Home
Search History
Clear History
{{item.search_key}}
Hot Searches
Change
{{item.name}}
{{item.english_name}}
Subscribe eNews
Once A Week Once Every Two Weeks
{{sum}}
{{sum}}
Login

Please Login

Subscribe To Tags, See What You Want To See

Sign Up For Events, Expand your network

Unlock Private Messages, Participate In Interactions

 Register

Hi.{{userInfo.company_name_english||userInfo.truename_english}} Hi.{{userInfo.truename||userInfo.phone||userInfo.email}}

Applications

ISCC Plus-certified resins for Continental tires

CPRJ Medical Plastics Conference: How to navigate the new arena?

Starlinger’s multiple recycling systems to shine at K 2025

Products

New version of SIGMASOFT to be presented at K 2025

Mitsui Chemicals to highlight sustainable and PFAS free solutions at K Fair

World premiere at K 2025: Arburg ALLROUNDER 475 V

Activities

  • Round Table at Fakuma 2023: “Plastic – Recyclable Rather Than Problem Material!”

  • ArabPlast 2023 – The Success Journey Continues………..

  • GREAT NEWS! INAPA 2023 IS COMING BACK 24 - 26 May 2023 at JIExpo Jakarta, Indonesia

Pictorial

Industry Topic

ASEAN: The Next Manufacturing Hub

Innovative and Sustainable Packaging

Green Plastics: News & Insights

CHINAPLAS

CHINAPLAS 2025 Focus

CHINAPLAS 2024 Focus

CHINAPLAS 2023 Focus

Exhibition Topic

K 2025 FOCUS

CHINA INSIGHT

Fakuma 2024 Highlights

News Videos

PLASTAR Packaging Machinery new factory breaks ground in Wenzhou China

The 7th Edition CPRJ Medical Plastics and Rubber Conference fruitfully held

CPRJ Packaging Conference: motan offers intelligent systems for packaging industry

Conference Videos

ENGEL e-cap 380

ENGEL e-speed 280 125ml thinwall container with 30% rPET

ENGEL e-speed 420 packaging

Corporate/Product Videos

Jiangsu Liside New Material Co., Ltd.

Dow 45 years in China

Carbon Removal and Carbon Emission Reduction Tech Solution——Yuanchu Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd.

Exhibition

Playback TECHHUB 2025@CPRJ Live Streaming for CHINAPLAS

Playback TECHHUB@CPRJ Live Streaming for CHINAPLAS

Events

Playback On April 14, the "6th Edition CHINAPLAS x CPRJ Plastics Recycling and Circular Economy Conference and Showcase" at the Crowne Plaza Shenzhen Nanshan is currently being livestreamed!

Playback 5th Edition CHINAPLAS x CPRJ Plastics Recycling and Circular Economy Conference and Showcase

News
NEW
HOT
 Events
NEW
HOT
 SPE Asia
NEW
HOT
 Special
NEW
HOT
 Live
NEW
HOT
 eNews
NEW
HOT
 eBook
NEW
HOT
 Event Calendar
NEW
HOT
 Survey
NEW
HOT
 CHINA INSIGHT
NEW
HOT

Home > News > Packaging

Compostable packaging may contain harmful additives: Study

Source：Adsale Plastics Network Date ：2024-08-08 Editor ：RC
Copyright： This article was originally written/edited by Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com), republishing and excerpting are not allowed without permission. For any copyright infringement, we will pursue legal liability in accordance with the law.

New research from the University of Auckland reveals that not all compostable products are as eco-friendly as they claim.


University of Auckland_compostable product_480.jpg


University of Auckland researchers have been investigating how compostable products like paper cups and food trays can affect soil health.

 

In 2023, the Ministry of Environment of New Zealand commissioned researchers at the University to investigate how compostable products affect soil health.

 

Three new reports have been published in detail, with findings, potential consequences and recommendations for regulating these products, aiming to improve compostable product practices in New Zealand with a focus on soil health and cultural relevance.

