Serviceware: What is Compostable?
Understanding Compostable Serviceware
Compostable serviceware is designed to break down in a composting environment and turn into simple substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. It decomposes at a rate similar to other organic materials, unlike traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
It's important to note that "compostable" differs from "biodegradable." While biodegradable items break down eventually, the term doesn't specify how long the process takes or under what conditions. Compostable items, on the other hand, adhere to strict standards and must fully decompose in a composting facility within a specific timeframe.
Types of Compostable Serviceware
Paper-Based Products
Paper plates, napkins, and coffee filters are examples of paper-based products that are generally compostable. However, not all paper products are created equal. Some may have a plastic coating that hinders decomposition, so it's always essential to check for these additives before throwing them in the compost bin.
Plant-Based Plastics (Bioplastics)
Plant-based plastics, made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, are becoming increasingly popular. The two most common types include:
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Found in cups, containers, and utensils.
CPLA (Crystallized Polylactic Acid): A heat-resistant version of PLA, typically used for hot beverage lids and some utensils.
Both types are compostable in the right conditions, typically requiring industrial composting facilities.
Fiber-Based Products
Fiber-based products, such as molded fiber containers made from sugarcane bagasse or wheat straw, are another compostable option. These items break down in composting systems and are common among takeout containers and bowls.
Tips for Choosing Compostable Serviceware
Look for Certifications
Not all compostable products are created equal. Certification from reputable organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or ASTM International ensures that a product meets established compostability standards.
Know Your Composting Facility's Requirements
Certain compostable products, such as PLA and CPLA, require specific conditions to break down effectively, conditions typically only found in industrial composting facilities. Unfortunately, home composting systems often do not reach the necessary temperatures to break down these items, which means they may not fully decompose in your backyard compost bin.
Minimize Contamination
Food residue can slow down the composting process. To maximize the benefits of compostable serviceware, scrape off excess food before composting. This simple step can help prevent contamination and ensure your serviceware breaks down properly.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Placing compostable items in the trash undermines their purpose, as they will end up in a landfill, where they will decompose without oxygen and may produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Ready to start composting with ease? Discover how GoZERO's services can help you implement a convenient composting solution and make it a part of your daily routine. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future. Contact us today!
Where can I get compostable serviceware and other products?
Below is some information we’ve gathered to try to make it easier to source fiber-based and BPI-certified (plant-based) plastic-based products that are compatible with our composting broad-spectrum service.
Please make sure to check the specific products you're looking at. Items labeled something like "biodegradable" is not the same as compostable. If in doubt, send us a link to support@gozero.org, and we'll double-check for you!
Please send us ideas, pain points, feedback, product/vendor reviews/recommendations, and other thoughts on how we can help make the admittedly arduous and usually pricy task of sourcing compostable products easier.
When contacting the vendors below let them know you got their information from GoZERO, and thanks as always for using GoZERO to sustainably dispose of your food waste!
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Karim Eddnadni
P: 859-999-0224
https://www.mogalixe.com/ - focus on developing products and ideas that help preserve our environment
Their solution is to provide their customers with durable compostable biobased products. Using biobased compostable products can dramatically decrease the products' contribution to pollution. Biobased compostable break down in a short period of time after being disposed of and leave no visible contaminants or toxic residue.
Their compostable biobased products are made from plant-based raw material, our plant-based raw material is developed and made in the USA, using only abundant, surplus crops.
They use sugarcane as opposed to cornstarch, so they are home compost compatible and break down easily.
They can do custom work for businesses.
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Elly Ventura
1500 Valley House Dr, #210
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
O: 707 582 2808 x 759
Worldcentric.com - World Centric was named after the belief that we need to think beyond ourselves (ego-centric), and think about the world (world-centric). With this mindset, World Centric was created in 2004 as a nonprofit organization to elevate awareness of global sustainability issues. Today, it continue to uphold the same mission and values to be of service to people and the planet in all that it does.
Responsible Products Limited
Merrell Wood1181 US-50 Milford, OH 45150
O: 888-988-6627
merrell@responsibleproducts.com
responsibleproducts.com - Responsible Products is a newer relationship for us in the compostable serviceware space, but their service, breath of products, and ability to custom print items is awesome.
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Vegware.com - the only completely compostable packaging company operating globally
Vegware was our very first contact for compostables and is incredibly well connected locally, nationally, and internationally.
Bio-Futura
biofutura-us.comGoing Green Services
Michael Bauer325 W. Main St. Newark, OH 43055 (Central Ohio)
O: 740.400.0014
GoingGreenServices.com - certified compostables and eco-friendly serviceware
*MUST be the "compostable" bags, NOT "biodegradable" bags
Mike has been an awesome local partner, ready and able to help you get the supplies you need.
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Tom Goldy
1059 Broadway, Suite F Dunedin, FL 34698
P: 727-789-1646
BioBagUSA.com - a world leader in providing bags and films for the collection of organic waste
Tom is a great commercial sales contact with the widest selection of compostable bags we’re aware of. BioBag is very involved in the national composting scene. For a few starter bags try their Amazon Store.
BioStar by Pitt Plastics
Dan DiRienzo III25470 Kilreigh Dr.Farmington Hills, MI 48336
c: 248-770-2329
PittPlastics.com/products/green_solutions/biostar - focused on quality, service, and consistency
Dan reached out some time ago and we see a lot BioStar bags in our carts. Also find them on Amazon.
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93 Alpha Park, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143 (NE Ohio)
Steven & Aaron Saks
(877) 341-5464 Mon-Fri 9am-8pm EST
customerservice@greenpaperproducts.com
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
bpiworld.org/CertifiedCompostable
The Biodegradable Products Institute provides a certification to certain products that will compost in a timely and non-problematic fashion in commercial composting facilities. They are the de facto standard and a great place to get started learning about what products are out there. We need for your chosen compostable plastic product to have this certification, and here is the place to find everything.