Compostable Plastic Packaging Recycling Unit Setup

In today's fast-paced world, businesses are increasingly expected to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. One way to do this is by adopting sustainable practices that reduce waste and promote recycling.

If you want to "green" your business, compostable plastic packaging recycling is a great place to start. Setting up a compostable plastic packaging recycling unit can divert waste from landfills, reduce your carbon footprint, and demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility.
But where do you begin? In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through setting up a compostable plastic packaging recycling unit, from choosing the right equipment to educating your employees and customers. With this guide, you'll be on your way to a more sustainable future for your business and the planet.

Understanding Compostable Plastics And Their Impact On The Environment

For decades, we have been moaning & groaning about the usage of plastics and their impact on the environment. Plastic boycotts are not a new age mantra but a narrative that has been told since they caused nemesis. As conscious environment ambassadors, companies have stepped up the ladder and pursued eco-friendly alternatives by replacing plastic packaging with Compostable packaging. 
Isn't that great? 

As a cherry on the cake, compostable plastic packaging comprises plant-based materials: stretch, pulp, bagasse, fungi, and cotton. All such natural resources are the reason which makes composting highly eco-friendly, unlike other types of packaging releasing toxins or chemicals when disposed of. 
Besides, compostable packaging is an environmental alternative designed for composting with organic materials. In addition, when the compostable plastic is added to the compost pile, it further breaks into Carbon dioxide, organic matter and water. The organic matter then enriches the soil and enables plant growth. 

Note: Not all forms of plastics are found to be compostable. For instance, the type of plastic used in water bottles is not fit for composting and should not be introduced to compost piles. Since it consists of chemicals and can take hundreds of years to decompose, instead, choose compostable plastics, such as biowaste bags, that break down in the composting environment.

Is Biodegradable & Composting Packaging The Same Thing? 

Biodegradable & composting might come across as a spitting image, but they are not the same entities. They are entirely different. As per the former, biodegradable material will somehow decay in its natural state but might discharge toxins that are unhealthy for the environment. 

On the flip side, compostable packaging would require a breakdown into non-toxic elements (in an organic way) that will be advantageous for the environment. 

Most importantly, Compostable materials are biodegradable, but biodegradable materials don't need to be compostable.

We should not fail to acknowledge the environmental perks of compostable packaging recycling and how it acts as a boon to our ecology. Let us look at how it is an artificial godsend- 

• Reduced carbon emissions:- Compostable recycling requires less energy, resources, and the usage of plastic materials. We at Corpseed are concerned about helping you preserve the environment while blessing you with sustainable packaging options to prepare compost.
• Reduces Landfill waste:- The compostable packaging that you use might be recyclable. For this, you can bring shipping boxes to action, as they are less affected by factors such as moisture. In addition, such packaging carries one of the superpowers dictated by the ability to degrade within a short period of time (when sent as landfill waste) with keeping in mind the environmental conditions that come with it.
• The organic way of life:- Compostable recycling impacts the environment in a way that enriches the fertility of the soil and leads to an organic way of life. Composting minimizes plant disease while enabling microorganisms to feed on the organic matter, making such a process of packaging a viable option for all. 

The story of the benefits of compostable plastic packaging recycling continues. It brings with it many more perks by the environment. 

Examples of Compostable Plastic Packaging Material

Now that we are acquainted with compostable plastic packaging, let us look at the materials that form part of it- 

• Recycled Paper

We are not alien to the application of recycled paper, an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for many households. It is compostable efficiently and effectively. You've likely seen Brown boxes used in shipments using recycled paper packaging to protect products from damage.

• Bagasse

Bagasse comprises compostable packaging made from sugar industry-sourced plant-based materials. It contains fibrous materials with cellulose as a main component. To help you identify how it looks, it is brought to use in the food service industry with packaging made from sugarcane pulp. It comes across with packaging in white boxes that are highly environmentally friendly and compostable. 

• Polylactic Acid

Polylactic Acid is another plant-based material composed of renewable resources such as starch and sugarcane - a compostable bio plastic with great potential in the market. As a result, it can even be converted into carbon dioxide and water within a few years. This compostable material is less energy-consuming and holds excellent benefits as well. 

Thus, these mentioned plastics are compostable and a boon to our environment. It can be recycled organically, favouring the environment by promoting plant growth and soil conservation.

