The complex role of single-use compostable bioplastic food packaging and foodservice ware in a circular economy: Findings from a social innovation lab

Compostable bioplastic food packaging and foodservice ware is gaining traction as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics and is being considered within institutional and corporate sustainability strategies. However, compostable bioplastics present their own complex challenges and limitations to sustainability across their lifecycle and may in some cases hinder sustainable waste management practices, and therefore the development of a circular economy. Applying a social innovation lab methodological approach, this research explored the challenges and opportunities of compostable bioplastic food packaging and foodservice ware in promoting sustainable production and consumption from a systems perspective. This study draws upon the findings from key informant interviews (n = 28) and three social innovation workshops on “seeing the system” (n = 27), “designing solutions” (n = 23), and “prototyping” (n = 22) with diverse stakeholders from across the food and packaging sector in Canada and some in the United States, as well as with policymakers across different levels of government. Results from the workshop and interviews identified regulatory and infrastructural issues as well as confusion because of the lack of clear standards in the country. Concerns were also raised around the source of compostable bioplastic feedstock, and whether single-use compostable bioplastic truly supported a circular food economy. The findings from this research brought forward recommendations for improving the sustainability and source of compostable bioplastic feedstocks; standards and regulations; explored waste management options such as extended producer responsibility; and addressed the need to focus on single-use item reduction more broadly, as a challenge to the dominant “take, make, and dispose” model.