An Expert Guide to Biodegradable Packaging

What is Biodegradable Packaging?

Biodegradable Packaging refers to packaging materials that are designed to breakdown naturally (via the action of bacteria, fungi, and algae) into non-toxic elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

Unlike traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, biodegradable packaging decomposes over a relatively short period (e.g. 6 to 36 months). The exact time-frame depends on the conditions that the material is exposed to (e.g. temperature, moisture, oxygen levels) and the type of biodegradable material itself.

What’s the difference between Biodegradable and Recyclable Packaging?

Biodegradable Packaging and Recyclable Packaging are both eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, but they work in very different ways, and they have markedly different environmental impacts.

Biodegradable Materials are those that can be broken-down naturally by microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi) into harmless substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

Recyclable Packaging refers to materials that can be collected, processed, and remanufactured into new products. The important distinction to note is that Recyclable Packaging doesn’t necessarily break down quickly, nor is there any guarantee that its disposal (in to landfill) is free from eco-toxicity effects.

So, whilst biodegradable packaging and recyclable packaging are better for the environment than traditional materials, biodegradable material is the most eco-friendly packaging.

The Growing Importance of Biodegradable Packaging

Biodegradable packaging is emerging as a cornerstone in the fight against persistent plastic waste, driven by alarming statistics on ocean pollution and landfill overflow. A World Economic Forum report estimates that by 2050, plastics could outweigh fish in the oceans if current trends continue. In response, 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment¹.

Fundamental biodegradable packaging relies on natural fibres like paper, cardboard, and starch-based films, which decompose via microbial action. It’s like nature’s own recycling system – efficient and residue-free.

Paper-based packaging is produced through pulping wood or agricultural residues, followed by calendaring for smoothness. For flexible applications, it’s coated with wax or PLA to enhance barriers. The biodegradation process involves enzymes from bacteria and fungi breaking cellulose into CO2, water, and biomass under aerobic conditions.

Technical details: ASTM D6400 standards certify composability, requiring 90% disintegration within 90 days. Benefits include rapid decomposition (weeks to months in compost), reducing landfill volume by 50%, and renewability from managed forests. Challenges: Poor moisture resistance leads to sogginess, and production can deforest if not sustainably sourced.

To learn more about our range of Biodegradable Packaging please click here, or if you need further advice, get a call-back from one of our Expert Advisors, by clicking here.

New Innovations in Biodegradable Packaging: Synthetic Biopolymers

In addition to the traditional wood-pulp based materials, manufacturers now have the option of using inventory biopolymers like Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), that are synthesised from renewable resources.

Biodegradable Packaging: Polylactic Acids (PLAs)

These are fermented from corn starch to lactic acid, then polymerized. Biodegradation occurs through hydrolysis and microbial digestion, fully composting in industrial facilities at 58°C.

What its good at: This type of biopolymer is rigid, transparent, and has high tensile strength, making it excellent for rigid applications like clear cups, clamshells, trays, and thermoformed containers. It processes well on existing equipment (similar to PET) and offers good heat resistance in some formulations.

Where it Struggles: PLA can become brittle over time, especially under stress or cold conditions, and has limited flexibility. In addition to its mechanical properties, PLA has moderate oxygen barrier but poor water vapor resistance, often requiring coatings or multilayer structures. That said, excels in grease/oil resistance for fatty foods. The main drawback of this material is that (due to hits high temperature of decomposition), it’s only suitable for Industrial Composting, and not Home Composting.

Biodegradable Packaging: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable biopolyesters produced by various microorganisms as intracellular carbon and energy storage compounds. They are synthesized from renewable resources, such as plant-derived sugars, vegetable oils, waste materials, or even lignocellulosic biomass and industrial byproducts, making them a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics.

What its good at: PHA is considered superior to PLA for “full” biodegradability in natural environments (soil, marine, freshwater, anaerobic), reducing risks if littered or mismanaged. PLA relies heavily on industrial composting infrastructure; without it, it may not degrade meaningfully in nature.

PHA often provides better oxygen and water vapor barriers than PLA, which is advantageous for oxygen-sensitive foods (e.g. extending shelf life). PHA also excels in flexible films and coatings.

Where it Struggles: PHA production is still scaling up (higher costs, though improving with waste feedstocks), and it may require blending (e.g., with PLA) for optimal thermoforming or film extrusion.

Why use Recyclable Material in preference to Biodegradable Packaging?

While biodegradable materials sound appealing (they break-down naturally), they come with limitations that can make recyclable materials more attractive in many real-world scenarios.

Manufacturers often prefer recyclable packaging over biodegradable packaging for several practical economic, regulatory, performance and perception reasons. Based on our experience, helping customers with sustainable packaging problems, here are the top four reasons why manufacturers prefer recyclable materials compared to biodegradable packaging:

[1] Durability / Product Protection: Recyclable plastics often provide better durability, moisture barrier properties, and printability without compromising on function. This makes the preferred option for many in the food, electronics, and e-commerce sector. Some biodegradable materials can be less reliable in humid conditions, have shorter shelf-life and/or require special handling in production.

[2] Ease of Production: Recyclable materials such as: Recycled PET, HDPE and PE are often cheaper and more readily available at scale, due the growing number of recycled-content regulations issued by governments. Recyclable mono-materials also simplify production while meeting performance needs (strength, barrier properties, shelf life).

In contrast, Biodegradable Packaging (such as bioplastics or plant-based films) can be more expensive to produce, have limited suppliers, and may require changes to manufacturing equipment or processes.

[3] Perception: Surveys (such as the McKinsey & Co study: “Sustainability in Packaging 2025 – Inside the Minds of Global Consumers²“) and other market data³ show consumers consistently rank ‘recyclability’ as the top sustainability feature for packaging — often higher than biodegradable or compostable packaging.

This is because people are more familiar with recycling symbols and bins, making it easier for brands to communicate “recyclable” claims credibly. Biodegradable labels can confuse consumers or lead to accusations of ‘misleading marketing’ if the material doesn’t break-down as expected in typical disposal scenarios.

[4] Regulatory Compliance: Many regions (especially the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, effective from 2025–2026 onward, and similar laws in parts of the US) prioritize recyclability with strict targets, with recycled content mandates for plastics.

Biodegradable or compostable claims face scrutiny or restrictions due to greenwashing risks and inconsistent performance. Recyclable designs (especially mono-materials) help manufacturers comply more easily and avoid future fines or redesigns.

Want some samples of Biodegradable Packaging?

No problem! Click here for a sample of our Biodegradable Packaging

In addition to Biodegradable Packaging, we also offer a variety of other sustainable packaging solutions. Click on the any one of the options below, if you would like us to send you some samples.

click here for a sample of our Recyclable Pouches

click here for a sample of our Compostable Pouches

click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Humidity Regulators

click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Desiccants

click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Oxygen-Level Controllers

Let us help you

If you’re interested in our SUPERGREENPAK Biodegradable Packaging, click here to book a free consultation!

Our team has over 70 years’ worth of experience helping customers solve their packaging problems, and we’d be very happy to help you too!

Call us on +44 (0)1628 531 900 …or click here for a call-back.

What to Read Next:

– A Quick Guide to Eco-Friendly Packaging

– The Importance of Green Packaging

– What is sustainable Packaging?

– What is Compostable Packaging?