Sustainable vs. Recyclable vs. Compostable Packaging: What's the Difference?

In a world where 80% of UK consumers prefer brands with sustainable practices, packaging choices have never mattered more. Yet terms like "sustainable," "recyclable," and "compostable" are often confused. Understanding these distinctions is critical for businesses striving to reduce environmental impact and align with customer expectations.

 

Understanding the Key Terms

Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging minimises environmental impact across its lifecycle — from sourcing raw materials to end-of-life disposal.

Key traits:

  • Reduces resource use and carbon emissions

  • Prioritises renewable or recycled materials

  • Balances environmental benefits with cost and performance

According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, truly sustainable packaging should be "beneficial, safe, and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its lifecycle." (1)

Examples from TEC Packaging:



Recyclable Packaging

Recyclable packaging is specifically designed to be collected, processed, and manufactured into new products after its initial use, promoting a circular economy

Key traits:

  • Made from easily reclaimable materials

  • Relies on accessible recycling infrastructure

  • Requires consumer participation

Examples from TEC Packaging:

  • Paper Void Fill: Fully recyclable and offers excellent cushioning.

  • Book Wraps: Made from recyclable cardboard, offering adjustable depth for snug, protective shipping.

 

UK Insight:

In the UK 2022 and 2023, 62.4% and 64.8% of UK packaging waste was recycled respectively.

Recycling accounted for 8.2 million tonnes of the 12.7 million tonnes of packaging waste arisings in 2023. Paper and cardboard had the highest waste arisings, at 5.4 million tonnes.

The highest recycling rate achieved in 2023 was 73.4% for paper and cardboard, followed by 71.2% for metal and 67.8% for glass (2)

 

Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is designed to break down completely into non-toxic components (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) when composted.

Key traits:

  • Disintegrates within 12 weeks in industrial composters (BS EN 13432 certified)

  • Leaves no toxic residue

  • Supports natural ecosystems

In the UK, compostable packaging must meet the BS EN 13432 certification, ensuring that it fully decomposes within 12 weeks under industrial composting conditions.

Examples from TEC Packaging:

 

Sustainable vs. Recyclable vs. Compostable: Quick Comparison

Aspect

Sustainable

Recyclable

Compostable

Focus

Lifecycle impact

Material recovery

Biodegradation

End-of-life

Reuse, recycle, compost

Reprocessed into new materials

Decomposes into biomass

Infrastructure

Varies

Needs recycling centres

Needs composting facilities

Timeframe

Long-term

Immediate

12 weeks or less

UK Relevance

Net-zero goal support

64.8% recycling rate

BS EN 13432 standard

TEC Availability

Yes

Yes (green icon)

Yes



Making the Right Choice for Your Business

When selecting packaging solutions, consider:

  • Product requirements: Does your product need moisture protection, cushioning, or extended shelf life?

  • Supply chain factors: How will the packaging perform during transport and storage?

  • Disposal infrastructure: Are recycling or composting facilities accessible to your customers?

  • Consumer behaviour: Will your customers properly dispose of the packaging?

Consider Sustainable Packaging When:

  • You want to address environmental concerns across the full lifecycle

  • You seek balance between performance, cost, and impact

  • You aim to showcase a broader commitment to sustainability

Opt for Recyclable Packaging When:

  • Your customers have access to effective recycling infrastructure

  • You want to support the circular economy by reusing materials

  • You require materials that can be recovered and reused efficiently

Choose Compostable Packaging When:

  • Your product is likely to be contaminated with food (making recycling impractical)

  • Your customers have access to industrial or home composting

  • You want packaging that ultimately returns to the earth as a resource

 

Common Myths Busted

  • "Compostable means you can throw it anywhere." — No, proper composting conditions are necessary.

  • "All recyclable materials get recycled." — Only if processed through the correct facilities.

  • "Sustainable always means compostable." — Sustainable focuses on the whole lifecycle, not just end-of-life.

 

Understanding the differences between sustainable, recyclable, and compostable packaging is essential for making informed decisions that align with your business values and environmental goals. By choosing the right packaging, you reduce your environmental impact while maintaining product protection.

 

TEC Packaging: Your Eco-Friendly Partner

With over 30 years of packaging expertise, TEC Packaging is your trusted partner for greener packaging solutions.

Our Commitment:

  • Extensive Eco Range: Sustainable, recyclable, and compostable options

  • Clear Labelling: Easily identify recyclable products with green icons

  • Proven Leadership: Awarded Gold by EcoVadis in July 2024, placing us among the top 5% of companies rated for sustainability performance. This recognition highlights our excellence in environmental practices, ethical operations, labour standards, and sustainable procurement.

Free Consultation Offer! Curious about the best packaging choice for your business? Request a free consultation with our eco-packaging experts today.

References:

Sustainability