Seven Australian Food Brands Embracing Plastic-Free, Biodegradable Packaging
In recent times, the realm of compostable packaging technology has witnessed substantial advancements in quality and affordability. This progress has made it accessible to food businesses, ushering in a new era of possibilities for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Numerous packaging options now offer comparable barrier properties to conventional plastics, while also boasting proven compostability in home compost bins.
These innovative films primarily consist of renewable materials like plant fiber and corn starch, steering clear of the reliance on fossil fuels that underpins most traditional plastic production.
However, it’s important to note that compostable packaging necessitates specific processing conditions, including heat, moisture, and the presence of microbes typically found in composting systems. As a result, such packaging may not decompose in landfills.
While compostable packaging is not a definitive solution to our pollution challenges, it does represent a positive stride away from single-use and non-biodegradable alternatives. It propels us toward a future where food packaging can be reintegrated into the circular economy.
So why haven’t larger brands hopped on the bandwagon yet?
Presently, major brands in Australian supermarkets have yet to incorporate compostable packaging into their product ranges. However, when we observe the smaller enterprises entering the market, we witness encouraging indications that innovation in the packaging sector is already underway. This momentum highlights the need for a shift toward more sustainable, compostable packaging, thereby challenging the status quo and prompting change for the better.
Now, let’s explore seven exemplary small-scale food and beverage brands that are demonstrating the viability of compostable packaging. These businesses serve as a testament to the existence of advanced technologies and beckon the need to overcome our plastic addiction in favor of more sustainable alternatives.
- Wilderbean
Sisters Ingrid and Sally embarked on their culinary venture, Wilderbean Chickpea Pasta and Chickpea Mac and Cheeze, in June 2020. From the outset, their focus was set on ensuring the sustainability of their products, ranging from the noodles themselves to the packaging materials. Wilderbean Pasta is meticulously packaged in boxes made entirely of 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Moreover, the inner liners used are certified as home compostable, crafted from responsibly sourced cellulose fiber.
- Love Tea
Since 2012, Love Tea has been formulating, blending, and packaging organic tea in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Co-founders Damien and Emma, with their background in Naturopathy, leverage their knowledge to craft blends that offer both therapeutic benefits and a well-balanced flavor profile. Their loose leaf tea is packaged in compostable film, while their ‘silk’ pyramids are created from Soilon, a plant-derived material that is fully compostable.
- We Bar None
Inspired by the diverse range of healthy and sustainable snack options she encountered during her visit to Canada, Ellen launched her line of snack bars in 2013. Based in Ballarat, Ellen became the first Australian food entrepreneur to employ certified home compostable packaging for her snack bars and crackers.
- The Vegan Dairy
At The Vegan Dairy, a family team employs traditional cheesemaking techniques to craft delectable non-dairy cheeses, rich in flavor and devoid of artificial additives. Their sustainability efforts extend beyond the realm of packaging and include a jar return system and an on-site composting facility. Additionally, they utilize certified home compostable film packaging.
- Sip Instant Coffee
Located in the picturesque coastal town of Byron Bay, this coffee business has revolutionized the world of instant coffee by combining it with coconut milk powder, thereby delivering an instant creamy coffee experience. Their product range encompasses enticing flavors like chai, matcha, and coconut. Packaged in compostable materials, these blends are not only organic and fair trade but also environmentally conscious.
- The Daily Bar
The founder of The Daily Bar, Al, embarked on a mission to create a healthy snack that would stand apart from the sugary options prevalent in the market, such as muesli bars and muffins. Their nutty, seedy bars, free from refined sugar, offer guilt-free indulgence during afternoon cravings. To ensure a truly eco-friendly product, the wrapping itself is home compostable.
- MMMore Raw Treats
Handcrafted in Sydney, MMMore Raw Treats offers a delectable range of vegan and gluten-free options, including slices, bars, and cubes. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their choice of packaging—100% compostable wrappers that break down within a span of 26 weeks.
These seven Australian food brands epitomize the utilization of plastic-free, compostable packaging solutions, thus urging larger industry players to recognize the available technology and join the movement to combat our plastic addiction while embracing more sustainable alternatives.