Biodegradable • Compostable • Recyclable
GO GREEN WITH GREEN ALTERNATIVES
Let us help you incorporate more recyclable, compostable and biodegradable products into your mix! Start making the world a little "greener" with food supplies such as compostable soup containers, paper food trays, molded fiber plates and bowls and more!
Biodegradable, Compostable or Recyclable - What's the difference?
Over the past 10 to 20 years the marketing industry has successfully made the general public conscious of the need to make informed choices when it comes to disposable paper products. Most people have heard all the terminology such as biodegradable, compostable and recyclable and have seen the symbols on the bottom of plastic containers but what do them mean?
We have included a list of frequently asked questions for easy reference to help you to make the best decisions for your business.
What Does The Term "Compostable" Mean?
What Do The Three Arrows in the Recycle Symbol Represent?
Is Plastic Compostable?
Compostable means that a product is capable of disintegrating into natural soil. This typically must occur in about 90 days.
• Collection
• Manufacturing
• Purchase of recycled content products.
A plastic may be degradable but not biodegradable, OR it may be biodegradable but not compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called compostable or leaves toxic residue behind).
What Do The Terms "Pre" or "Post" Consumer Mean?
How Can I Tell If My Product Is Compostable?
Why Can't I Recycle Everything?
Pre-Consumer: materials that were discarded or leftover when used to make something else, such as factory trimmings, damaged or obsolete products and overruns.
Post-Consumer: materials that have been returned, recycled and reborn into a second life.
In North America, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is the 3rd party agency that determines if products are commercially compostable according to ASTM standards.
BPI's certification logo can be displayed on the actual product and packaging materials.
In short, not everything has a market. Recycling is a business driven by supply and demand. By buying products containing recycled materials, we "close the loop" and markets are developed so recycling those materials makes more economic sense. Be part of the solution. BUY RECYCLED!
Is Cardboard Biodegradable?
What Are The Benefits of Recycling?
Which Plastics Are Recyclable?
When not wet or contaminated with food or oil, cardboard is recyclable. It is also naturally biodegradable but it's always a good idea to put it in a recycling bin instead of leaving it as litter.
• Keeping material out of the landfill.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Creates jobs.
Look for symbols 1, 2, 4 & 5 as these plastics are considered to be the safest. They are recycled into a variety of goods like tote bags, pens, recycling containers, detergent bottles, pallets, brooms, signal lights, ice scrapers and bicycle racks.