Microdyne
Microdyne
🏭 California
What we like about Microdyne: Microdyne has relatively low minimums. They're willing to experiment with sustainable materials and have options for recycled or compostable resins.
Bioplastic bottles and jars
Made from a proprietary, bio-based polybutylene succinate (PBS) which is derived from sugarcane, cassava, and/or corn.
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This rigid bioplastic should perform similar to traditional, fossil fuel-based plastic. Some bioplastics may have a slightly more textured feel.
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Bioplastics are primarily derived from renewable materials like plants and animals, instead of fossil fuels. Some bioplastics may have fossil fuel additives to enhance certain performance properties like flexibility.
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Microdyne uses BioPBS™ is a proprietary, bio-based version of polybutylene succinate (PBS) which is home compostable.
If they’re not composted, bioplastics should be disposed of with regular trash. Most can not be recycled.
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Bioplastics look and feel like traditional plastic, so proper disposal information should be an important part of the design.
If composting is the best case scenario, it's good to let customers know that if they can't compost, that it's best if the plastic is reused or thrown in with the trash. Bioplastics are very rarely recyclable, so tossing bioplastic in with recycling just adds an extra step on the way to landfill.
You could consider a takeback program. If you can work with an industrial composter that accepts bioplastic, you can bulk compost your packaging on behalf of customers.
HDPE Plastic bottles and jars
With options for recycled resins and ocean-bound plastic.
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Plastic bottles and jars in various sizes and opacities.
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Traditional plastic is derived from fossil fuels which are a non-renewable resource. Fossil fuels release vast amounts of greenhouse gases at every phase of production.
There are bio-based plastic alternatives (some with fossil fuel based additives, and some without). While not all of them are compostable, they can limit the amount of greenhouse gases in production, when compared to plastic made entirely of fossil fuels.
The vast majority of plastic (over 90%) is not recycled and ends up in landfills or waterways. Whether it ends up in a landfill or waterway, plastic takes decades to degrade.
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In the US, only around 5% of plastic waste was recycled in 2021. While plastics with the resin codes #1 and #2 (PET and HDPE) have a higher likelihood of being recycled, plastic as a whole has a very low likelihood of actually being recycled.
This is due to several factors including the lack of recycling infrastructure, the number of plastic types, the sheer volume of plastic waste, and the quick degradation of the polymers in recycling. Even if plastic ends up in a recycling bin, most of it will end up in landfills or oceans.
To minimize the amount of plastic sent to landfills, use paper-based or glass alternatives, or opt for refillable or practically reusable designs.
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Use discretion when using plastic resin codes (the recycling symbol surrounding a number).
Resin codes simply indicate the type of plastic an object is made from, not its recyclability. Whether or not a plastic can be recycled depends on individual cities’ waste infrastructure. In cities where plastics are accepted, resins #1 and #2 (PET and HDPE) are most commonly permitted, unless they’re made into plastic film.
On your design, it's ideal to indicate the plastic type and encourage to look up their city’s disposal rules for that type of plastic.
Jars & Bottles
Poly Bags & Films
Trays & Inserts
Paper Mailers
Cushioning
Corrugated
Folding Cartons
Food Service
Inks & Coatings
Raw Materials
Labels
Specialty Papers
