The United States is facing significant challenges in expanding its compostable packaging infrastructure due to contamination by look-alike single-use plastics. A recent report by Closed Loop Partners (CLP) has highlighted these issues, emphasizing that misidentification of compostable packaging is setting back the industry’s environmental goals.
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Environmental and Economic Potential
The report, “Unleashing the Economic and Environmental Potential for Food Waste Composting in the US,” characterizes composting as a key solution for preventing waste accumulation in landfills. According to the World Economic Forum, this could unlock a $ 4.5 trillion growth potential for a circular economy by 2030.
However, the report reveals important obstacles, including contamination and failures in packaging development, which are hindering the adoption of a composting infrastructure.
Packaging Contamination
Specifically, the report found that roughly 80 % of contamination in industrial composts originates from conventional plastics, causing composters to spend nearly a quarter of their operational costs on managing this issue.
Paula Luu, senior project director at the Center for the Circular Economy (CLP) emphasized the need for consistent labeling and packaging designs that distinguish compostable from non-compostable materials to prevent these problems.
Compostable Packaging Acceptance
Despite these challenges, the report notes an increase in the acceptance of compostable packaging by compost facilities. Currently, the US has about 3,000 facilities, but only around 200 of them process food waste. Among these, 71 % accept some forms of food-contact compostable packaging, reflecting a 13 % increase from 2018.
This growth was driven by food waste bans and other organics mandates, alongside emerging policies like state-wide extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs that provide funding to support composting infrastructure.
Inconsistent Acceptance and Consumer Confusion
Acceptance of compostable packaging varies among US facilities. Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes are the most commonly accepted items, followed by certified compostable liner bags.
However, the acceptance landscape remains uneven, creating confusion among consumers. An older study by CLP and the Biodegradable Products Institute had found that 28 % of respondents incorrectly placed compostable packaging in the recycling bin, and many misinterpreted “made from plants” labels as indicating compostability.
An Opportunity for Everyone
The report concludes that supporting and scaling up food waste composting infrastructures is in the best interest of investors, brands, and packaging manufacturers alike. By aligning composting sites to accept and process compostable materials, the industry can help prevent climate change, create end markets for compostable packaging and produce products beneficial to both the environment and communities.
