Plastic waste has been a major concern for the environment over the past few decades which is why people are consciously making more sustainable choices such as Biodegradable takeaway containers and recycling food packaging. Using plastic is cheap, easy to make, flexible, and accessible but at the same time, it’s becoming clear that plastic waste is out of control and causing major damage to the environment. As per the report, 12 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean every year, and it clearly indicates why biodegradable takeaway containers have become the right packaging technique among environment lovers to cut down plastic waste.
What Are Biodegradable Takeaway Containers?
Before we understand how biodegradable takeaway containers are beneficial, we must first understand what they are. The term biodegradable is assigned to natural products and biodegradable containers are such containers that disintegrate into natural elements such as carbon dioxide and water vapor with time - fungi, bacteria, and other biological processes disintegrate biodegradable takeaway containers into natural elements. Almost everything, even plastics, is biodegradable, however, plastic products take centuries to break down entirely while Biodegradable takeaway containers disintegrate in a very short period of time.
What Materials Are Used to Make Biodegradable Takeaway Containers?
It is a common misconception that biodegradable products like biodegradable takeaway containers are made only from bio-based or plant-based materials, but that is not the case. Biodegradability depends on the molecular structure and strength of the polymer chain of a material but not its source. A material is called biodegradable of its polymer structure is able to disintegrate into tiny pieces that microorganisms can easily digest.
Materials of biodegradable takeaway containers are typically composed of biopolymers found in living organisms such as cellulose and proteins that help the material to decompose easily. Below are some of the most common biodegradable packaging used today.
- Hemp: Hemp is extracted from the cannabis plant and it is highly biodegradable, resilient, and versatile. However, hemp is an expensive source of biodegradable products which is why it is less used commercially.
- Cellulose: Plant-based packaging is easy to degrade because of the cellulose contains in it and thus it is a great solution for short-term packaging.
- Seaweed: Similar to cellulose, seaweed-based material is highly biodegradable and used as a great source for short-term packaging.
- PLA: PLA is bio-based and used in conventional plastic packaging. However, it biodegrades slowly as compared to other biodegradable materials, even in an industrial composter.
- Paper: Paper is one of the traditional forms of biodegradable packaging. It biodegrades pretty fast and can easily be recycled as well.
5 Key Benefits of Biodegradable Takeaway Containers
Plastic waste is one of the most serious environmental issues of our time. As the world population is increasing, consumerism is driving more manufacturing of products, increasing the amount of plastic waste in oceans. The solution to this eco-crisis demands a multi-pronged approach, and biodegradable takeaway packaging is one of the best approaches to cut down plastic waste and save our planet from plastic waste. Below are listed the 5 key benefits of biodegradable takeaway containers.
1. Reduce Plastic Waste
Traditional packaging typically contains harmful plastic materials which impact the environment negatively. Plastic substances are often made from petroleum that require a substantial amount of energy and resources to produce. The plastic products eventually become littering and are found in landfills, roadways, parks, and waterways in the form of plastic waste. The right biodegradable packaging allows you to cut down plastic waste and helps reduce littering issues.
2. Reduce Carbon Footprint
As biodegradable takeaway containers are made from biodegradable materials instead of chemicals and plastics, they can positively impact the environment. Since it is an eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable takeaway packaging can reduce the consumption of resources, ultimately reducing plastic waste. It helps meet the high standards of environmental compliance and minimizes the carbon footprint of humans.
3. Convenient Disposal
No matter what type of packaging materials you choose, make sure they are either recyclable or biodegradable to contribute to the environment. Eco-friendly packaging simplifies disposal because of its biodegradable composition. The composition requires fewer resources to break down the packaging being used. Biodegradable packaging allows consumers to compost the packaging with other compost-friendly materials. This gives a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
4. Sustainability
Sustainability seems obvious, especially when it comes to choosing between plastic products and eco-friendly products. One of the best benefits of biodegradable food containers is their sustainability. Most of the materials used in biodegradable product manufacturing come under the three Rs of sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Biodegradable takeaway packaging does the same job as traditional packaging but with more sustainability.
5. Versatility
Another great benefit of biodegradable packaging is its versatility. Materials for eco-takeaway containers can typically be reused and re-purposed in most industries. From storing office supplies to electronic device packaging, eco-friendly materials fulfill all the needs of the business.
Why Biodegradable Takeaway Containers From Keeo?
Biodegradable takeaway containers at Keeo do not only provide you with solutions for the environment but they are also durable and hardy for proper shipping. We store sensitive food packaging products as per health and safety regulations. Integrated into existing packaging machines and systems, Keeo makes it a cost-effective and viable alternative to plastic packaging options. The biodegradable takeaway containers we offer include biocane takeaway containers and clamshells and takeaway packaging boxes.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a biodegradable container?
Biodegradable packaging refers to a form of packaging that naturally disintegrates and decomposes. Examples of biodegradable products include biodegradable containers and PLA cups.
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
All compostable products are biodegradable but not all biodegradable products are compostable. The main differences are related to their production materials, their decomposition, and the residual elements after decomposition. Biodegradable products could be made of any material that breaks down and degrades in the environment while compostable products contain only organic elements that degrade in the environment.
How long do biodegradable containers last?
BBC Science Focus has confirmed that biodegradable containers take only three to six months to decompose which is far quicker than traditional plastic products which take hundreds of years to decompose.
Why should we use biodegradable containers?
Biodegradable containers are made from eco-friendly materials, and they require less energy to produce. They decompose much faster than other types of products. Upon decomposition, they break down into water vapor, carbon dioxide, and organic material which aren't harmful to the environment.
What happens to biodegradable waste when they are thrown?
The biodegradable wastes should be dumped into a pit and covered for a period. Due to reactions caused by microbes, they decompose which can later be used as manure for cultivation purposes. This allows helps reduce the amount of waste in our environment.