We’ve all been there—standing by a bin, puzzled over a piece of packaging and unsure of its fate. The options are growing: recyclable, rubbish, and increasingly, compostable. But what does that really mean? Compostable packaging, often made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, is designed to biodegrade naturally under specific conditions, primarily in industrial composting facilities. At first glance, this innovation seems like a perfect solution to the growing issue of single-use packaging waste, especially for food and drink. However, the reality is much more complex.

The Big Plastic Count revealed that UK households dispose of 1.7 billion pieces of plastic waste weekly, with 83% related to food and drink. The allure of compostable packaging lies in its promise to be “natural,” breaking down harmlessly and thus eliminating the guilt associated with conventional disposable packaging. But as with many things that sound too good to be true, the practical implementation of compostable packaging is fraught with challenges.

Firstly, compostable packaging biodegrades effectively only under the right conditions—conditions found mainly in industrial composting facilities. Such facilities are not widespread in the UK, and the infrastructure to collect and process compostable packaging is even scarcer. Most local authorities do not accept compostable packaging in food waste bins, meaning that much of this packaging ends up in general waste, destined for landfills or incineration, or it contaminates recycling streams, reducing the overall effectiveness of recycling efforts.

Secondly, the very nature of compostable packaging often leads to consumer confusion. If it looks, feels, and functions like traditional packaging, why should consumers treat it any differently? Misidentification is common, especially when the packaging is not clearly labeled. Manufacturers often use vague terms like "made from plants," which, while technically accurate, do little to inform consumers about proper disposal methods. Without clear and consistent labeling, even well-intentioned consumers are likely to dispose of compostable packaging incorrectly.

Thirdly, even when compostable packaging is correctly identified and disposed of, its environmental benefits are not as clear-cut as they might seem. The environmental impact of packaging is multifaceted, involving considerations such as microplastics, toxicity, land use, biodiversity, water usage, and human health effects. In some cases, compostable packaging may pose a similar or even greater environmental burden compared to conventional plastics, particularly when factors like agricultural land use for bioplastics and the energy-intensive processes required for industrial composting are considered.

Given these challenges, the path forward should involve a multifaceted approach to reducing single-use packaging waste. The first priority must be to minimize unnecessary packaging altogether. According to WRAP, a nonprofit focused on waste reduction, the UK uses 70,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastics annually to package uncut fruit and vegetables—50% of which should be eliminated by 2030. Reducing the use of such packaging is a critical first step.

In situations where packaging is necessary, reusable options should be prioritized. For example, London’s Mercato Metropolitano outdoor market has successfully transitioned 90% of its vendors to returnable crockery, saving over 190,000 pieces of single-use packaging in just seven months, along with £50,000 in packaging costs. This example highlights the potential for significant environmental and economic benefits when reusables are embraced.

When reuse isn’t feasible, recyclable packaging that is widely understood and effectively processed should be the go-to option. Compostable packaging should be reserved for specific contexts where it can be effectively managed, such as items destined for food waste bins or products that are difficult to recycle through traditional methods, like flexible plastics that are likely to be contaminated with food residues.

However, to make compostable packaging a viable part of the solution, several key improvements are needed. Standardized labeling with clear, mandatory symbols indicating that a package is compostable, along with specific disposal instructions, would go a long way in reducing consumer confusion. Additionally, consistent color-coding for compostable packaging, bin signage, and public communications would help people quickly identify and properly dispose of compostables—imagine if all compostable items were universally marked with a distinctive color like pink.

These steps are not just about convenience; they are crucial for ensuring that compostable packaging can fulfill its potential as a part of a broader, more sustainable waste management strategy. The recent consumer behavior trials conducted by Hubbub, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, emphasize the importance of these measures in improving the effectiveness of compostable packaging.

Ultimately, while compostable packaging can play a role in reducing waste, it is not a catch-all solution. The real key lies in reducing overall packaging use, increasing the adoption of reusables, and supporting consumers in making informed choices about the packaging they do use. There are no silver bullets in the fight against single-use packaging waste—only a combination of strategies that, together, can lead to a more sustainable future.