Sustainable Packaging Coalition releases food waste study

In Virginia, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has released a study of 40 facilities that accept food waste. Survey questions covered topics such as types of food waste accepted, composting methods utilized, how packaging is handled and what problems facilities have encountered in accepting packaging.

Of the respondents, 82.5% want a more universally recognizable label of compostability. Other issues highlighted by the report include a difficulty in distinguishing between compostable and conventional products, particularly after shredding, and problems with the compostable packaging not breaking down quickly enough. Some items – such as bioplastic knives and forks – also take too long to degrade. The bioplastic items most commonly accepted by composters include PLA clamshells (accepted by 80% of composters), PLA clear cups (80%) and paper cups with a compostable lining (77.5%).

According to the SPC, the study was launched to address the packaging industry’s confusion as to how composting facilities treat foodservice packaging, because some facilities reject packaging, citing it as a contaminant to their composting process and finished product.

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