
Compostable Packaging
Flexible packaging is pliable, has a lightweight structure and a shape that can be easily formable. It is commonly used to pack food and non-food products and protect them during storage and transportation.
TIPA’s compostable packaging mimics the positive properties of conventional flexible plastics (transparency, durability, printability, machinability, barrier properties, shelf life & shelf stability), while having a sustainable end of life just like organic waste: once placed in compost, our packaging will fully biodegrade in a matter of months.
TIPA’s compostable packaging is made of fully compostable polymers that come from both bio-based and fossil-based sources. In contrast to conventional plastics, the polymers used to produce TIPA’s packaging are structured to fully biodegrade under composting conditions. Nevertheless, the source of the material doesn't determine its biodegradability.
TIPA’s packaging should be disposed into compost together with your organic waste. If the packaging is certified home compostable, it will fully biodegrade in home compost in under 12 months. If the packaging is certified industrial compostable, it should be discarded in an industrial composting facility where it will fully biodegrade in under 6 months.
Both types of packaging are structured to fully biodegrade under composting conditions.
Home compostable packaging can be disposed of in a home compost bin, community compost or garden compost. It is also suitable for industrial composting. Industrial compostable packaging can be only disposed in an industrial compostable facility, which typically has higher temperatures and a more controlled environment.
Please see here our great blog about how to begin your own home compost.
Once placed into compost, our packaging will be affected by the heat, humidity and oxygen, and break down into small particles that will be eaten by bacteria and other microorganisms, leaving behind no microplastics. As a result of this microbial activity, the compost pile will turn into water, CO2 and nutrient-rich compost – a remedy for eroded and degraded soils.
TIPA® Properties
TIPA provides a 6-month guarantee for any flaw in production. Having said that, we have customers using our packaging for around a year after conducting their own shelf-life testing. Our packaging is shelf-stable and will not biodegrade without composting conditions (such as high heat and high humidity), but its properties will weaken with time. To maximize the shelf life our materials require ambient conditions. We recommend storing temperature of compostable packaging in (15÷25) °C / (59÷77) °F and 40-60% relative humidity and no direct sunlight.
TIPA’s packaging can be chilled and frozen, but is not intended to be heated or otherwise exposed to high temperatures since heat can enhance the biodegradation process.
At the moment, TIPA does not offer packaging solutions for liquids or very moist products since humidity is one of the parameters known to enhance the biodegradation process of compostable materials.
The stock program’s packaging comes with it's own graphics and is not available for custom printing. However, you may add your brand to the stock packaging by using compostable stickers. Alternatively, feel free to explore customizable packaging options.
TIPA’s compostable packaging does not leave any toxic residue during or after the decomposition process. Our materials are certified and abide by international standards, including eco-toxicity and heavy metal tests, to ensure that they are safe to cultivate the soil.
TIPA® vs. Other Solutions
TIPA offers a variety of compostable films and laminates with different barrier properties, suitable to pack a wide range of products, from non-foods such as fashion items to dry foods and fresh produce.
TIPA’s goal is to protect your product, so we made sure that our packaging will not biodegrade on the shelf nor on your product without composting conditions. Furthermore, our packaging is odorless.
Conventional plastics are deceptively cheap, they come at a high environmental cost. Waste treatment (landfilling, incineration, or, in rare cases, recycling) are not included in the price. TIPA’s compostable packaging is more expensive than conventional plastics due to its innovative nature, premium quality, and the cost of raw materials. Why pay more? So that you don’t need to compromise on packaging quality or sustainability!
Due to a number of reasons, the recycling rates of flexible plastics are very low (e.g. 4% in the UK). Even if packaging gets recycled, its quality deteriorates. Very often, virgin materials need to be added to ensure sufficient quality. It is only possible to recycle (i.e. downcycle) the same product a number of times. Eventually, the quality will be too poor for further recycling, and the item will end up in a landfill or incineration facility. TIPA’s compostable packaging has a very different end of life: it can be returned to nature as a resource.
Compostable packaging is not the only sustainable packaging option. Some brands choose reusable packaging, and some decide to entirely forgo packaging. However, in cases where packaging is needed, compostable bags are a desirable eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Hence, recently we’ve been witnessing an increasing demand across the board for the fashion and food industries.
TIPA® Stock Offering
Based on years of experience in manufacturing custom packaging, we’ve identified the most popular sizes, thicknesses and types of packaging for the food and fashion industries. For your convenience, TIPA’s stock program’s bags are now available all year-round with low lead time, so you can replenish your stock any time!
The stock program’s packaging comes with TIPA and TUV logos and is not available for custom printing. However, you may add your brand to the stock packaging by using compostable stickers. Alternatively, feel free to explore customizable packaging options.
Yes. Our stock program offers global shipping. Shipping costs are not included in box price and are added at checkout.
For sure. If you wish to order larger quantities or custom made bags, please visit TIPA's website