The Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s Value of Compostable Packaging Report explores how compostable packaging may enable increased food scrap diversion, building feedstock for compost manufacturers.

In 2016, the SPC staff conducted five waste characterizations: one at a farmers market, one at a evening concert, one at a national grocery store, one at a quick service restaurant, and one at a full day festival. Using the data collected from the waste characterizations, the staff were able to analyze the quantities of both food and compostable packaging in front-of-house and back-of-house settings at each venue. 

By understanding the amount of food waste that compostable packaging can bring to a compostables bin in different settings, compost manufacturers and venues can make informed decisions that ultimately divert waste and reduce emissions.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the following individuals and groups for their support: Lucy Agusta-Perna, Craig Cope, Justen Garrity, Eric Walter, Sarah Martinez, Glenda Yoder, Susan Elliott, Kristel Riddervold, Anne Bedarf, Live Nation, Veteran Compost, Black Bear Compost, Eco-Products, FarmAid, and the City of Charlottesville Department of Public Works and Department of Parks and Recreation.