As the packaging industry seeks to reduce plastic waste, various alternative materials have emerged, including bioplastics, agricultural fibres and fungi-based composites.

Each offers potential environmental benefits but also comes with limitations that affect their uptake across sectors.

Bioplastics: PLA and PHA in packaging

Polylactic acid (PLA), made from plant sugars, is widely used for foodservice items due to its compostability under industrial conditions and compatibility with existing production lines.

However, PLA requires specialised composting infrastructure and can contaminate recycling if mismanaged.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a newer family of bioplastics, are biodegradable in natural environments including marine settings, offering advantages where waste collection is limited.

Despite promising performance, PHA remains costly and less available at scale.

Agricultural fibres and mycelium composites

Non-plastic alternatives like bagasse, derived from sugarcane pulp, are used for trays and plates and perform well in hot, greasy food applications where composting is accessible.

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi grown around agricultural waste, provides lightweight, compostable packaging for protective uses such as electronics cushioning.

Although effective, production consistency and lead times remain operational hurdles.

Seaweed packaging and other innovations

Seaweed-derived films and coatings represent a low-impact, biodegradable option gaining attention.

Early commercial use includes food service sachets and pouches, though challenges persist around durability in wet conditions and supply chain scaling.

These emerging materials reflect a broader industry push towards packaging that aligns environmental benefits with practical application.