Can cellophane be composted?

The compostable, clear plastic breakthrough

Our biodegradable and compostable cellophane bags may look like a very new development but invented by Swiss chemist Jacques E. Brandenberger in the early 1900s, cellophane was in fact the world’s very first see-through packaging. For the first time, manufacturers and retailers were able to control oxygen and moisture levels in their products and customers were able to see the quality of the pre-packaged foods they were buying.

Cellophane grew in popularity during the late 1920s and was extremely popular as a household wrap until the 1960s, when the rise in the petrochemical-based plastics like single-use plastic bags that consumers and businesses are now trying to avoid put them out of favour.

Cellophane is a form of plastic free packaging that eco-friendly businesses can use. It is a great example of a bioplastic that New Zealanders have been using for years yet they may be unaware of its environmental benefits.

So, let’s look at what cellophane actually is and why it’s an excellent eco-choice for your business.

What is cellophane made from?

Cellophane is plant-based. The 'cello' in cellophane stands for cellulose – the structural component of plants. Cellulose film can be made from a variety of natural sources, including cotton, hemp, farmed timber and corn.

Cellophane is compostable

As a bioplastic, true cellophane is 100% biodegradable and compostable, even in your home compost bin. The time it takes to break down will vary depending on whether it’s coated or not. Uncoated cellulose film takes less than a month to degrade when buried, and if coated with nitrocellulose it will degrade in approximately two to 3 months.

However, it is important to be aware of any extra ingredients or coatings that can be added to cellophane, such as polyethylene which is petroleum based, to improve durability, water resistance, and allow the cellophane to be heat-sealed. Other additives may be biodegradable, but not compostable.

Certified compostable cellophane bags

We’re passionate about sustainability. It’s important to be clear about different sustainability terms and their meanings, and at Insinc our cellophane bags are made entirely from certified compostable films.

Using cellophane in your business

Many other plant-based bioplastics are on the market, but the difference is that they are primarily made from corn – a crop grown on land that could be put to better use.

At Insinc, our compostable cellophane bags are made with biofilms derived from GMO (GE) free timber cellulose. So not only are the bags themselves compostable, but they are also produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp.

Cellophane instead of traditional plastic

Robust and versatile, cellophane is much thicker than traditional plastics. When used for wrapping food items it is therefore a lot sturdier and less prone to breaking. It has a great gas / aroma barrier, is resistant to fats and oils and is ideal for fast moving goods, products that don't require a long shelf life or non-food items.

Cellophane is a versatile material that can be used for many different applications and in a range of different types of businesses from florists to bakeries and supermarkets. There are lots of eco-friendly cellophane packaging and wrapping options for you to choose from that are both practical and environmentally sustainable. At Insinc, our Natureflex range of cellophane bags are use in businesses for fresh vegies, nuts, seeds, or artisan chocolates to croissants, French sticks, hot pies, loose tea, and gifts.

An attractive option for brands wanting to go plastic-free, fully compostable cellophane allows business to display their product at its best, and lets customers see their product before they buy.

Greening your brand

Cellophane bags are relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for smaller businesses who wish to be environmentally friendly. Available in a wide variety of sizes, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect bag for your business. Buy online or open an account and we will deliver direct to your door anywhere in New Zealand. We offer cost-effective, competitive pricing – we are bound to have something for you.