Sustainable Packaging 101
Curious about exploring sustainable packaging options but don’t know where to start? Eagle’s Sustainability team specializes in helping you choose the right material and format for your application, guiding you every step of the way.
Definitions of Sustainable Packaging Terms
Criteria for determining the sustainability of packaging:
- Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle
- Meets market criteria for performance and cost
- Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy
- Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials
- Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices
- Is made from materials healthy throughout the life cycle
- Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy
- Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles
*The above information is in no certain order.
Source: Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Recyclable Packaging
A product or package that can be collected, separated, or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Biodegradable
The term “biodegradable” refers to a material’s ability to decompose via microbial activity. Biodegradability and composability both refer to a package’s end-of-life. Source: Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Compostable
The term “compostable” refers to a material’s ability to biodegrade within a sufficiently short amount of time in the conditions of a composting operation. Many biodegradable products are not compostable, and the terms should not be considered to be equivalent. Source: Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Compostable vs Biodegradable:
Compostable materials are designed to break down naturally within a reasonably short period of time in a compostable environment and leave no toxic trace thus reducing harmful impact on the environment. Biodegradable films, on the other hand, may take years or even decades to break down outside of a controlled setting and leave behind trace residue that could be considered harmful.
| Compostable | Biodegradable |
|---|---|
| Materials disintegrate into organic matter in a designated composting environment and leave no harmful trace. | Materials will be broken down in any environment and may leave residue. |
| Within one year in a controlled composting environment. | May take several years to decades depending on disposal environment. |
| All compostable products are biodegradable. | Not all biodegradable products are compostable. |
To understand more about “green” terms and definitions, we recommend referencing the Green Guides as written by the Federal Trade Commission.
Interested in how materials are tested and certified? Learn more about sustainable Industry Standards.
The Eagle Advantage
Our entire product portfolio is backed by our advanced manufacturing capabilities. Our products and processes are thoughtfully designed to better serve you and ensure your packaging delivers both functionality and a seamless experience for the end user. The best packaging supplier is one you can rely on, and we are committed to setting the standard for quality, service, and speed in everything we do.
Ask our flexible packaging experts!
Looking for more details or ready to kick off your next packaging project? Send us a message and we’ll be in touch!
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