What is Biodegradable Packaging? 

By the word “Biodegradable” we mean a medium that can easily undergo biodegradation or bacterial decomposition (a natural process to get rid of environmental waste).  Biodegradable packaging Is the practice of using some special kind of packaging materials that can easily be decomposed. Biodegradation is a natural process. When the packaging material persists over a long time it causes health hazards and environmental damage. 

Unlike regular plastic packaging that can last hundreds of years, Biodegradable packaging materials (i.e. kraft,  cardboard) turn into safe organic compounds usually within a year. It results in a decrease in their concentration in the environment of waste in landfills and is better for the environment.

Why Biodegradable Packaging is Becoming Trendy?

People are becoming more worried about keeping the environment safe. They are taking it seriously to apply eco-friendly packaging options to their businesses. This has made biodegradable packaging more popular. The harmful effects of plastic pollution are making the population aware of environmental damages and they begin to look for greener options. Also, governments in the USA are making and implementing rules about plastic use stricter and people want more eco-friendly products. Due to these actions taken by the local governments practicing sustainable packaging material is becoming common all over the world. is making businesses use sustainable packaging. So, biodegradable packaging is becoming a popular and responsible choice for businesses and people.

Best Biodegradable Packaging Materials 

According to the feasibility and sustainability, several materials are good for biodegradable packaging. This list will follow a sequence from the most important to the least important. 

• Paper and Cardboard: These are common and in-demand biodegradable exe materials.  They can undergo biodegradation and have a fast breakdown. This capability reduces their chances of accumulating waste in the environment. 
• Bio-based polymers: Such materials including corn starch or cellulose are renewable and can be broken down by bacteria easily. The places in Europe Asia and North America Have hundreds of applications of bio-based polymers as their primary packaging material where composting is done on a large scale.
• Mushroom mycelium: This is a network of fungal threads that can be a good material. Mushroom mycelium packaging has now a wide range of applications in almost every kind of product as a biodegradable option. For instance, You will be surprised to return now that one of the leading technology companies Dell has partnered with MycoWorks to develop a mushroom-based packaging solution. 
• Seaweed: One more extensively using Eco-friendly Packaging option, the seaweed consists of kelp, carrageenan, and agar-agar. This biodegradable material also has an increasing number of applications in almost all kinds of industries Seaweed films can be used to wrap fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  It is very good at resisting water and can break down easily, which makes it great for packaging food.
• Compostable plastics: Being plastic it is technically the least preferred packaging material when sustainable options are under concentration.  but such kinds of plastic are compostable and can undergo the composition of bacteria.  

The chosen material depends on what the product needs and how quickly it needs to break down.

Top 5 Benefits of Biodegradable Custom Packaging:

The reasons why biodegradable custom packaging is becoming a trendy packaging option in almost all industries are Hidden in the benefits of this packaging approach. 

1. Damage-free for environment: Since these materials undergo Bacteria decomposition Therefore they are effective in reducing landfill waste and contributing to a healthier planet.
2. Marketing tool for your brand: Deploying biodegradable packaging materials kraft,  cardboard Etc attracts eco-conscious consumers And serves as a marketing tool for your brand. 
3. Enough for securing product: Sturdy packaging options with some biodegradable materials like mushroom mycelium can provide excellent strength and protection to your products. 
4. Best for cost-effective packaging approach: Applying biodegradable Packaging to your product Packaging for a long period offers cost-saving practice for you. They also lower waste disposal fees and potential tax benefits.
5. Versatility as a packaging material: Some biodegradable materials are extensively used worldwide. For instance, cardboard and a craft bird are recyclable and easy to decompose. 

Biodegradable Packaging Bags – Are They Eco-Friendly Too?

Do you have an idea about Kraft paper bags?  They are included in one of the most eco-friendly options. This is because of their ability to decompose as soon as they are disposed of.  The following characteristics explain their eco-friendly features: 

• Bacterial Decomposition 
• Renewable And recyclable
• Instant Composting 
• Reduced Carbon Footprint
• Loved by More audience

Biodegradable Packaging for Food:

Biodegradable food packaging Materials are crucial for the protection of food items. These materials naturally break down over time.  this characteristic differentiates them from regular plastic packaging. The top biodegradable packaging materials for food include recyclable cardboard or kraft paper. Not any of these two materials create as much waste or harm the environment. 

Some extra features enhance the eco-friendly power offered by food packaging material.  they are as listed: 

• Plant-based containers: They are ideal for holding fruits, vegetables, and dry foods. They can be composted.
• Biodegradable films: Such kind of offer protective films are made from cellulose or starch. They can cover food and break down easily.
• Edible coatings: Beeswax or plant gums I used to make a productive layer on the natural stuff of biodegradable packaging material. They can keep food fresh and are edible Without any damage to health. 

Best Biodegradable Packaging for Cosmetics: 

When it comes to eco-friendly packaging for cosmetics items then recycled paper or bamboo pulp is a good choice. They have a large number of applications because they are sustainable, flexible, and can be changed to fit a brand. Moreover, the use of mushroom mycelium Is also constantly expanding because it’s strong, good for the environment, and looks unique.

Biodegradable Packaging Peanuts – A New Approach! 

You need to move beyond the regular Packaging for peanuts. Polystyrene  Is the abundantly applied plastic packaging material that creates a lot of plastic waste. The latest biodegradable and composed packaging approach to peanuts include: 

• Eco-friendly materials i.e. plant starch, mushroom mycelium, or recycled paper.
• Regular white and brown Kraft paper
• Recycled Cardboard, Unbleached Cardboard, and Grass Cardboard. 

Biodegradable Packaging Filler

Such kind of packaging fillers are made up of corn starch or recycled paper that comes from plants. They are eco-friendly and don’t create as much trash as the usual plastic fillers. This feature makes them ideal choices for Manufacturers in industries like cosmetics and personal care, food and beverage, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. 

Printing Inks for Biodegradable Packaging

Today, most packaging manufacturers prefer inks made from soy or vegetable dyes for biodegradable packaging. The key features of these inks are cost-effective than regular inks, produce bright colors, and are harmless.

Biodegradable Packaging Cost

A comparison between traditional plastic and compostable packaging has revealed that biodegradable packaging is more commercial.  however the overall price of the packaging depends upon the material,  its customization, and the quantity of order price can change based on the material, how it’s customized, and how much you order. At first, they might cost a bit more than regular options. But, you could save money in the long run because you pay less for waste disposal and might get tax benefits.

Is Biodegradable Packaging More Expensive? 

No that’s not true. Biodegradable packaging might cost a little more than regular options. But, in the long run, when it comes to bulk product packaging it always actively reduces the packaging costs. 

Conclusion

Biodegradable packaging is becoming crucial day by day. It is best to save resources and to reduce the big chunks of plastic waste and pollution. Some packaging materials i.e. recyclable cardboard, mushroom mycelium, and craft table materials that are good for the environment help in many ways. It reduces the amount of waste in landfills and encourages responsible waste management. It also has many benefits for businesses and customers.