9 Biodegradable Packaging Materials That Can Replace Plastic

Image by @shop_swk

The vast majority of packaging materials have long been made from plastics, and this reliance on synthetic polymers has come at a serious cost to nature.

Synthetic plastics are major pollutants and can take up to 1000 years to biodegrade. This adverse environmental impact and increasing awareness about the importance of sustainable packaging are pushing brands and customers to adopt biodegradable packaging materials.

Research by McKinsey shows that 51% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impacts of packaging. Adopting biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials shows your customers that your business is environmentally responsible.

Let’s explore the different types of biodegradable packaging materials, some sustainable packaging solutions, and how to choose a packaging supplier.

What is biodegradable packaging?

Biodegradable packaging is made of materials that can decompose easily under microbial action. Their relatively quick decomposition helps to control waste buildup in landfills, contributing to a safer, healthier environment.

However, being labelled as “biodegradable” isn’t enough to make a packaging material sustainable. For biodegradable packaging to be sustainable, it must break down and decompose within a short period of time—typically within 12 months, depending on the country.

Does biodegradable mean compostable?

No, compostable materials are a subset of biodegradable materials.

Some compostable packaging materials are designed to break down only in a specific environment with carefully controlled humidity, temperature, oxygen, and bacteria.

The American standard ASTM D6400 requires materials to degrade by at least 90% within 180 days in a commercial composting facility to be considered biodegradable. ‘Home-compostable’ materials, on the other hand, can break down in your own compost bin within 180 days.

Why should you use biodegradable product packaging?

So, why should you make the switch? Below are some of the many benefits of biodegradable, sustainable packaging:

• Reduced landfill waste: Biodegradable packaging breaks down naturally, decreasing the volume of post-consumer waste in landfills. It supports a more circular lifecycle by returning organic materials to the environment.
• Lighter production processes: Many biodegradable materials require less energy and fewer synthetic inputs to produce, reducing emissions and resource consumption. This leads to a more efficient supply chain with a smaller overall carbon footprint.
• Better for the planet and people: Chemicals like phthalates, which are common in plastic packaging, pose potential risks as endocrine disruptors (affecting the hormonal system) and carcinogens (cancer-promoting). Avoid toxic materials by using biodegradable packaging like paper and natural fibers.
• Positive brand image: Research by McKinsey shows that 54% of US consumers, primarily Gen Z and Millennials, are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. This indicates that customers will be more likely to buy from your business when your packaging reflects their values.

6 biodegradable materials for packaging

What packaging materials are biodegradable? Explore our list of 6 eco-friendly, biodegradable materials below.

1. Paper and cardboard

Cardboard is the whole package: durable, lightweight, flexible, affordable, reusable, recyclable, and compostable! Cardboard boxes are used to ship the vast majority of products worldwide, and kraft mailers offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastic poly mailers.

But while cardboard and paper packaging are made with natural materials, the source of the material matters.

To ensure you’re working with eco-friendly packaging, check that your paper or cardboard is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC-certified paper is either made from recycled paper or sourced from responsibly managed forests that don’t contribute to deforestation. Just look out for the iconic FSC tree logo when you purchase your packaging materials.

2. Biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics)

Not all plastics are produced from petroleum—some bio-plastics (or bio-based polymers) are derived from plants, making them biodegradable and compostable!

One of the most common forms of bio-plastic is PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate), made from renewable sources like corn starch and sugarcane. noissue offers a diverse range of products containing PBAT, including custom shopping bags, mailers, and garment bags, all compostable in commercial settings.

PLA (Polylactic acid) is another biodegradable polymer growing popular as an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging. We use it across our custom pouches, coffee cup lids, U-shaped cold cups to provide customers with more eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Some of our products use a combination of PBAT, PLA, and thermoplastic starch, another bio-plastic derived from corn starch.

3. Natural fabric

For a biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastic bags, opt for fabric made from natural materials, such as hemp or cotton.

We recommend using organic options where possible. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification indicates the fabric was produced without using synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals, further reducing environmental impact.

4. Molded pulp

Molded pulp is a fully compostable material produced by pressing the slurry of biodegradable fibers into rigid shapes with a transfer mold. It’s usually made from recycled newsprint and cardboard or agricultural by-products such as sugarcane bagasse.

