Pioneering compostable alternatives to conventional polythene magazine fulfilment
20th December 2018
Spatial Global first offered a compostable 100% plastic-free alternative to conventional polythene almost 10 years ago. Take-up was low as the option was expensive and most publishers felt the cost couldn’t be justified. However, recent public outcry over the use of plastics has driven a resurgence in interest. Compostable film is an increasingly desirable option, and we are pleased to begin offering it once again.
At £175 for 10,000 magazines, the premium for compostable film is now within mainstream reach
With many publishers still preferring the conventional fulfilment option for their magazines, polythene film continues to be the most popular choice. However, many environmentally-focused publishers are making the conscious decision to switch to a compostable film solution. With a premium of approximately £175 on a 10,000-item mailing, many see this as an investment in their brand which adds to the credibility of their title and reduces their environmental impact.
Completely biodegradable mailing film made from potato starch
Compostable film is designed to be disposed of in a household composting bin, with organic and food waste, or placed on a compost heap in the garden. It will fully biodegrade within 52 weeks in these conditions, or a little longer if disposed of in landfill. 100% plastic-free, but maintaining the packaging qualities of plastic, this material is set to increase in volume as the public demands alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. With increasing volumes, the price of this compostable film has already dropped significantly in recent years and is envisaged to become more cost effective. We expect the price to continue to approach that of polythene film in the coming years.
Compostable 100% plastic-free alternative film specification:
- A unique compostable film, suitable for multiple packaging applications
- Film is a plasticizer-free thermoplastic material derived from potato starch
- Completely biodegradable
- The composting process is non-toxic
- Resins used are certified for OK Compost Home (certificate pending)
- Suitable for domestic composting
- Biodegradation starts when:
a. Humidity level is up to 80%,
b. Temperature is over 25°C
c. After contact with micro-organisms
d. Typical degradation time is up to 52 weeks
Exploring environmentally conscious options
Spatial Global seeks to be environmentally conscious, while giving our customers well-balanced advice on the pros and cons of the various options. Here are the five core options for distributing your title by mail. We hope the following overview will be helpful:
1 – Compostable film (manufactured from potato starch)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill but has a very short shelf-life
Cost Comparison: Was 580% 12 months ago, at time of writing 6 months later it has dropped to approximately 250% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Compostable film in magazine distribution
2 – Paper envelopes (manufactured from recycled paper or sustainable sources)
Recycling Qualities: Recyclable
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill (excluding window if applicable)
Cost Comparison: Approximately 530% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Paper envelopes in magazine distribution
3 – Biodegradable film (degrades in landfill)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade in landfill but has a relatively short shelf-life
Cost Comparison: Approximately 300% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Biodegradable film in magazine distribution
4 – Oxodegradeable film (breaks down in the presence of light and oxygen)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives
Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely due to lack of light, but will break down in the general environment
Cost Comparison: Slightly higher than conventional polythene
More about Oxodegradeable film in magazine distribution
5 – Conventional polythene (LDPE)
Recycling Qualities: Recyclable but most councils do not collect polythene wrap
Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely
Cost Comparison: The most cost effective option
More about Conventional polythene in magazine distribution