Frequently Asked Questions

We take the confusion out of home compostable packaging. Take a look at our most frequently asked questions here.

Custom Orders

Whether you want to customise our existing range or need help with new product development, we can help. 

Custom orders have a minimum quantity of 50,000 units per sku and are subject to independent trials being conducted for shelf life and suitability with our existing range prior to a quote being issued. 

A consulting fee will apply for custom requests and for any new product development outside of our core range. 

To find out more about our process and to book an initial consultation with our team, please email your details to enquiries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Yes we can help with printing. Custom print orders have an MOQ of 50,000 units per sku and are subject to trials being conducted for shelf life and suitabuility prior to a quote being issued. 

We like to help all customers and understand our print MOQ doesn’t work for everyone, so there are two alternative recommendations that we suggest and can quote to help with:

  1. Designing and printing paper labels to be added to the bags 

  2. Designing a custom stamp to use with the kraft pouches 

Note: If the label topper is made from paper it can be peeled off and attached to a cardboard box for paper recycling. If it is plastic it needs to be added to landfill. 

At this moment in time, there is no compostable adhesive available on the market, therefore paper labels should not be added to the compost and instructions will need to be given to consumers around disposal.

General FAQ's

Yes, our packaging is made from biobased certified home compostable and food safe bioplastic, it is biological/plant based in origin and can be organically recycled in a variety of ways.

Our bioplastic packaging can be recycled organically in an aerobic or anaerobic compost. It is safe for the home or commercial compost and anaerobic digestion. Packaging can be disposed of alongside organic food waste.

  • AS5810 Home Compostable by ABA Australian Bioplastics Association 
  • OK HOME COMPOST, OK COMPOST HOME and OK Biodegradable Soil
  • Renewable Content - DIN CERTO, JBPA and USDA
  • Marine Biodegradable ASTM D6691-09
  • Industrial Compost Approved 
  • Anaerobic Digestion Approved ISO 15985

It is helpful to think of ambient temperature as the "temperature of surroundings." 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 24 degree Celsius).

The materials we use are not designed for liquid so we are not able to make this claim. 

 

At this moment in time, our MOQ across the range is 1000 units per sku.

Product range

We do not currently have tape or fragile stickers as part of our core range.

Flat bottom pouches are not currently part of our core range. However, we have the ability to develop these for custom requests with an MOQ of 50,000 units per sku. 

At this moment in time, there is no compostable adhesive available on the market. If you are using paper labels, they should not be added to the compost and instructions will need to be given to consumers around disposal.

Labels are not part of our core range but we can quote to help with the design and production of paper labels.

Note: If the label topper is made from paper it can be peeled off and attached to a cardboard box for paper recycling. If it is plastic it needs to be added to landfill. 

At this moment in time, there is no compostable adhesive available on the market, therefore paper labels should not be added to the compost and instructions will need to be given to consumers around disposal.

We do not currently stock Algae ink. 

Returns

We do not accept returns unless faulty. 

Your product, storage and environment all impact the materials and performance which is why it is important for trials to be completed with our sample pack prior to an order being made. 

See our returns policy here

Shelf life

We are not able to make any claims on shelf life as this is always subject to trials with each individual product.
 
The product, storage and environment all impact the materials and performance which is why it is mandatory for trials to be completed prior to an order being made. Trials are always a key part of the process for any new customer to check for both suitability and the shelf life.
 
The materials will break down once in soil with heat, moisture and microbes. However, on the shelf over time, when exposed to warm moist air the bioplastic will become more brittle and may impact packaging performance.
We are not able to guarantee a life span for the bags, however, they only break down once in soil with heat, moisture and microbes. On the shelf over time they are exposed to warm moisture and the bioplastic so will become more brittle which may impact performance.

Shipping

Yes, we can help with international orders directly. Please email your details to our team at enqueries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Stand up pouches

Our stand up pouches can be used on a home or commercial vacuum sealer.

 

 

The metalised foil layer is cellulose from eucalyptus tree pulp and has been added to improve the barrier qualities of the biopolymer film.  It is NOT for light blocking, the kraft paper does this.

The metalised cellulose layer is certified home compostable and is earthworm safe.

1kg is the largest size we are able to make due to the strength of the compostable materials being used and composting regulations to break down in the required time. 

Trials & testing

We do not currently have a recommendation for chemical testing. However, the film performs similar to normal plastic, it is just made from plants rather than oil and gas. All customers must conduct independant trials with each product for shelf life and suitability.

Yes we can help with this directly. Please contact our team at enqueries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Vacuum Seal Bags

Our vacuum seal bags can be used on a home or commercial vacuum sealer.

For more information, see our 'how to: seal and dispose' guide here.

Our vacuum seal bags are made from bio or plant based bioplastic and are regenerative in the home compost. In the presence of moisture, soil, heat and oxygen the biofilm is broken down and renewed by soil organisms, fungi and worms to become soil.

1. Wash bag in warm soapy water and dry.

2. Reuse bag.

3. When you are finished with the vacuum bag, rip or cut the bag into strips and place in a warm home compost.

4. Cover or lightly turn compost

5. If you don’t have a home compost visit the to find a compost near you

www.sharewaste.org.nz
www.compostcollective.org.nz
www.supertrash.nz

Still have some unanswered questions? We're happy to help. Send us an email at enquiries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz