eco friendly packaging and composting
Everything you need to know as an eco conscious Aussie business owner.
We know running a café or restaurant means limited storage, tight margins, and customers who care about sustainability but often get confused about bins. That’s why our approach is different.
Eco friendly packaging and composting
Everything you need to know as an eco conscious Aussie business owner.
We know running a café or restaurant means limited storage, tight margins, and customers who care about sustainability but often get confused about bins. That’s why our approach is different.
Our Approach on Eco Friendly Packaging:
Only certified home compostable products: no grey areas and no greenwashing. We’re very transparent and straightforward on how your customers can safely dispose of their products.
Education built in: signage, dedicated QR code full of educational materials on our cups, and simple messaging to help you and your customers.
Designed for real café life: lids that fit, cups that don’t leak, and packaging that holds up to heat and ice.
Eco friendly packaging shouldn’t be another stress point. With the right products and the right education, it becomes a way to engage customers, build loyalty, and show you’re serious about sustainability, without falling for greenwashing, no matter where you trade in Australia!
Our blog is designed to clear up some packaging myths and give you the no-BS education you deserve before adopting sustainable products.
Happy reading!
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If you’ve ever doubted whether compostable coffee cups actually break down in real-world conditions, this blog post is for you. We recently partnered with sustainability legend Michael Mobbs, who ran a trial of our certified home compostable cups in one of his famous Coolseats – and the results are in:
How to Start Composting in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Backyard Composting
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Commercial vs Home compostable packaging: One is still a source of pollution!
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Better understanding compostable packaging in Australia in 2025
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Compostable Alternatives: Your Go-To Coffee Packaging Specialists in Adelaide
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The Ultimate Guide to Compostable Packaging Materials 2025
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4 Biggest Myths About Eco Friendly Packaging Busted:
Myth 1: “Biodegradable” means it’s good for the planet.
Not true. Biodegradable just means it will eventually break down, sometimes over years, and often into harmful microplastics. Only certified compostable packaging guarantees safe decomposition.
Myth 2: All compostable packaging can go in the green bin.
Wrong. Most councils in Australia don’t accept compostable packaging in the FOGO bins, even if they’re certified. The safest bet is opting for home composting so anyone can compost the packaging in their backyard compost.
Myth 3: Recycling is always the best option.
Not in hospitality. Greasy pizza boxes, coffee cups, or salad bowls usually can’t be recycled because of contamination. Composting works better for food-soiled packaging. Recycling works for clean materials.
Myth 4: Eco friendly packaging costs too much.
While unit costs can be higher than plastic, the bigger savings come from brand reputation, customer loyalty, and reduced landfill waste costs. Many café owners find customers expect sustainable options now.
FAQ for Australian Cafes & Hospitality on Eco Friendly Packaging
1. What does “eco friendly packaging” mean?
Let’s be honest here, we hate the term “eco friendly packaging” as it makes people feel good about a product that may not be so good for the environment. But “eco friendly packaging” is a term used by many meaning it is designed to reduce environmental impact. In reality, true eco friendly packaging is certified compostable, recyclable, or reusable – not just marketed as “green.” Our focus is on home compostable packaging, so customers can compost it in their backyard, instead of relying on inconsistent council systems and different rules based on different States/Councils.
2. Why is eco friendly packaging a challenge in Australia?
Cafés and restaurants face:
Patchy FOGO services across councils. Only 43 out of 536 councils accept compostable packaging in the green bin. That’s only 8% of Aussies that are able to do the right thing…
Confusing and unregulated labels like “biodegradable” or “made from plant” that mislead both staff and customers.
Rising costs and supply chain pressure.
That’s why it’s about choosing the right product for your waste stream and giving customers a clear and honest disposal pathway (not just pretending!) As a business owner it is your responsibility to educate yourself on what products are accepted in your local government area and chose the best option accordingly. Don’t blindly listen to packaging sales rep and always do your own research. That’s when you can have a real impact.
Hint: certified home compostable products will always have a pathway to recovery no matter where you are in Australia!
3. Is compostable packaging better than recyclable packaging?
In most café situations, yes. Once packaging touches food or coffee, it’s hard to recycle. The kerbside recycling bin only accepts clean plastics and containers. Compostable packaging avoids this problem: it goes straight into a compost bin and turns into nutrient-rich soil instead of adding to landfill waste that creates methane.
4. What certifications should I look for?
Look for AS 5810 (Home Compostable) or AS 4736 (Commercial Compostable) if you are in one of the 43 councils that accept compostable packaging. Anything else, especially vague “biodegradable” claims, is usually marketing spin (greenwashing!).
