We are closed from midday 23rd December and re-opening on the 11th January. We will be checking emails during this period and can process urgent orders. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!
There are numerous terms used to describe how different packaging and materials break down. I don’t know about you, but as a consumer I find it all a bit confusing and possibly even a little misleading. So let's start peeling back the layers so we can get to the core of the matter.
Below are a few common terms that lead to confusion around disposal of products and packaging.
Biodegradable plastics need living organisms such as fungi and bacteria to break down. They also require specific conditions, such as heat, which is why they normally need commercial composting processes to biodegrade.
If they are not composted and are sent to landfill, biodegradable plastics do break down, but they do so anaerobically. That basically means they degrade without oxygen and release a biogas as the microorganisms break down the organic materials. Biogas is mostly methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is a greenhouse gas with a warming capacity 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
So, if a material is stated as biodegradable it should explain the environment it breaks down in, home compost or industrial compost, and provide certification to back this claim up.
As most of us understand it, I think, composting is a process that breaks down organic matter through fungi, bacteria, insects, worms and other organisms creating a nutrient-dense compost that be used as a fertiliser and soil conditioner. I think it safe to assume we all probably know composting food waste is better for the environment than sending it to a landfill, as it creates no toxicity.
With commercial composting, all plant- and animal-based items can be composted. An industrial compost facility shreds material to the same size and controls the temperature and oxygen levels so a high quality, toxic-free compost is produced.
It is a multi-step, closely monitored composting process. Moisture and airflow are closely monitored to encourage bacterial activity and temperature is closely controlled to also ensure any dangerous bacteria is killed. Chippers, grinders, and mixers break down compostables, making them more manageable for the microbes to break everything down further.
Simply labelling a product compostable is not good enough as it does not specify how a product can be composted; it may only be able to decompose in a commercial facility. To date there is no agreed New Zealand standard for compostable packaging and food serviceware. In the absence of a New Zealand composting standard however, there are several overseas standards that are recognised in Aotearoa. For more information visit WasteMINZ
Read the fine print. Maybe you’re buying plastic items that are better for the environment. But are they really? It can depend on where you throw these products out.
If you read “compostable in industrial facilities,” they must be broken down using commercial composting methods. Biodegradable cutlery, compostable coffee cups, packaging and bags, etc. aren’t eco-friendly if you don’t dispose of them properly, using a commercial composting service. We offer plant-based compostable food service packaging and eco catering disposables: quality environmentally friendly products at competitive prices. Speak with our team today about buying them for your customers and staff.
There are 12 industrial facilities in New Zealand and three community facilities that currently accept compostable packaging.
Compostable packaging is not accepted in council kerbside food waste collections or privately provided greenwaste collection bins. In most cases, a waste company must be used to collect and transport compostable packaging to a composting facility.
For a list of these facilities, the compostable packaging they accept, and the waste companies that can be used to deliver packaging to the facility go to https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/sector-groups/compost-nz/new-zealand-facilities-that-accept-compostable-packaging-and-food-serviceware/
This list was accurate as of May 2019.
Composting, whether at home or commercially shouldn’t be seen as a hassle. It is time to get serious about composting organic waste because the benefits are all too great to dismiss. We carry a very extensive range of sustainable, eco-friendly food service products, including drinking straws, wood and cornstarch chopsticks and cutlery, biodegradable coffee cups, takeaway food containers and cardboard food trays and recycled napkins. So, if you, like us, want to make a difference, simply call 0508 467 462 to speak to a member of our team.
Posted: Friday 27 November 2020
Air Freshener
Antibacterial Wipes
Bags
Bed Rolls
Brooms
Brushes
Buckets
Cleaning Eco
Cleaning Std
Cleaning Wipes
Cold Cups
Cutlery
Degreaser
Disinfectant/Sanitiser
Dishwash Detergent
Disposable Clothing
First Aid Kits
Floor Cleaner
Floor Mats
Floor Pads
Food Containers
Food Packaging
Food Wrap
Gloves
Hand Dryers
Hand Soap
Hand Sanitiser
Hot Cups
Insect Control
Janitor Cart
Laundry Detergent
Mops
Packaging
Paper Bags
Paper Towels
Plates
Recycle Bins
Rubbish Bags
Safety Equipment
Sanitary Units
Scouring Pads
Serviettes
Signage
Squeegee
Stationery
Straws
Sunscreen
Table Covers
Takeaway Cont
Tape
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Toilet Hygiene