When it comes to clear packaging, we’ve split our materials into two categories: Bioplastics and Biodegradables. Our Bioplastic packaging made from Bio-PET carry the #1 symbol and are accepted in most curbside recycling programs. Our Biodegradable clear and take-out packaging is made from either PLA or bagasse and is optimized to break down in industrial compost facilities (although PLA is just as recyclable as PET, and we use recycled PLA every day in our facilities – it’s more about whether your local recycler accepts these materials).
At good natured, we’re committed to offering compostable options as the most eco-conscious choice, but we recognize not all communities are ready to go all the way to compostable. Here’s a few reasons why we think it’s best.
Using compostable food packaging can actually help the recycling stream, because food scraps and its container can all go in the same composting bin, decreasing food contamination in typical recycling streams (if you’re putting any containers in your blue bin now that are not squeaky clean, your local recycler is tossing them out, btw). Also, when a package is composted, that compost is used back in the natural environment to create a variety of things, such as food, landscaping, or maybe more plant-based materials. And finally, compostable packaging is usually made with the highest percentage of plant-based content, meaning we’re using more renewable materials and less fossil fuels for everyday items. That’s a big win in our books!