The world is drowning in plastic, causing increasing damage to the environment as well as human health. And it is a problem growing worse by the day; plastic consumption is set to double by 2050 without significant intervention. However, there is hope says Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO and Co-Founder at TIPA Corp: “Compostable packaging, including the compostable plastic we make at TIPA, can offer a solution.”
TIPA Compostable Packaging has clinched the "Most Innovative Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Company Award" at the APAC Business Awards 2023!
The food industry is among those that contribute significantly to plastic waste, with more than half of the plastic litter in oceans coming from plastic bags and other food packaging, recycling is not the answer. In fact only 9% of all plastic produced globally is actually recycled, with much of the plastic used in the food industry, including flexible packaging and bags, unable to be recycled for technical and economic reasons.
The United Nations suggested replacing up to 17% of plastic with compostable alternatives. Such packaging offers a truly circular solution - breaking down into dirt- like compost under the right conditions — with the bonus of producing rich agricultural compost, which the world also badly needs. When used on agricultural fields, compost helps increase crop yields and sequester carbon, which are essential for our growing population and warming planet.
Compostable packaging works particularly well for the food industry, especially for fresh fruits and vegetables, as food scraps can often be composted along with the packaging. This provides a significant benefit over recycling, as any packaging that is recycled must be clean and free of food scraps and other matter.
“In addition to paper and cardboard, which are compostable and can hold produce, compostable plastic is becoming a more popular option. Compostable plastic packaging, including the packaging we produce at TIPA, offers the same qualities that made traditional plastic so popular for transporting fresh food: it is transparent and can keep food clean and dry. It has also been shown to extend the shelf life of fresh produce by twice the duration as traditional plastic,” states Nissenbaum.
“Made from compostable polymers, our bags and films can be produced on most existing packaging manufacturing equipment, making it a viable solution for customers anywhere in the world. Our compostable plastic packaging also comes in several different forms, including clear films, bags and netting, all tailored to packing fresh produce. The packaging can be printed with brand logos and other custom information, including the origin of the product.”
Fresh produce is a pillar of eating a healthy, natural and nutritious diet. Fresh produce wrapped or packaged in compostable plastic is even better for the planet and for us. Much like the peels of oranges and bananas, compostable plastic keeps produce fresh and clean while also nourishing the earth at the end of its life.
For more information:
Daphna Nissenbaum
Tipa
Email: [email protected]
www.tipa-corp.com
