Beware of Greenwashing in Sustainable Packaging
As sustainable packaging gains momentum, so does greenwashing, when manufacturers and brands use misleading terms like compostable, biodegradable, or tree-free without proper certification or context. It’s a growing issue that confuses consumers and undermines the very mission of sustainability.
At Biopackable, we believe in cutting through the confusion with clear, certified, and transparent packaging solutions.
“Compostable” Certification Matters
Many brands claim their products are compostable, but not all compostable claims are equal. To be considered home compostable, products must be certified by respected third-party organisations like TÜV Austria and display a valid licence number.
For example, our bagasse bowls and plant-fibre cutlery are made with no added PFAS and are certified home and industrial compostable. You’ll find certification details on every relevant product page.
Remember: Saying a product “adheres” to standards is not the same as being certified. If a product isn’t certified, how can you trust that it meets compostability standards?
Verify compostable logos and license numbers on our Certifications Hub.
“Biodegradable” — An Incomplete Story
Everything eventually breaks down — but how long will it take? One year? One hundred? Five hundred?
The term "biodegradable" is often used vaguely, without specifying timeframes or environmental conditions. Packaging that claims to be biodegradable may still leave behind microplastics or toxic residue, especially if it ends up in a landfill instead of a composting facility.
When shopping for packaging like our compostable produce trays, make sure the product description clearly states:
How long does it take to biodegrade
Where it should be disposed of (home compost, industrial compost, etc.)
What’s left behind (non-toxic? nutrient-rich?)
Want help evaluating options? Request free samples for your fit-for-purpose testing.
“Tree-Free” — Is It Really?
Some brands promote their packaging as "tree-free," suggesting it's made without wood pulp. In reality, many still contain virgin paper fibres.
Our bagasse packaging is made from sugarcane pulp — a rapidly renewable byproduct of the sugar industry. At Biopackable, we disclose exactly what goes into our products, blending bagasse with other reclaimed plant fibres to reduce deforestation and environmental impact.
Want proof? Our Certifications Hub includes transparency on material sourcing and compliance.
What to Look For When Buying Sustainable Packaging
When evaluating packaging claims:
Look for certifications with license numbers
Confirm the end-of-life process (compostable at home or only industrial disposal?)
Check what materials are used
Ask to see the Material and Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
We make this easy — visit our product categories to explore certified compostable options like:
No Greenwashing. Just Verified Solutions.
We’re committed to providing clear documentation, third-party certifications, and honest sustainability claims for all our packaging. That includes making our certifications easily accessible and clearly labelling every product page with compliance info.
If you're unsure which packaging suits your business needs, request free samples and test it firsthand.
Final Thought
Greenwashing erodes trust and slows progress. At Biopackable, we believe that real sustainability begins with truth, transparency, and tangible proof — not vague claims.
Explore our full range of certified compostable packaging today and join the movement against greenwashing.
