Changes to our packaging again. But why?

Our new bags and their labels can be composted at home, but what does this actually mean?

We have updated some of our packaging again! Now both our wholesale (cafe) labels and bags are fully home compostable and we feel great about this (previously the labels weren't compostable). The new bags are a beautiful matte black and feel wonderful. Our home compostable packing has been purpose-designed by company Econic, to help lock in the taste and freshness of roasted coffee while allowing eco-conscious companies and consumers to reduce their impact on the environment.

This latest change is in line with our ongoing efforts to review our packaging against our own sustainability goals and make changes as soon as better options are available. Framing our own goals is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and more recently, Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Covenant. These targets are a coherent national approach that we applaud! 

If you continue to be a little confused by lingo around sustainable waste (like I am), here are few thoughts to consider:

Compostable - A process that breaks down matter through the use of fungi, bacteria, insects, worms and other organisms to create nutrient-dense ‘compost’.
But does it have Home or Commercial Certification?
Different compostable products require different settings and different labels. Much of the ‘Compostable’ branding we see is Certified Commercial Compostable packaging and can not be composted at home. Read more...

Degradable - made from plastic (fossil fuel derived polymers) with ingredients added to degrade. Significant evidence indicates degradable plastic fragments into tiny pieces of plastic, posing a huge risk to the ocean and other ecosystems for decades to come. Read more..

Biodegradable - essentially the same as Degradable. In Australia companies are allowed to use the term ‘biodegradable’ without proof that their product will break down. In other countries, companies are only allowed to use the term if they can prove their product breaks down within 5 years. 

Recyclable - get familiar with the Australasian Recycling Label. The label has been endorsed by all Australian governments to help make recycling easier. Find the label on the packaging of the things you buy at the supermarket.

Note: Each council in Australia does things a little differently. Its really important to know what applies to your local area. Find out about the recycling services in your area here... 

Recycled - Buying recycled content is an important part of dealing with our current waste problem. There are plenty of recycled content products on the market, for ideas check out this website...