Product FAQs
What packaging is / will be banned in my state?
Each state has a different set of regulations, or a draft plan for single use plastics. Full details can be found in our blog.
Are the products still environmentally friendly if they end up in landfill?
Yes, they are more sustainable throughout the production process, so the planet is already better off, once the product has been chosen over a traditional alternative. However, compostable packaging should be put into a commercial (or home composter if certified to do so), to enable to packaging to become another product.
What does compostable mean?
Compostable products will biodegrade within a cycle of a compost process. The key difference between biodegradable and compostable is time. Not all biodegradable products are considered compostable because they may take longer to break down. Compostable products will break down in the presence of heat, moisture and organisms to form compost.
Are compostable products certified compostable?
Yes, unless the product is paper, which is naturally compostable. Paper does not need to be certified compostable to be considered compostable. Our products to not claim to be compostable, unless they are certified. There are a number of certifications that exist internationally, the most common are the ASTM D6400 and EN 13432. In Australia, AS 4736 (commercially compostable) and AS 5810 (home compostable) are the certifications for bioplastics and other compostable materials. Depending on the product, depends on the certification. If you would like to know which certification applies to which product, please contact us directly.
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. It is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable starch resources such as corn or sugarcane. CPLA is a crystallised PLA which is stronger and withstands higher temperatures. Both PLA and CPLA are sustainably produced and 100% biodegradable and compostable.
Is Recyclable or Compostable packaging better?
Well It depends. After a product is recycled, it becomes a product that is more valuable than composted matter. This is explained in detail in the APCO Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, which features the Waste Hierarchy. This hierarchy explains this value of recycling over composting. However, if the packaging has food on it, it shouldn't be recycled. This includes grease and leftover food. Therefore a compostable product, that disposes of the food waste and packaging together in the composter is favourable. Food waste promotes a healthy compost, with lots of microorganisms and nutrients, needed to create a compost. Finally, it depends on what bins you have available. The packaging will only be able to be turned into another product, if it is diverted from landfill.
What does biodegradable packaging mean?
Biodegradable packaging means that a product will break down in the right conditions and processed by microorganisms.
Can biodegradable products go in a composting bin?
No. Biodegradable products are not compostable products, and will not break down in the time frame a composting system completes a full cycle.
What is Oxo-biodegradable?
These traditional plastics have an oxo-biodegradable additive added to them. When exposed to heat and UV light, they will degrade into parts small enough to be consumed by microorganisms, hence degrading by oxo-biodegradable additives.
Service FAQs
Reach out to our customer service team via phone 1300 407 799, or send us an email via our contact us page. We'd be only too happy to assist.
The Envirochoice head office is located in Malaga, Western Australia. We also have offices and warehouses in Sydney and Brisbane, and a warehouse in Melbourne. For full location details, please visit our contact us page.
I'm not a customer of yours, can I still purchase from you?
Yes. We provide a click and collect service, or $100 minimum for free delivery into metropolitan areas. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact our Envirochoice Crusaders, whom also stock a wide range of our products.
How do I find a distributor in my area?
We supply to distributors all across Australia. If you would like to purchase in smaller quantities, or are located regionally, our Envirochoice Crusaders stock a wide range of Envirochoice and Capri product. Find a distributor near you here.
Do you ship to areas outside of metropolitan regions?
Yes we do. Please contact us for large orders of multiple cartons, or contact one of our Envirochoice Crusaders under our stockists list.
Is pick up / click and collect available?
Our Accounts receivable team would be happy to assist with a credit application form. You can request one through our contact us enquiries
How can I find out when my backorder is due?
Please contact our customer service team to find out the ETA of your backorder. You can also adjust or cancel backorders through customer service.
How do I set up an account?
Our Accounts receivable team would be happy to assist with a credit application form. You can request one through our contact us enquiries
Do you do printing on products?
Yes, we have a wide range of products available for printing. Our Custom Design information is available here.
I need a copy of my invoice.
I'm looking for a product that you don't stock, can you help source it?
We have a wide product range, however if you can't find what you're looking for, we can source it for you, if you have the volume to support the request. We can source products locally within Australia, or from abroad suppliers. If you would like to develop a product, with large enough quanitites, we can work with your team to combine your vision and our expertise. This product can be plain or branded, depending on your requirements. Please enquire with us directly for product sourcing.
|