The durability and versatility of the material make it suitable for a wide range of use cases, from end caps and bowls to clamshell containers, egg cartons, and fruit trays.

5. Mushroom packaging

Mushroom packaging is an innovative, naturally biodegradable material that has the versatility of protective polystyrene packaging without the environmental impact.

Mushroom packaging is made by fusing agricultural waste using mushroom roots (mycelium) as the combining material. This reduces landfill waste, both during the manufacturing process and after consumer use.

6. Seaweed packaging

Seaweed packaging is made from agar, a gelatinous substance found in many types of seaweeds and algae. You might already recognize agar from its use in the food industry, where it’s used as a thickening agent or gelatin replacement.

Research has now extended its use to product packaging. Seaweed packaging is a particularly attractive eco-friendly packaging option because of its abundance as a sustainable raw material.

6 biodegradable packaging products

How can you use biodegradable solutions in your packaging? Here are some ways you can up your brand’s sustainability with bio-materials.

1. Biodegradable packing peanuts

Packing peanuts protect products during transport, but most are made from non-biodegradable polystyrene. Starch-based packing peanuts serve as an eco-friendly alternative that decomposes quickly after use. Plus, they’re lighter and more cost-effective!

2. Water-activated tape

Water-activated tape is a completely paper-based tape that uses gum as its adhesive. Unlike plastic-based tape, it’s completely biodegradable and safe to compost along with cardboard packaging.

3. Corrugated bubble wrap

Just like air peanuts, bubble wrap protects fragile items in transit, and like air peanuts, it’s made from non-biodegradable synthetic plastic. Fortunately, corrugated bubble wrap provides the same cushioning effect while being reusable and biodegradable.

4. Recycled boxes and mailers

Cardboard boxes and mailers come in many forms, making them suitable for shipping almost any kind of product. Just look out for the FSC Recycled or FSC Mix logo to ensure the paper pulp comes from recycled or sustainable sources.

At noissue, you’ll find recycled folding cartons, cardboard wine carriers, shoe boxes, and takeout boxes. You can also browse recycled kraft mailers and flexible paper mailers. Every box and mailer is completely customizable to your preferences, so you can showcase your brand’s style while sticking to your values.

5. Biodegradable inflatable air pillows

Air pillows provide the same cushioning protection as styrofoam and bubble wrap, but use less plastic and are subsequently more environment-friendly. Air pillows made with PLA plastic derived from natural materials are 100% reusable or commercially compostable after use.

6. Compostable plastic bags

Shopping bags, garment bags, and poly-style mailers produced from PBAT, PLA, or thermoplastic starch break down in composting environments. This makes them a more sustainable option than conventional synthetic plastics.

How to choose a sustainable packaging provider

These days, everyone wants to go green, but it’s important to know how to evaluate sustainable packaging providers before you make the switch. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a sustainable packaging supplier for your brand:

• Certifications and sources: If you’re buying paper or cardboard packaging products, make sure the pulp comes from FSC-certified sources. For bio-plastic products, look for Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification that verifies the product meets ASTM standards for compostability.
• Non-toxic dyes: Many packaging manufacturers use synthetic, chemical-based inks that can be harmful to the environment. Look for packaging that uses water- or soy-based inks that can break down safely without causing harm.
• Customizability: Biodegradable doesn’t mean boring! Choosing customizable, sustainable packaging lets you share your brand’s story and add info about its sustainability goals, encouraging customers to responsibly dispose of the packaging after use.

Wrapping it up

With increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic, many cities around the world have started to ban materials derived from fossil fuels. Sustainable materials are the need of the hour, and biodegradable packaging is exactly what your business requires to stay ahead of the competition.

If you want to adopt biodegradable packaging for your business, look no further than noissue.

Explore dozens of sustainable packaging options, from compostable plastic bags and mailers to cardboard boxes and tissue paper. Create your own branded packaging on a template, or just upload your logo with a brief and let our designers handle the graphics. We’ll print and ship your packaging materials anywhere in the world with free delivery.

Find the right packaging to meet your sustainability goals today!