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What is Biodegradable Packaging?

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    July 25, 2023 1:18 AM EDT

    What is Biodegradable Packaging?

    One thing businesses know about their customers is that their demand changes constantly. Today, most people look into eco-friendly alternatives when making a purchase. According to a McKinsey & Company survey, 66% of consumers think about sustainability before buying an item.Get more news about Biodegradable Packaging,you can vist our website!

    Due to this growing shift, many companies across all industries are working to provide greener options for their customers, and packaging is one way to do it. There are multiple ways you can go green in your product packaging efforts. You can start by selecting biodegradable packaging. But before you make the shift, what is biodegradable packaging?
    Biodegradable packaging comprises materials that can be broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. The most widely utilized types of biodegradable packaging are cardboard or paper and bio-based polymers.

    The term “biodegradable” is a material’s ability to decompose and revert to its natural state. Materials used in packing must degrade entirely and transform into natural elements within a short period following disposal, usually a year or less.

    Compostable packaging is similar to biodegradable packaging as the materials used safely return to the earth. The stark difference between the two is that compostable materials replenish the soil with nutrients. They also need certain composting conditions, whereas biodegradable materials are made to decompose in landfills.

    Types of Biodegradable Packaging Materials
    Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. The market for biodegradable plastic packaging was assessed at $4.65 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.04% by 2025, reaching a market value of up to $12.06 million.

    Because of the surge in demand, more companies are switching to sustainable packaging and using biodegradable packaging materials. Here are some of the top materials used today:

    Cornstarch
    Derived from the corn or maize plant, cornstarch possesses plastic-like characteristics that make it a good plastic substitute in various applications, including bottles and other molded shapes and loose-film packaging.

    Companies favor this biodegradable packaging since the raw material is affordable, easy to produce, and sustainable. Cornstarch-based packaging will decompose into carbon dioxide and water if disposed of properly over several months.

    Mushroom
    To produce mushroom packing, agricultural waste is cleaned, powdered, and joined together by a matrix of mushroom roots, also called mycelium. Desired shapes can be created using these basic materials.

    After drying, it is used as eco-friendly food packaging—among other forms of packaging—and in only a few days, fungus fibers tie the trash together to form a solid shape that dries and prevents further growth.