Stories & news: Myths, busted.
Plain-English explainers on plastic, compost and the claims printed on packaging, plus news from PlantSwitch.
Sustainable packaging ROI: the total cost of compostable foodservice ware
Compostable foodservice ware usually costs more per piece, but unit price leaves out EPR fees, labeling rules and claim risk. Here is how to model the total cost.
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Myth or fact?
0/6Your score
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01
“Biodegradable means it breaks down fast.”
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“A PLA cup will break down in your backyard compost.”
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“Most plastic that goes in the recycling bin gets recycled.”
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“A green leaf on the label means it’s certified.”
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“We breathe in microplastics, not just eat them.”
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“Home composting doesn’t need any energy.”
More stories
Sustainability strategy for packaging that survives regulatory scrutiny
Packaging claims are now enforced in court and in state filings. Here is a step-by-step way to build a sustainability strategy where...
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EPR compliance guide for packaging producers: all seven state programs
Seven U.S. states have packaging EPR laws, and fees are already live in Oregon and Colorado. This guide covers each program's status,...
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What is PHA? A complete guide to polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics
PHA is a plastic made by bacteria. Here is how it is made, the main types, how it compares with PLA and...
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PHA vs PLA: a buyer’s guide to compostable packaging
A side-by-side look at PHA and PLA: how each is made, where each breaks down, and how certifications and the latest USDA...
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The science of composting: how biodegradable packaging really breaks down
How microbes break down compostable packaging, what the labels and certifications really promise, and why PHA and PLA behave so differently outside...
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Sustainable foodservice in 2026: the operator's playbook
Packaging rules, guest expectations and supplier choices all shifted in 2026. Here is what is driving the change for foodservice operators and...
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The distributor's guide to compostable packaging in 2026
A practical guide for distributors building a compostable foodservice line: what California's labeling rules mean for inventory, how to score suppliers, and...
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California SB 54 compliance guide for packaging producers (2026 update)
California's SB 54 packaging rules took effect in May 2026. Here is what the law requires, where the rollout stands, and how...
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Why PLA isn't actually compostable (and what is)
PLA carries a compostable label, but it is built for industrial composting that most used packaging never reaches. Here is what happens...
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Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Why the Difference Matters for the Planet
The Green Jargon Trap We all want to be eco-friendly. We bring reusable bags to the grocery store, opt for bamboo toothbrushes,...
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Bioplastics Explained: Why PLA Fails and Why We Need a Better Switch
The Plastic Problem: Fossil Fuels and Forever Waste From the packaging around your snacks to the disposable cutlery at your last picnic,...
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