Advancements in packaging technology have created an avenue for biodegradable and compostable packaging materials that have the potential to be included within the organics recycling waste stream. The diversion of organics waste, including compostable packaging, from landfill offers the opportunity for positive change, both environmentally and economically through circular waste management. However, it has been established that chemicals of concern to human health and the environment may be present in some of these biodegradable and compostable packaging materials. These chemicals are primarily added to enhance the functional performance of the product, but there are few requirements for manufacturers to disclose them.
This research seeks to identify key chemicals present within biodegradable and compostable packaging materials and track their degradation and fate during the composting lifecycle. The findings will support a greater understanding of the sources of chemicals in the organics recycling stream and their interactions, aiding to identify what is needed to close the loop for a safe circular economy for compostable packaging materials.
Grant Support
This project is part of an ARC Linkage grant in collaboration with the following partners:
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF)
- Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)
- Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA)
- Candy Soil
- Eurofins
- Queensland Health
- Queensland Department of Tourism, Environment, Science and Innovation (DETSI)
- NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
