{"id":280092,"date":"2025-11-05T11:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T10:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grown.bio\/?p=280092"},"modified":"2025-11-06T18:22:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:22:07","slug":"how-to-dispose-of-biodegradable-mycelium-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grown.bio\/de\/blog\/how-to-dispose-of-biodegradable-mycelium-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"How to dispose of biodegradable Mycelium Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Imagine you\u2019ve sourced recyclable material, optimized your packaging design, introduced return systems, and then: your packaging ends up in landfill\u2026 The material cycle is broken and the benefits of using recyclable materials are lost in a pile of waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New or unknown packaging materials can confuse end-consumers and internal teams from choosing the correct waste stream, minimizing your efforts within a split second. Fortunately, the PPWR mandates that by 2030, all packaging must be labelled with standardized symbols that provide information about composition and how to sort and recycle it or return it for reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we explain how to dispose of biodegradable Mycelium Packaging correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home composting<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most sustainable disposal pathway for Mycelium Packaging is allowing nature to recycle the material, as this requires zero extra energy. Simply break it into pieces and throw it in the garden or a home compost bin, where it will fully decompose. Home composting can take from a few weeks to several months, due to uncontrolled and inconsistent conditions, but remains completely harmless for nature throughout the entire time. During this process, valuable nutrients are returned to the soil and the carbon captured within the material is released into the earth’s natural carbon cycle, where it waits to be recaptured by growing crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While the earth’s natural recycling system requires the least amount of energy, not everyone has the privilege of a garden or compost heap. In this case, there are other circular disposal options that close the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organic waste bin<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If home composting is not an option, the organic waste bin is the second choice. Through pick-up schemes or drop-off at facilities, Mycelium Packaging is either processed into compost or biogas. Industrial composting remains the preferred pathway, as it is carbon-efficient and produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used in agricultural practices. While incineration cannot be referred to as carbon-efficient, it does prevent the release of methane in landfills and provides a renewable energy source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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General waste bin<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a last resort, Mycelium Packaging can go in the general waste bin. While it won\u2019t be repurposed into compost, it remains completely harmless to the waste stream and is sometimes repurposed into energy through incineration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paper bin<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are currently researching whether it is safe to place Mycelium Packaging in the paper bin. For now, it is not<\/strong> a viable disposal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the end, someone’s best guess determines whether or not the loop is closed. Whether it\u2019s your customer, technicians or warehouse staff, information provided on correct disposal, via labels or information campaigns, will encourage the right decision and ensure your packaging materials contribute to the circular economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: courtesy of Haeckels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond any disposal method, the new PPWR is providing an opportunity to engage companies in a more conscious relationship with packaging materials. The PPWR’s targets will encourage adoption of recyclable materials and standardized labels over the next few years, but companies must take advantage of this incentive. Whether companies are seen as leaders in sustainability will depend on their commitment to going the extra mile in sourcing sustainable materials and adapting infrastructure and processes that support a circular economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Imagine you\u2019ve sourced recyclable material, optimized your packaging design, introduced return systems, and then: your packaging ends up in landfill\u2026 The material cycle is broken and the benefits of using recyclable materials are lost in a pile of waste. New or unknown packaging materials can confuse end-consumers and internal teams from choosing the correct waste […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":280152,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation<\/a> (PPWR) was officially adopted by the European Council last December. Leaving around 18 months to focus on implementation, the PPWR will take effect on the 12th of August 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulation aims to reduce the amount of packaging and packaging waste produced, minimize the use of primary raw materials, and accelerate the shift to a circular economy. These new rules will have a direct impact on protective packaging, requiring businesses to reuse packaging, redesign it for recyclability, or switch to compostable alternatives to remain compliant and avoid financial penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Re-use: Extending packaging lifecycles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The PPWR defines re-use as the process of using packaging multiple times for the same purpose for which it was made. For packaging to qualify as re-usable, it must enter a \u2018re-use system\u2019, which is organized, funded and incentivized. The PPWR has set re-use targets for certain types of packaging by 2030, such as 'transport packaging or primary packaging used for shipping', set at 40%. As a result, businesses may need to redesign logistic flows and introduce collection and cleaning programs, as well as financial incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recycle: Making packaging circular<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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By 2030, the PPWR requires all packaging to be recyclable. The European Commission defines \u2018recyclability\u2019 as the process of reprocessing waste into new products and materials, whether for their original purpose or another use. But the PPWR goes further by outlining strict criteria as to what qualifies as recyclable packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To comply, packaging must first be designed to be recyclable. By 2030, no less than 70% of the packaging material must be suitable for recycling. As an intrinsic part of the design of a product, it must be possible to sort packaging waste into specific waste streams without interfering with the recyclability of other streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key measure to encourage the recycling is the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), placing producers in charge of waste management. The EPR makes producers of packaging responsible for the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling packaging waste. To encourage sustainable design, companies can take advantage of reduced EPR fees. Additionally, the regulation introduces recycling targets that must be met by 2030 and will be increased by 2040. Plastic packaging must be made of up to 35% of recycled material, depending on the type of packaging. Compostable packaging, however, is exempt from this requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Compost: A role for biodegradable materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Alongside recycling, the PPWR recognizes two different types of composting. It distinguishes between \u2018compostable packaging\u2019 \u2013 packaging that biodegrades under industrially controlled conditions, and \u2018home compostable packaging\u2019 \u2013packaging that can biodegrade in non-controlled conditions, such as in the garden or community compost systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there is currently no universal standard for home composting, industrial composting is only recognised as a viable solution under certain conditions. To prevent the negative effects of cross-contamination in waste streams, the PPWR mandates that compostable packaging must not contaminate the compost. Industrial composting of biodegradable plastic is to be decided upon by individual member states and will only be allowed when it provides a clear benefit for the environment or human health, such as compostable coffee\/tea bags, where the product is difficult to separate from the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How can businesses adapt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With key regulations coming into effect by 2030, businesses need to start preparing now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This means reassessing compliance with the PPWR , evaluating supply chains and material choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To meet the new requirements, companies using protective packaging may need to redesign logistic flows to facilitate re-use, such as implementing collection and return systems. Additionally, they must rethink packaging design to enhance recyclability, increase the use of recycled content, or transition to more sustainable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the growing availability of alternative protective packaging, such as home, marine, and industrially compostable Mycelium Packaging<\/a>, makes it easier for businesses to adapt. Besides being non-toxic, Mycelium Packaging also offers the opportunity to re-think traditional packaging designs, creating more efficient and sustainable solutions. While these changes require new systems and investments, they will ultimately help businesses stay ahead of regulations, reduce long-term costs, and align with rising consumer demands for sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore Industrial Mycelium Packaging<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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