2 things to keep in mind when identifying truly sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in the food packaging industry.

Part 1: Analyse impact of production and consumption of feedstock to the environment

It is crucial to look at the carbon footprint of different packaging materials to understand the overall environmental impact. As plastic packaging requires the use of converting natural gases and fuels through the process of ‘cracking’, it has clearly demonstrated how environmentally damaging and unsustainable some choices are.

Other material alternatives such as bioplastics; made from agricultural products such as corn, bring up different concerns. It is estimated that about half of world’s corn production is required as feedstock for bioplastic to be able to replace natural fuel-based plastic the world currently consumes. The amount of stress on food source production indicates the un-sustainable aspect of bio plastics.

Rising popularity of paper packaging has shown how it has become the most favourite sustainable alternative in the industry. Thought paper was the greenest solution? Think again! Producing paper packaging products have been found out to use same if not more of carbonfootprint, including greater water usage, than producing single use plastic packaging. A significant amount of paper packaging is not recycled as it manages to end up in landfills. Here is a simpleexplanation given by Vice through this video. Processing of paper also includes using harsh chemicals which have depicted paper mills to be one of the biggest polluter of water, especially in the United States.

A way that Rangoon ltd has been able to address these concerns is through developing Sustainoware ,a line of food packaging that is made from agricultural waste. One of the aims of developing Sustainoware was to be able to reduce waste by converting it into feedstock. Naturally fallen areca palm leaves are tended to be disposed of through incineration, a very high level of carbon emission. We at Rangoon ltd found innovative solutions by simply processing the leaves into disposable dinnerware. All of this through a simple moulding process, and in a 100% natural and chemical free way! Sustainoware further promotes other materials of food packaging made from recycled bamboo fibres collected from factories. These solutions not only help mitigate waste yet prove to have very efficient carbon footprints.

Part 2: Consider the impact there is to the environment when the packaging is disposed of and how effective are the disposal techniques

PET plastics remain for years in the environment. At first this was observed to be a threat to the world’s biodiversity.We have now managed to be find it inside humans as well. “Microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood for the first time, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested.” (Guardian) This only creates urgency for a truly environment friendly solution.

A significant number of Bioplastics tend to be processed into the same PET plastic that is unable to biodegrade. Others such as PLA plastics have been proven to be biodegradable. This may sound promising at first, however,to achieve this, collected PLA plastics require to be processed in special industrial composting plants with specific environment conditions required. This poses greater challenges, for example,how will waste management systems need to not only distribute plastics to different facilities, but also find a practical and affective way to distinguish between different types of plastic in waste disposals.

Paper packaging products are better in biodegrading than plastic alternatives, however the additional chemical additives in recycled paper does not make it 100% biodegradable. It may also take special conditions for the packaging to breakdown. On the other hand, 100% natural paper packaging will be able to compost naturally. Yet fresh paper production forces increased stress on to the environment through increased deforestation.
Sustainoware packaging addresses these concernsby being home compostable. This means that not only will the material fully breakdown eventually, but it will do this in environments achievable at home in the backyard. This is achieved by targeting the composition of the packaging to be all natural without additional chemical additives.

Sustainoware packaging does not stop there, one of the product lines allows for upcycling. Sustainoware’s bamboo fibre and cassava starch tableware are able to be used in DIY arts and craft projects after its initial use as food packaging. Be able to create home made lamps, piggy banks or anything that comes into your imagination! Sustainoware bowls can be used as plant pots which can directly be planted in the soil, as it will compost eventually into the ground.