Compostability Information
What makes Econic Compostable?
The majority of every Econic bag or wrapper is made from a combination of compostable films derived from sustainably-managed renewable resources. With the exception of the paper-outer on the EconicKraft bags, the films used to make Econic have been individually certified to the European and American compostability standards EN 13432 and ASTM6400, as well as the European and Australian home compostable standards: OK Compost Home (Europe) and AS5810 (Australia).
We follow robust international testing regimes to ensure that all completed Econic variants meet recognised compostable packaging guidelines and tests carried out by our technical laboratory team have verified that the completed Econic packaging structure and EconicKraft paper outer layer break down in a typical composting environment.
The degassing valves we use for fresh roasted coffee are currently not compostable, but they can be easily peeled off the bags before composting.
There is no PLA in any Econic product.
How can Econic be disposed of?
You can put your used Econic bags in your own home compost or worm farm, containing heat, water, oxygen, soil and micro-organisms. They can also be disposed of in a commercial composting facility if you have one in your area. (Not sure if you have one of those near you? Click here to find out). It is best to check if your commercial facility accepts compostable packaging first.
If you don’t have access to either a home or industrial compost, you are welcome to return your used Econic bags to us and we will compost them for you. Check out the details on our FAQ page.
Compost trials have shown that Econic bags can break down into small fragments in as little as 16 weeks. However, the rate of breakdown will vary depending on the compost environment, temperature and humidity.
You can even bury Econic in your garden. But note that it will break down at a slower rate than it would in a compost environment containing heat, water, oxygen, soil and micro-organisms.