We are—slowly—moving away from relying on fossil fuel­–powered energy and transport, and at the same time ditching traditional plastics. Since BioPak began in 2006, they have developed and then provided recyclable, compostable packaging made of renewable resources. However, BioPak—and us—are not content to stop there. We want consumer-driven demand for an industry-wide revolution of eco-friendly, endlessly recyclable products that cause no harm to the environment or the communities they touch.

Recyclable and Compostable

Improving recycling rates in Australia is the first step towards a circular economy. We want improved recycling rates in Australia. Being able to turn our virgin products back into new products is a critical stage in our move towards a circular economy. BioCups are commercially compostable; however, in absence of commercial composting facilities, they can also be recycled. BioPak research shows that the bioplastic lining of BioCups is easier to separate during the recycling process than the PE plastic lining of traditional coffee cups. BioPak has long been working with industry bodies overcome obstacles such as the recycling crisis in Australia and lack of widespread composting facilities. Their goal and ours is to divert 100% of organic waste from landfill in Australia.

Renewable Resources

Through sourcing rapidly renewable materials, BioPak reduces the carbon footprint of its products. The raw material used in manufacturing products is responsible of most of a product's environmental impact. Producing bioplastic emits up to 75% fewer carbon emissions than producing traditional plastic. For this reason, BioPak is committed to using plant-based materials that are sustainable, rapidly renewable, abundant, and non-toxic. BioPak's paper cup production facility purchases renewable energy and BioPak aims to transition to 100% renewable energy in the future.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions made up 60% of humans' ecological footprint in 2017. As of 2017, carbon emissions made up 60% of our ecological footprint globally. In 2010, BioPak was the first packaging to become Carbon Neutral in Australia and New Zealand, a result of their goal to minimise the negative impacts of their business on the environment. Being Carbon Neutral means a company purchases carbon credits to compensate for any unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions created through production, transportation, and disposal of their products.

Profit for Purpose

BioPak and Planet Friendly Packaging support environmental and community charities. Both BioPak and Planet Friendly Packaging support charities that help community and environment. BioPak donates 7.5% of their profits to Rainforest Rescue (Australia) and Greenfleet (New Zealand) as well as community programs, while Planet Friendly Packaging will plant a tree for every order and is thinking of increasing this in the wake of the recent bushfires. So next time you are ordering takeaway cups for your business—choose BioCups!

Information taken from BioPak's website. To read more about what's so good about BioPak or why we use sugarcane, have a look at our website.

Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work.