STAKEHOLDERS WEIGH IN ON COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS

摘要

Compostable plastics offer great possibilities including reducing reliance on petroleum-based products and increasing the diversion of food waste. However, they also present challenges and create uncertainty for consumers and end-of-life processors. In January 2011, commercial composters, municipal representatives, bioplastics professionals and consultants gathered at a one-day bioplastics symposium hosted by the US Composting Council, California Organics Recycling Committee and the SPI-Bioplastics Council. The need to modify and clarify current testing methods to reflect the variations from composting facility to composting facility was identified. Labeling inconsistency, lack of clear definitions and competing certifications cause confusion. Labeling standards need to be cost sensitive and include the brand owners as stakeholders. Start small with the basics because most consumers know little about composting and less about bioplastics. Show less