At Redpack innovation, research and development is at the forefront. On that note, we carried out an experiment as we were curious to know just how much packaging waste could be reduced by if products were wrapped in biodegradable punnets instead of plastic punnets.
We carried out this experiment on several products that are currently wrapped in plastic punnets but could be wrapped in biodegradable punnets. We weighed the total amount of plastic used to wrap each of the products and compared that with the total amount of plastic used to wrap biodegradable punnets.
Our results showed that by flow-wrapping with biodegradable punnets instead of plastic punnets we can save a huge amount of plastic on each pack.
Grapes = 76% less plastic
Mushrooms = 81% less plastic
Tomatoes = 67% less plastic
Strawberries = 71% less plastic
By flow-wrapping with biodegradable punnets instead of plastic punnets we can save up to 76% on plastic for each pack.
Some additional benefits of biodegradable punnets
- Faster Breakdown: Unlike conventional plastic punnets, biodegradable punnets decompose much faster, often within a few months to a few years, depending on the material and environmental conditions.
- No Harmful Residue: As biodegradable punnets break down, they typically turn into natural elements which can be reabsorbed by the environment without leaving harmful residues.
- Less Volume in Landfills: Since biodegradable punnets decompose more quickly, they contribute less to the growing volume of waste in landfills. This helps reduce the strain on waste management systems and the space needed for landfills.
- Lower Methane Emissions: In landfills, traditional plastics often break down anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Biodegradable materials, if they decompose properly, produce significantly less methane.
- Composting: Many biodegradable punnets are compostable, meaning they can be added to compost piles and contribute to the production of nutrient-rich soil. This supports a circular economy by turning waste into a valuable resource.
- Use of Renewable Resources: Biodegradable punnets are often made from renewable materials like cornstarch, sugarcane, or bamboo, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics and contributing to more sustainable production practices.
By replacing traditional plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives, we can help reduce the environmental footprint of packaging waste and move towards a more sustainable future. Companies that use biodegradable packaging can attract environmentally conscious consumers, encouraging more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
To discover how Redpack Packaging Machinery can help your business, get in touch.
