Compost Stewardship Institute

The Truth About "Biodegradable" Claims in Composting Why is a marketing claim of 'biodegradable' against the law in places like the state of California? Because the term 'biodegradable' is extremely misleading to consumers understanding of its environmental impact. As an example, conventional petroleum-based toxic plastics fit the definition of 'biodegradable' since they will eventually biodegrade, even if it takes hundreds of years, and still be detrimental to our environment, soil, and waterways. Yet surprisingly, today you can go on websites like eBay, Amazon and Walmart and find these misleading 'sustainable' items, often making exaggerated and patently false claims of sustainability and positive environmental impact. Ironically, companies like Amazon and Walmart make exaggerated public claims of being sustainable as their marketing and PR machines promote a public perception of their commitment to sustainability - yet they don't vet the sustainable products they offer - exasperating the climate crisis impact with misleading and environmentally dangerous products. Biodegradation is when tiny organisms like bacteria and fungi convert materials into natural substances like carbon dioxide and water. Disintegration is simply the physical breakdown of materials into smaller fragments, like tearing a piece of paper. For composting to work effectively, both processes must happen, and crucially, they must leave no harmful residues behind. Here’s the catch: Not all "biodegradable" materials are compostable In fact, "biodegradable" is a red flag in composting, and outlawed in many places. The biodegradable products often break apart into microplastics or fail to biodegrade fully, causing more harm than good. That’s why true compostable packaging is designed to both disintegrate and biodegrade in composting conditions. It doesn’t just "look green"... it is intentionally engineered to enrich the earth, not harm it. Have you had a similar experience with misleading sustainability claims? The Climate Pledge The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy in California Californians Against Waste Institute for Local Self-Reliance Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) US Composting Council Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) Compost Manufacturing Alliance LLC Sustainable Brands Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Packaging Dive Waste Dive

An amazing day!!! ?? Impressive and broad participation by Leaders from every stakeholder group convening in #Denver to Improve Circularity of Compostables and Compost. ?? The energy, passion, and problem solving collaboration is unprecedented. ?? This is a truly fun and rewarding solution-focused process! ???? The trust and collaborative spirit is bringing us all together, as a unified force to address our common goal of improving America's compost system. ?????? Sustainability IS a team sport! ?? Gratitude to our lead facilitators: Candy Castellanos, GPCC, MSOD Arielle T. Sullivan, MSOD

For good reason there's an unprecedented amount of excitement throughout the circular compostable industry. ?? This is the first ever leadership meeting addressing the entire system of compostable packaging and materials.?? Compost Stewardship Institute is honored to be a member of this steering committee and thrilled to contribute alongside industry experts from every stakeholder group in the circular compostable materials process!?? Teamwork makes the dream work! ?? Here's to a successful conference! ??

Minnesota is now the 5th state in USA to enact EPR for packaging. Oregon (2021) Maine (2021) Colorado (2022) California (2022) Minnesota's new packaging EPR program requires producers selling packaging, paper products, and food service packaging into the state to financially support the statewide improvement and expansion of recycling programs. The law seeks to reduce the impacts of waste on the environment and human health, keep plastics out of rivers and waterways, and address the inequitable impacts of waste on vulnerable communities. ? Under the new law, brand owners are required to pay 50% of the residential recycling cost, starting July 1, 2029, increasing to 75% in 2030, and to 90% by July 1, 2031. ? The law requires the producers to fund, and the state to conduct, a needs assessment by December 31, 2026, which will inform program implementation. The law also requires MPCA to hire a consultant to conduct two studies by January 1, 2032 – one on workplace conditions and equity in Minnesota’s recycling, composting, and reuse facilities, and a second study to determine the contribution of covered products to litter and water pollution. Contact CSI for further details and information on how to properly plan for EPR for your business. #ExtendedProducerResponsiblity #EPR #PackagingEPR https://lnkd.in/evh43UUA