Packaging and wasteUpdated a year ago
We asked our mates at HeapsGood Packaging to answer some questions about our packaging 🐨 🇦🇺
TLDR: We use fully compostable shipping mailers that are plant-based and contain zero plastic.
How should Threadheads customers compost ecomailers?
To compost our mailers at home, they just need to remove any labels or stickers, unless you're a true fan and sent the package with our compostable Ecostickers or similar. And if they're a busy bee and can be trusted with scissors, they can chop the mailer up to quicken the process.Our bags can also break down in commercial compost. They can click here and find a composter near them, or ask their local council for a green waste bin if they haven't already got one. They also need to check that their council allows home compostable items to be included as it's done on a council-by-council basis, for now.
How long will an Ecomailer take to break down?
Our Ecomailers are certified to break down within 180 days in home compost, and 90 days in commercial compost. They'll be decomposed faster than Hollywood can churn out another Marvel film.
What are they made of?
Our compostable shipping mailers are made from a combination of cornstarch, PLA (vegetable-based plastic material) and PBAT (composting co-polymer). If these sound like they'd be great ingredients for a cake, they're not. But the worms love 'em.
Are they more durable than plastic?
Our bags are just as waterproof, flexible, and stretchy as a conventional plastic mailer, meaning they're not prone to breakage and packing is made easy. Plus, they feel fantastic.
What's the shelf life of your mailers?
Our mailers can be stored for up to 10 months in the right conditions. They like a dark, cool, and dry area to live, much like someone past their mid-twenties with a hangover.
Are your compostable mailers certified?
Absolutely. Our mailers are designed and manufactured in strict accordance with Australian standards for degradation and toxicity AS 5180 and AS 4736.
What happens if they end up in landfill?
Even in landfill, Ecomailers are a better solution than plastic mailers. Because they're made from fully compostable polymer, they'll decompose without leaving behind any toxic residues or microplastics. They also decompose in 2 - 3 years, as opposed to the 300+ it takes a traditional plastic mailer. Slowpoke.
Similar to food scraps or any other organic waste that goes into landfill however, compostable mailers will break down releasing methane if they're put in the landfill. So if you want to be a really good mate to the environment, put them in the compost.
Can you eat the Ecomailers?
We wouldn't. But if you really, really want to try, we recommend checking you've got private health insurance first.
P.S. In case you need it spelled out, do not eat the Ecomailers 🐛