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  • Is plastic organic?

Is plastic organic?

Tallis Baker   10 February 2020 

Strange question, yes? But it's one we've been hearing recently. It depends on your definition of 'organic'. You cannot eat plastic: and yet 'organic' is a term we've become accustomed to hearing in relation to food. However, plants are organic, and plastic is from plants. Or is it? Let's examine what 'organic' actually means.

'Organic' as a marketing term

The term 'organic' tends to give people a warm, fuzzy feeling. 'Organic' is a bit of a buzzword in the food industry. In fairness, this is not all it is: the organic movement is an important one for preserving our environment. However, in short, a certified organic product is one that recycles resources, promotes ecological balance, and conserves biodiversity in the area where the farming happens. Organic farming also restricts the use of certain pesticides. It is good for our health, good for the soil, and good for the animals. When someone uses the word 'organic', everyone gets a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. In this sense, plastic is not organic.

'Organic' as a scientific term

The original meaning of 'organic' has nothing to do with environmental or human health. However, the original definition of 'organic' was not used for a farming model. Organic, in the chemical sense, describes a compound that contains carbon atoms bonded to atoms of other elements – most commonly hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Organic molecules are the building blocks of life, carbon being one of the primary atoms in any living organism – including us. While this means that organic food is still technically organic, it does not mean that everything organic is good for us. In fact, some of the most highly toxic compounds are organic – including paints and coatings, benzene (a human carcinogen found in tobacco smoke and car exhaust), and formaldehyde. This means that carbon dioxide (CO2) is organic, as is methane (CH4). In fact, all fossil fuels (by definition from ancient, mummified wood and animals) are chemically organic. Therefore, plastic is organic.

So?

Yes, plastic is technically organic. However, this does not mean it is safe for the environment. Plastic is, scientifically, organic. However, this does not mean it is any less harmful to the environment. Organic materials are not naturally biodegradable, and it does not mean that having them floating around in the environment is suddenly okay. Yes, say that plastic is organic, by all means. But so is ethanol. Scientists use 70% ethanol to sterilise lab equipment – this means it is toxic enough that even tiny microorganisms cannot withstand it. We don't want to be pouring that down the drain. Next time someone tells you that because something is organic, it is safe – think again. Unless they're talking about food, of course. For more information on 'green' buzzwords, have a look at this article on our blog. To find out about plastic that WILL biodegrade, go to our product page or have a look at the BioPak blog. Article by Tallis Baker. Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet.

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Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Planet Friendly Packaging’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘Planet Friendly Packaging’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is Level 54, 111 Eagle St, Brisbane QLD 4000. Our ABN is 56 182 361 392. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

  • The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
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  • From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
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This privacy policy sets out how we uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

  • name and job title
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What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

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We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

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We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

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Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

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You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
  • if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.