There are some myths about biodegradable, eco-friendly and compostable packaging, in particular Biocups that we thought we would clear up for you.

MYTH 1: PLA PLASTIC IS A POLYMER AND NO BETTER THAN REGULAR PLASTIC

The truth is that BioCups are made with a bioplastic sourced from rapidly-renewable plant resources, like corn - not finite fossil fuels. Ingeo™ PLA (polylactic acid) requires 52% less energy to produce and has a carbon footprint 71.8% lower compared to regular plastic. It is designed for the circular economy to biodegrade into nutrient-rich compost in an industrial compost facility.

MYTH 2: NO INDUSTRIAL COMPOST FACILITIES ACCEPT BIOCUPS

The truth is that 30+ commercial compost facilities in Australia and New Zealand compost BioCups. This number is growing every week. Our BioPak Compost Service can collect compostable packaging and food waste from 2,200+ suburbs in every state. Our customers have diverted 700 tonnes of waste from landfill in one year.

MYTH 3: BIOCUPS CAN'T BE RECYCLED IN RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING

The truth is neither PE or PLA lined cups can be recycled in residential paper/ plastic recycling streams. However, BioCups can be composted in residential green bin collections along with coffee residue, other compostable packaging and food scraps in a growing number of locations, such as South Australia. In addition, businesses can use the BioPak Compost Service operating in 13 major cities across Australia and New Zealand.

MYTH 4: BIOCUPS DON'T BREAK DOWN INTO QUALITY COMPOST

The truth is BioCups are independently certifies to AS4736 and when dispose of in an industrial compost facitiliy they will completely biodegrade into a non-toxic, high quality compost without leaving behind any microplastics. Through our compost Service, our customers have created 50,000 x 10kg bags of compost - returning nutrients to the soil in a proven closed loop solution.

MYTH 5: BIOCUPS COMPOST IN LANDFILL

The truth is in an ideal world, no cups, foodservice packaging or food should go into landfill. The conditions in landfill are such that the process of biodegradation of organics (cup paper) will emit harmful methane gas - not nutrient rich compost. However, if BioCups and regular coffee cups (PE cups) do end up there, BioCups have contributed less greenhouse gases and used less non renewable energy when they were made, something regular cups cannot achieve.

Information taken from BioPak. Watch The Journey of a BioCup, Benefits of BioCups and There is No Waste in the Circular Economy

 Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.