Recyclable meat packaging dissolves in sink after use

A new type of compostable foam packaging for meat products made of cornstarch is designed to be environmentally-friendly by disintegrating under running water after use.

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volodymyrshtun | bigstock.com
volodymyrshtun | bigstock.com

A new type of compostable foam packaging for meat products made of cornstarch is designed to be environmentally-friendly by disintegrating under running water after use.

The biodegradable packaging is a part of the Perdue Farms’s commitment to sustainability, including a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per pound of product by 30% by the year 2022.

Water-soluble cornstarch

The compostable foam packaging is currently available to customers who purchase meat products from the company’s new direct-to-consumer website.

Meat will be shipped in foam coolers whose main ingredient is water-soluble cornstarch. The packaging will be protected from moisture by a recyclable plastic wrapper.

After use, the packaging can be dissolved by running water or composted and is safe for drains, septic tanks and waste treatment centers. If dissolved in a bucket, the disposable packaging can also be used as plant food, according to the foam manufacturer’s website.

While there are currently no plans to use the biodegradable foam in products available in store, a company spokeswoman said, the company is exploring ways to make all of its packaging more sustainable.\

“We’ve received many positive comments from consumers regarding the use of this compostable foam insulation,” David Zucker, the senior vice president of e-commerce and new ventures for Perdue, said. “The decision to use recyclable material in our e-commerce shipping materials, including the compostable foam insulation, is one of many steps we’re taking throughout our supply chain to help us achieve these targets.”

Sustainable packaging a hot topic

Finding a way to reduce plastic packaging waste is a hot topic with consumers. In a recent survey from Innova Market Insights, about half of those surveyed indicated they would pay more for products from companies dedicated to reducing plastic waste.

"What Perdue is doing with its sustainability initiative is spot on with trends in the meat industry," Chris Dubois, senior vice president with market research firm IRI, told CNN. "The recycling piece is just the next frontier. The non-recyclable foam packaging for meat products is a big pain point for consumers."

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