What is Green / Eco Friendly (single-use Products)
Environmentally friendly or environment-friendly, (also referred to as eco-friendly, nature-friendly, and green) are sustainability and marketing terms referring to goods and services, laws, guidelines, and policies that claim reduced, minimal, or no harm upon ecosystems or the environment.
In recent years, terms like “going green” and “eco-friendly” have become buzzwords on talk shows, commercials, and product packaging. The term “eco-friendly” has been used for so many different products and practices, its meaning is in danger of being lost. By understanding the true meaning of eco-friendly, you can implement the practices that will lead to healthier living for the planet and its inhabitants, big and small.
Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment (see References). This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that help conserve resources like water and energy. Eco-friendly products also prevent contributions to air, water, and land pollution. You can engage in eco-friendly habits or practices by being more conscious of how you use resources.
Companies have long been reusing and recycling packaging when economically viable. Using minimal packaging has also been a common goal to help reduce costs. Recent years have accelerated these efforts based on social movements, consumer pressure, and regulation. All phases of packaging, distribution, and logistics are included.
Environmentally friendly single-use materials/products
PLA
Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources such as corn starch (in the United States), tapioca roots, chips or starch (mostly in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world). Compostable in municipal or institutional facilities, which may not be in your area. Not suitable for backyard composting. Temperature range 0 F/ -18 C to 105 F / 41 C.
Bagasse
Bagasse is a sugarcane fiber remaining after the juice is extracted from the sugarcane. Compostable in municipal or institutional facilities. Freezer resistant and can be used for reheating in the microwave.
C-PLA
Crystallized PLA material (C-PLA) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch (in the United States), tapioca roots, chips, or starch (mostly in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world). Compostable in municipal or institutional facilities, which may not be in your area. Not suitable for backyard composting. Temperature range 0 F / -18 C to 212 F / 100 C.
PLA-coated paper board
Virgin paper board coated with plant-based PLA material. Compostable in municipal or institutional facilities, which may not be in your area. Not suitable for backyard composting. Temperature range 0 F / -18 C to 185 F / 85 C.
R-PET
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate comes from plastic that has already been used for packaging, such as plastic bottles, this plastic is sorted, cleaned, and transformed so that it can be reused as a food product, as approved by federal authorities. Some R-Pet uses multilayer extrusion technology to make 3 layer material. Virgin R-PET on the inside and outside, R-PET in the middle. The percentage of R-PET can vary. However, there are also 100% R-PET products available today.
TFPP
Talc-Filled Polypropylene. 40% average talc blended material with polypropylene reduces plastic usage. Temperature range 0 F / -18 C to 250 F / 121 C.