers. Barry noted that while fiber-based materials are often considered more benign, the study found that compostable plastics disintegrated more consistently across various composting technologies.

The report also highlighted contamination as a significant challenge for composters, with 21% of operating costs attributed to contamination removal, primarily from conventional plastics. This underscores the need for system-level solutions rather than solely focusing on consumer behavior.

To address these challenges, the Consortium has initiated the Composting Consortium Grant Program, funding eight projects aimed at enhancing composting infrastructure and recovery capacity.

Despite advancements, achieving a standardized national system for compostable packaging remains a work in progress, as acceptance varies widely based on local conditions and policies. Barry advocates for a collaborative approach among brands, municipalities, and processors to improve recovery systems.

The findings suggest that for brands investing in compostable packaging, it should be viewed as part of a broader organics recovery strategy, emphasizing the importance of designing supportive systems for compostable materials.