How Bio-based and Biodegradable Packaging Contributes to a Sustainable Future
In an environment where customers expect green practices from the companies they do business with, the right packaging, such as biodegradable packaging, is just the beginning.
When it comes to packaging, there’s an overarching goal: provide the best outcome while keeping sustainability top of mind. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is through bio-based solutions. These alternatives feature numerous benefits — they’re easily disposable, some are biodegradable, and most importantly, they help reduce a company’s carbon footprint.
At Pregis, sustainability has always been a priority — it’s the backbone of the company’s 2030 goals, working to protect the planet and preserve natural resources. And as our reputation for green practices has grown, so has the demand from customers. Too often, unsubstantiated claims about the percentage of recycled content or CO2 neutrality pass by without much oversight.
Most people think about paper as the most common bio-based and biodegradable packaging supply, given that it’s easily recyclable and doesn’t harm the environment in a landfill. But as the demand for biodegradable packaging has increased over the years, a number of bio-based packaging materials have come to market.
Consider DIN-CERTCO certified bio-based loosefill chips, which are 100 percent biodegradable and 100 percent compostable.
The Importance of Biodegradable Packaging
Pregis’ bio-based loosefill works as padding material in cardboard boxes. This particular loosefill is made from starch, and is biodegradable and compostable.
- Ensuring loosefill is a biodegradable packaging material is critical if it ends up in the environment.
This DIN-CERTCO certified biodegradable and compostable loosefill is made entirely from natural raw materials, such as air, water, and vegetable starch. It can be disposed of with organic waste due to its compostability and will respond well to rain since it’s soluble in water.
It is available in green (the Bio One) and white (the Clean Bio One).
Protective Bio-based Packaging and the Circular Economy
In an environment where customers expect green practices from the companies they do business with, proper packaging and taking the right precautions isn’t enough. These offerings must be made from sustainable materials that can be backed up.
That’s why Pregis offers a range from biodegradable and bio based packaging materials.
Our paper packaging is made from 100% FSC recycled paper, it is 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable.
There’s also the ISCC-certified Airspeed Renew S and Renew Zero line of renewable sourced air cushions, recognized by the EU-based global certification system that emphasizes environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable production. New Airspeed Renew Zero air cushions are made from 50% ISCC certified, plant-based waste and 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. Renew Zero is CO2 neutral from cradle to gate, 100% free from fossil based plastic and 100% recyclable. The overall goal was to focus on as much CO2 reduction as possible and to contribute to the circular economy of plastics.
The Airspeed Renew S and Renew Zero, air cushions, are made from at least 50 percent renewable and natural renewable mass like leaves and husk. Because these air cushions are made from plant-based waste, the process of photosynthesis ensures that CO2 is taken out of the atmosphere and oxygen comes back in. This results in a negative CO2 value in the ISCC certified resin.
The content isn’t consumable, so it doesn’t impact the food chain. Plus, since it’s chemically recycled, the ISCC-certified resin has the same efficacy as its virgin material.
Keeping the Faith
In sustainability efforts, there’s often fear from customers about greenwashing — in which a company markets itself as environmentally conscious while failing to implement the practices it’s touting. What a company says and what it does are two different things. And sometimes, it really can be too good to be true.
Pregis is committed to green practices and establishing long-term sustainability practices. By 2025, the company aims to have 70 percent bio-based content or recycled material in each of its products. Efforts like these are all part of Pregis’ greater mission to provide the best and most biodegradable packaging materials to be a positive force in its short and long-term sustainability efforts.
For more info on Pregis' bio-based packaging solutions,
