Clarity on compostable plastic

This month’s WRAP report on compostable plastic packaging is a breath of fresh air.

Essentially, it says when compostable plastics should be used and how their effectiveness as well as limitations should be communicated. It also navigates the minefield of confusion between compostable, bio-degradable and bio-based packaging.

At last, an authoritative voice has clarified that:

• Compostables work best for flexible bags and film, but not for rigid packaging except

• Cups, which are “generally only beneficial in a ‘closed’ system like an event”.

• For drinks packaging, they “should be avoided where there is potential for them to contaminate conventional plastics recycling”.

This is so important and WRAP is emphatic that “people need clear instruction not to place compostable plastics in the recycling bin”.

The challenge is that “77% of citizens believe that compostable plastic is better”, yet it currently accounts for just “0.5% of consumer plastic packaging in the UK.”