What is Compost
Compost is decomposed organic matter, serving as a natural fertilizer for agricultural and gardening purposes.
It encompasses various components, including food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials like earthfirst® compostable packaging.
The composting process involves the action of microorganisms breaking down these materials, ultimately yielding nutrient-rich soil beneficial for plant growth & soil health.
Composting plays a vital role in the circular economy as an end-of-life scenario
Through resource recovery, composting transforms organic waste into valuable compost, creating a useful resource from materials that would otherwise be discarded
Composting contributes to waste reduction by significantly decreasing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills
Composting enables nutrient cycling by returning essential nutrients back into the soil, fostering healthy plant growth and ecosystem resilience
What are the differences between Home and Industrial Composting?
Home composting and industrial composting differ primarily in scale, processing methods, and materials. Home composting is typically smaller, relying on natural decomposition with minimal intervention, using kitchen scraps and yard waste. It requires careful balance of carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens) and may take several months to fully break down.
In contrast, industrial composting operates on a larger scale with controlled conditions like high heat, moisture, and oxygen, enabling faster breakdown of a wider range of organic materials, including compostable plastics and other items unsuitable for home systems. Industrial facilities also adhere to strict regulations to ensure consistent quality.
Why choose composting over recycling for food packaging?
Choosing organic recycling -or composting- over recycling offers significant advantages for food packaging
Recycling Stream Challenges
- Recycling systems vary widely by city and country, making it difficult for brands to ensure that their packaging can be effectively recycled everywhere
- Many areas lack the infrastructure to recycle certain types of materials, leading to inconsistent recycling outcomes and increased waste, especially on complex, multilayer packaging laminates
Composting Benefits
- Compostable food packaging, however, can be processed in home or industrial composting systems
- Additionally, composting addresses improper disposal issues; if compostable packaging ends up in nature, it biodegrades naturally instead of polluting the environment