 

Packaging products contain harmful substances

 

As part of the study, researchers tested ten products, including paper cups, bin liners, pizza boxes and food trays, for harmful substances such as plastics, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals and PFAS.

 

Analysis revealed that many products contained these contaminants, which threaten soil and groundwater if composted in large quantities. Food safety concern is also raised when a cardboard pizza box with all chemical classes tested.

 

Compostable packaging may not be green

 

One of the concerning findings is that an unlined fiber tray labelled “compost me” contains high levels of total fluorine and PFOA, a banned chemical listed on the Stockholm Convention.

 

Associate Professor Lokesh Padhye, one of the researchers, explained that chemical additives, such as contaminants like PFAS and plastic polymers can persist in the environment for decades, posing long-term risks to soil and groundwater health.


University of Auckland_Lokesh Padhye_480.jpg


Lokesh Padhye, Associate Professor and one of the researchers.

 

Although additives are often used to maintain functionality of compostable products, such as preventing soggy and crumbling packaging, products with these additives might prove equally or more harmful in the longer term than single-use plastics.

 

Actions to be taken


These findings reflect a need for greater transparency and stricter regulations regarding the use of additives in compostable products.

 

Labelling also pose another challenge in New Zealand as the country lacks clear guidelines on how terms such as “green” and “sustainable” can be used.

 

Furthermore, the reports will help shape future regulations for compostable products in New Zealand. As there is distinction between home and industrial composting, public misconception can result in improper disposal practices, where products may not decompose as intended.

 

Furthering the research

 

The researchers developed a guide, which is the country’s first attempt to create guidelines, to help stakeholders in New Zealand navigate decision-making processes across the different stages of the life cycle of compostable products.

 

They also aimed to include a diverse range of products to gain a clearer understanding of the issue.


 Like 丨  {{details_info.likes_count}}
Biodegradable
Bioplastic
Sustainability

The content you're trying to view is for members only. If you are currently a member, Please login to access this content.   Login

Source：Adsale Plastics Network Date ：2024-08-08 Editor ：RC
Copyright： This article was originally written/edited by Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com), republishing and excerpting are not allowed without permission. For any copyright infringement, we will pursue legal liability in accordance with the law.

New research from the University of Auckland reveals that not all compostable products are as eco-friendly as they claim.


University of Auckland_compostable product_480.jpg


University of Auckland researchers have been investigating how compostable products like paper cups and food trays can affect soil health.

 

In 2023, the Ministry of Environment of New Zealand commissioned researchers at the University to investigate how compostable products affect soil health.

 

Three new reports have been published in detail, with findings, potential consequences and recommendations for regulating these products, aiming to improve compostable product practices in New Zealand with a focus on soil health and cultural relevance.

 

Packaging products contain harmful substances

 

As part of the study, researchers tested ten products, including paper cups, bin liners, pizza boxes and food trays, for harmful substances such as plastics, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals and PFAS.

 

Analysis revealed that many products contained these contaminants, which threaten soil and groundwater if composted in large quantities. Food safety concern is also raised when a cardboard pizza box with all chemical classes tested.

 

Compostable packaging may not be green

 

One of the concerning findings is that an unlined fiber tray labelled “compost me” contains high levels of total fluorine and PFOA, a banned chemical listed on the Stockholm Convention.

 

Associate Professor Lokesh Padhye, one of the researchers, explained that chemical additives, such as contaminants like PFAS and plastic polymers can persist in the environment for decades, posing long-term risks to soil and groundwater health.


University of Auckland_Lokesh Padhye_480.jpg


Lokesh Padhye, Associate Professor and one of the researchers.

 

Although additives are often used to maintain functionality of compostable products, such as preventing soggy and crumbling packaging, products with these additives might prove equally or more harmful in the longer term than single-use plastics.

 

Actions to be taken


These findings reflect a need for greater transparency and stricter regulations regarding the use of additives in compostable products.

