Definition: All packaging in this collection is either biodegradable, compostable or made of recycled materials.
What qualifies for this guarantee?
- FSC certified (for cardboard/ paper packaging)
- Biodegradable packaging
- Packaging is from recycled rather than virgin resources
What does not qualify for this guarantee?
- Anything packaged in cellophane
- Any plastic bags or mailers
- Bubble wrap
- Foam padding or packing nuggets/peanuts (unless bio-based alternative)
What supporting evidence do I need?
- Complete list of all packaging used for products
- Photo evidence of all the packaging
- Receipts/supplier info of where the packaging is sourced
Why is this important?
Despite being a relatively new material – plastic is one of the most polluting in the world today, destroying ecosystems and biodiversity across the world. Plastic packing is one of the main culprits, with it accounting for 70% of all plastic waste in the UK. Luckily there are several alternatives to single-use plastic packaging that we encourage all our brands to transition towards. Let’s run through some of them below:
Recycled plastics
- This is a popular way to reduce virgin plastic use by incorporating recycled plastic into packaging. Look for packaging certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and the Recycled Materials Standard (RMS).
Paper and cardboard:
- Use packaging made from paper that is either sustainably sourced or made from recycled paper. Look for packaging certified by the Rainforest Alliance, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and the Recycled Materials Standard (RMS).
Compostable:
- Compostable refers to the ability of a material to naturally decompose back into the earth without leaving any toxic residue, and the end product will have beneficial uses like improving soil health. Compostable packaging materials are usually made from plant-based materials (like corn, sugar cane, or bamboo) and/or bio-poly mailers. Look for packaging certified in line with the BS EN 13432 Standard to ensure packaging biodegrades as expected.
Biodegradable:
- Biodegradable refers to any product that can break down and decompose back into the earth, but it may not have any beneficial use for the environment, unlike compostable materials. It is important to note that whilst many materials may be biodegradable they must be placed in the correct environment to decompose in a reasonable amount of time. Examples of biodegradable packaging are paper and cardboard, compostable packaging, and biodegradable polythene bags that break down in landfill.
Reusable:
- This refers to packaging that can be used over many trips and over a prolonged time period. Reusable has a large impact on plastic waste and emissions, they are much more logistically challenging to implement on scale into business.
Some suppliers we recommend that sell lower-impact and non-plastic packaging are: