Organic waste: an environmental threat or the best solution ever?

When we talk about plastic pollution, most people think of oceans, floating waste islands and wildlife affected by plastic debris. However, plastic pollution is also found far from the coastline, including in the soils where our food is produced.

Organic waste is often used to produce energy. But it also plays a role in maintaining soil health. Understanding how these two outcomes differ is key to making better use of organic resources.

Understanding what certification marks cover and why local waste infrastructure matters. Compostability certifications define the conditions under which a product is expected to break down. Here, we explain the differences between industrial and home composting, the main certification schemes and why local waste infrastructure still matters.

The EU continues to strengthen its approach to waste and circular economy. On paper, this makes sense. But in practice, it raises a more difficult question: what does it actually take to make waste systems work?

We are proud to share an important milestone: Biobag Group has been assessed as part of Novamont Group’s B Corp Certification.

Since its invention, humankind has produced an estimated 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic. Around 7 billion tonnes of it has already become waste.

An estimated 60–70% of soils in the EU are unhealthy. Yet healthy soil is essential for producing food, supporting biodiversity and keeping natural cycles working.

Food waste is produced every day. How we collect and treat it determines whether its valuable resources are lost or kept in use.

Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture. It supports crops, stores and filters water, cycles nutrients and provides a home for an extraordinary range of organisms.

London-based start-up Aeropowder developed Pluumo, an insulated packaging material made using surplus feathers.

Soil is the foundation of our food systems and an essential home for biodiversity. Yet an estimated 60–70% of soils in the EU are considered unhealthy.

Plastic has become part of everyday life. Its durability and functionality make it useful in many applications, but plastic that is not properly collected and managed can remain in the environment and contribute to long-term pollution.

Microplastics have been found across the environment, from oceans and rivers to agricultural soil and the air we breathe. Scientists are still working to understand exactly what this means for ecosystems and human health.

Healthy soil supports food production, biodiversity and resilient ecosystems. Keeping organic-waste streams clean is one of the ways we can help protect this valuable resource.

Plastic has changed everyday life and provides valuable functionality in many applications. However, the production, use and disposal of plastic have also created a significant pollution problem.

Biobag UK & Ireland’s retail range of compostable bags received Cré certification for use in Irish food-waste bins. At the time of the award, it was reported as the first retail range of compostable bags to receive this certification.

Italian company Novamont, a leader in the development and production of biochemicals and compostable bioplastics, announced that it had acquired Biobag Group, a Norway-based supplier of certified compostable solutions for waste collection and packaging.

Biobags are made of Mater-Bi, a family of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics developed by Novamont. These materials are designed for specific applications where biodegradability or compostability can support the collection and biological treatment of organic waste.

Home composting transforms suitable food scraps and garden waste into compost that can return organic matter to your soil. Here is how to get started and keep your compost working well.

An exciting European proposal on the Circular Economy Package in December 2015 paved the way for broader adoption of biodegradable materials across the EU.