 

Labelling also pose another challenge in New Zealand as the country lacks clear guidelines on how terms such as “green” and “sustainable” can be used.

 

Furthermore, the reports will help shape future regulations for compostable products in New Zealand. As there is distinction between home and industrial composting, public misconception can result in improper disposal practices, where products may not decompose as intended.

 

Furthering the research

 

The researchers developed a guide, which is the country’s first attempt to create guidelines, to help stakeholders in New Zealand navigate decision-making processes across the different stages of the life cycle of compostable products.

 

They also aimed to include a diverse range of products to gain a clearer understanding of the issue.


全文内容需要订阅后才能阅读哦~
立即订阅
信百勒 英文横幅 AdsaleCPRJ.com A1 420x90 EN
DODGEN-Reaction and Separation Professional Factory customized color masterbatch functional masterbatch FCP flexible composite pipe - Hydrogen delivery

Recommended Articles

Packaging
Sour cream cups made with 30% rPS available in German supermarkets
 2025-09-03
Packaging
Mondi launches innovative kraft paper for packaging
 2025-08-29
Packaging
Eye-catching paint container with 50% PCR plastic
 2025-08-27
Packaging
ENGEL all-electric machine demonstrates closure production with maximum energy efficiency
 2025-08-25
Packaging
What Is this summer's hottest packaging trend in China?
 2025-08-21
Packaging
Kiefel to unveil smart thermoformer for rPET at K 2025
 2025-08-13
AdsaleCPRJ.com A1 - EMP - EN 2025 K focus_EN
JC times button ad EN Twin Screw Extruder rongsheng
  • Must See
    • News
    Images
    Watch it
1
New BOPET film line for composite current collector film technology commissioned in China
2
New strategy: Alliance to End Plastics Waste releases progress report
3
Why and where are Chinese modified plastics companies expanding overseas?
4
CHINAPLAS 2026: 5 reasons you shouldn’t miss this trade fair
5
Brückner buys ZSK twin screw extruders from Coperion
1
The 7th Edition CPRJ Medical Plastics and Rubber Conference fruitfully held
2
PLASTAR Packaging Machinery new factory breaks ground in Wenzhou China
  • Hot Specials

You May Be Interested In

Change
  • People
  • Company
loading... No Content
{{[item.truename,item.truename_english][lang]}} {{[item.company_name,item.company_name_english][lang]}} {{[item.job_name,item.name_english][lang]}}
{{[item.company_name,item.company_name_english][lang]}} Company Name    {{[item.display_name,item.display_name_english][lang]}}  

Polyurethane Investment Medical Carbon neutral Reduce cost and increase efficiency CHINAPLAS Financial reports rPET INEOS Styrolution Evonik Borouge Polystyrene (PS) mono-material Sustainability Circular economy BASF SABIC Multi-component injection molding machine All-electric injection molding machine Thermoforming machine

Compostable packaging may contain harmful additives: Study

识别右侧二维码，进入阅读全文
下载
x 关闭
订阅
亲爱的用户，请填写一下信息
I have read and agree to the 《Terms of Use》 and 《Privacy Policy》
立即订阅
Top
Feedback
Chat
News
Market News
Applications
Products
Video
In Pictures
Specials
Activities
eBook
Front Line
Plastics Applications
Chemicals and Raw Material
Processing Technologies
Products
Injection
Extrusion
Auxiliary
Blow Molding
Mold
Hot Runner
Screw
Applications
Packaging
Automotive
Medical
Recycling
E&E
LED
Construction
Others
Events
Conference
Webinar
CHINAPLAS
CPS+ eMarketplace
Official Publications
CPS eNews
Media Kit
Social Media
Facebook
Youtube
Adsale Group ｜  About Us ｜  Terms of Use ｜  Privacy Policy ｜  Contact Us ｜  Media Kit ｜  Consent Letter for Processing Personal Data ｜