Certifications bestowed by independent third-party allow consumers to be sure the products they purchase are genuine and producers to show their dedication to verifiable claims. Words like 'sustainable', 'ethical', 'biodegradable', and 'eco-friendly' – among others – get thrown around a lot in the packaging world. While these words can actually mean something, without certification they are called greenwashing. Greenwashing means individuals and organisations cannot make informed decisions about what they are purchasing. Read more about greenwashing here.
Certifications provide assurance that the product you're buying lives up to its environmental claims. Certifications show a company's commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. It means that the company's claims about their products, processes, and social impacts have been independently verified and confirmed. When claims about environmental impact are backed up by robust standards, consumers and business owners can shop and sell responsibly.
BioPak is certified carbon neutral by Climate Active, the Australian Government endorsed body and most rigorous standard on the market. Being carbon neutral means that for every tonne of carbon BioPak emits as a result of their operations, they purchase carbon credits, which fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent amount. As a company that distributes BioPak products, Planet Friendly Packaging (while not certified carbon neutral) achieves almost carbon neutrality through our parent company. By supporting businesses with the Climate Active trademark you are supporting climate action.
BioPak plant-based compostable foodservice packaging is certified to Australian (AS4736) and European (EN13432) standards for collection and processing in industrial composting conditions or home composting standards.
Five of BioPak's seven manufacturing facilities are certified to ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and the remaining two are in the process of achieving certification. This standard provides a framework that an organisation can implement to ensure the environmental impacts are considered and managed during the manufacturing process.
BioPak packaging is made from responsibly sourced and rapidly renewable plant-based materials. All paper products used are made from Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleached fibre and many are made with FSC-certified paper or birchwood – sourced from responsibly managed forests that benefit communities and wildlife.
As a certified B Corporation, BioPak has met verified higher levels of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corps make decisions that have a positive impact on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Read more about B Corps here.
Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label proves the economic profitability of solutions that protect the environment. It is one of the first labels for positive impact that businesses are bringing together to protect nature and financial viability through a strict assessment process made by a pool of independent experts.
Information taken from BioPak's website. Read about bagasse and whether online petitions help in the fight for plastic-free, on our blog.
Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.
