Image courtesy of ADK Action

Compostables 101 - The who, what, where, when and how of purchasing and using compostable materials

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

We are very excited to host Jen Perry from Compost for Good for a quick and informative session on the who what, where, when and how of purchasing and using compostable materials. In recent years there has been a huge influx of compostables in consumer goods and single use containers.

What are the challenges and concerns around using these materials for commercial composting? What kind of non-organic compounds might be impregnated into the coatings? How is greenwashing affecting the prevalence of these products in the marketplace?

All this and more on December 11th at 3:30 PM via zoom. Feel free to contact us with any questions and we look forward to seeing you there. Event details below:

Topic: Compostables 101 with Jen Perry from Compost for Good

Time: Dec 11, 2024 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 985 4364 7192

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Agenda:

3:30 - 3:40: Introductions around the “room”

What do you hope to get out of the presentation?
Do you currently use compostable products for any part of your operation?
If yes, what is your motivation to do so?
Did you do any research prior to procuring the materials you are using?
Do you have any concerns or questions?

3:40-3:45: Overview of presentation

Context for presentation - I have been noticing a number of compostable
Reassure that this is not a punitive, regulatory presentation

3:45-4:10: Presentation

Definitions - compostable; biodegradable; bioplastics; ASTM standards v. certification; BPI; recyclable; show pictures of examples
What are the challenges and concerns - greenwashing; it might be compostable, but there could be non-organics materials impregnated into the materials; end use confusion; affordability; durability; coatings;
Ingredients - what are the potential ingredients in various compostable products: plastic bags, silverware (plastic and wood), containers, plates, cups, etc.
Labeling/certification - BPI; ASTM standards; certified for home composting;
Product sourcing - how to manage greenwashing; companies; pricing;
End use - landfill? Compost pile? Return to farm? Other? Consumer education is important - what do they do with the product at the end of its life

4:10-4:25: Q/A and feedback from farmers about which waste reduction issues are important to them to inform future potential presentations

4:25-4:30: Wrap up