en
es
We want to give you more information about compostable packaging, its effects and its benefits and that’s why we’ve interviewed Roland Palacios Sánchez, president of COMPOSTCAT (Association of Composting Plants of Catalonia).
The Association has its origin in Catalan companies (with plants located in different Spanish regions), but seeks to achieve its objectives in terms of Spain and Portugal, cooperating with other organizations, in this area. It is also proposed to collaborate with international organizations for the promotion and improvement of composting.
The Association for the Defense of Entities Dedicated to Composting Plants is a non-profit organization that proposes the development and promotion of composting as an environmental activity that contributes to the sustainability of agricultural activity, in the protection of the soil and its fertility, and that, at the same time, allows to give an environmentally optimal solution to the treatment of the organic waste pertinent of the agriculture and the livestock, of the alimentary industry and of the domestic waste.
1. What is the decomposition method of a compostable packaging?
The same as any other organic product. Quality compost is obtained by integrating this product, together with other products, in a composting matrix as a carbon source.
2.How long does it take to degrade?
It depends on the composting system used (overturned piles, ventilated static piles, tunnels, etc.). But since it is a cellulosic material, its decomposition can be located from 10s to 15 days in aerated tunnels at 2 months in turned piles.
3.What are the requirements and conditions that you stipulate for a packaging to be suitable for composting? Can it be decomposed together with other wastes such as organic matter?
It must be composed of biodegradable organic materials, without inks or other possible contaminants that can affect the composting process or the final compost.
And of course, the ideal is to treat it together with other organic materials.
4. Some composting plants are equipped with screening systems to exclude non-compostable items such as plastics. Does this method separate accidentally the compostable packaging?
These systems are normally used in plants that manage FORM. Only those unwanted materials are separated, separating plastics through optical identification systems, metals through magnets, etc.
5. Does compostable packaging have a lower carbon footprint than fossils? How is this measured?
We understand that it is, because of its origin and because it is recycled again, but we do not know the exact method to measure it.
6. Does this type of pack leave any toxic trace or footprint on the land? What nutrients have this type of packaging to contribute to fertile soil?
Normally they should not leave any toxic footprints. Its contribution is based on being a source of carbon and therefore organic matter for receiving soils.
7. Where and how is compost used once it is made? Can it be used to cultivate?
Of course, it is used in gardening, intensive and extensive agriculture, golf courses, fertilizer manufacturing, restoration of degraded spaces, sealing of landfills, etc.
8. What advantages and disadvantages are there in composting compared to other waste management?
In reference to organic materials, at COMPOSTCAT we think that it is the most appropriate method for their treatment and subsequent return to the soil of the nutrients and organic matter recovered. It is a circular economy with an reasonable and adjusted costs and with an environmentally friendly technology.
9. Does this type of packaging guarantee a true circular economy?
We understand that it is, as long as the manufacturing process and the recycling process follow adequate processes and with the necessary times.
10. Do you see compostable packaging as the packaging of the future?
It is a very suitable option as the packaging of the future, for single-use packaging. Other viable options may be the reuse of packages of more than one use.
11. Do you think we are prepared as a country to leave plastic behind and assume the change to compostable packaging?
If we rely on the existing treatment facilities we understand that yes, another thing is that there is sufficient knowledge and pedagogy for the general population to participate in this type of change.
Roland Palacios Sánchez. President of COMPOSTCAT.
Learn more about our compostable packaging here.