To establish a Compostable Plastic Packaging Recycling unit, you require a list of documents as specified and laid down under the following categories, which are as follows- 

Basic documents

• Trade license from the municipal body authority in your area
• GST registration online
• Fire NOC ( No objection certificate)
• NOC from CPCB( Central Pollution Control Board)
• UDYOG Aadhar Registration
• Factory License 
• PAN, GST, CIN
• Aadhar / PAN of Authorized person

EPR Registration for Manufacturers

• DIC Registration (if the unit is registered with DIC)
• Process flow diagrams (for producers & PWPs only)
• Consents issued by SPCB/PCC (if the unit has a production facility)
• Scanned copy of signatures of authorized persons.
• Covering letter
• Geo-tagged pictures of raw material storage area, production area, product dispatch area, and plant machinery (in case of PWPs only)
• Documents regarding any other information that the unit wishes to provide.

CPCB Certification for Manufacturer

• Copy of Registration issued by concerned SPCB/PCC to the certified CPCB manufacturer.
• Copy of the certificate issued by CPCB to the concerned manufacturers.
• An authorization letter was issued to the seller from the concerned manufacturer.
• Test reports as per Indian Standards IS/ISO 17899: 2022. 
• IEC code (in case of import of biodegradable carry bags/commodities).

Are you looking to establish a compost Plastic Packaging recycling unit but need help knowing where to go? 

Do not worry; we have got you covered. Let us read to know more about it- 

EPR Registration

Initially, for a venture such as this, you require an EPR registration from Central Pollution Control Board. EPR directs this responsibility of waste management from the government to the manufacturers, encouraging them to create products with consideration for the environment.

Choosing the Right Equipment & Machinery

Compostable plastic recycling requires you to equip yourself with the necessary equipment & machinery. The involved equipment includes the following-

• Shredder:- One of the critical components of compostable plastic packaging recycling units is the shredder. This machine breaks down compostable plastics into smaller pieces, which can then be processed further. Shredders come in various sizes and designs, depending on the volume of compostable plastics being processed.
• Granulator:- Another essential piece of machinery in compostable plastic packaging recycling units is the granulator. This machine turns the shredded compostable plastics into small pellets, which can then be used to create new products. Granulators are essential to the recycling process, as they allow for the creation of new materials from old ones.

Raw Materials

The production of PLA plastics centres on "Polylactic Acid or Polylactic Acid Blends". They are usually discovered in the form of granules. For instance, PLA serves as a polymer of lactic acids, which undergoes a process of fermentation of starch as supported by microorganisms. Then, the obtained PLA from the starch cannot be used as plastics; therefore, to improve its qualities, the raw PLA is combined with additional materials, co-polymerized, or blended with other polymers. Furthermore, The PLA mixes a few additives, such as UV stabilizers, plasticizers and impact resistance modifiers. 

Location

It is brought to notice that one might require an area of almost 2,000 – 3,000 square feet to set up a compostable plastic packaging recycling unit. It would require adequate space for the production processes. 

Power requirements

It calls for a Compostable plastic packaging recycling unit plant that can work with a 3-phase AC 40-80 KW power supply.

Workforce needed

The workforce required to set up the compostable plastic packaging recycling unit is 12-15.

Licenses & Approvals

To begin with the compostable plastic packaging recycling unit, you must apply for licenses and registrations from the concerned authorities. No wonder these laws vary state-wise, but the necessary documents needed and required are- 

• You require a trade license from the municipal body authority in your area
• You need to obtain the GST registration online from the GST Portal.
• You require Fire NOC (No objection certificate).
• NOC from CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) is a must-have.

Promote your compostable plastic packaging recycling program

Acknowledging the power of marketing and how it can yield powerful results is crucial. It allows you to reach your target audience and instils awareness among all. With it, you can take your business to the next level. 

Therefore, all these factors are a must-have when setting up a compostable packaging recycling unit. 

At Corpseed, our team has years of experience and extensive knowledge of compostable plastics. We are well-versed in setting up a compostable plastic packaging recycling unit and offer consultation to clients through desk-based research, documentation, and coordination. We aim to assist businesses in identifying the necessary steps in establishing the unit. As a result, Corpseed serves as your one-stop solution for all your business needs.