Key Takeaways from the 2024 BPI Summit

Members of our Marketing and Product Develoment teams had the pleasure of attending The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)’s 2nd annual Summit earlier this month in Berkely, Calif.

In addition to enjoying the in-person interactions with friends and partners (both old and new), we thought the much of the content from the presentations was next-level.

Here are some of the takeaways we thought you’d enjoy:

Artist: Benjamin Von Wong

Benjamin Von Wong was the inspirational keynote speaker to kick off the conference – and wow did he deliver. Ben Von Wong is an artist focused on amplifying positive impact. He walked us through his journey to becoming an environmental activist through his art, and challenged us to not only think critically about the pressing issues to our industry, but to also envision how we can effectively communicate for positive change.

Composter Perspectives: Facilities that Don’t Accept Compostable Packaging

One of the best sessions of the whole conference was one that featured composters discussing the complex reasons they choose not to accept compostable packaging today. 

It was really nice to see BPI choose to lead with this session so that we could get an open dialogue going from the start of the conference. The topics discussed are the things you are used to hearing about if you are following what is happening across the composting industry, with contamination from non-compostable packaging being the most consistent challenge across the board. 

The lack of consistent, viable end-markets for finished compost is an issue that sometimes does not get the air time it deserves, and that was highlighted on this panel as well.

Tackling Microplastics in Compost

We heard from leading scientists and chemistry aficionados about how biopolymers are designed. 

They shared data from scientific studies that reveal how certified compostable resins break down in different environments, leaving no persistent microplastics behind. Microbes facilitate a reaction using water to make sure those biopolymers are broken down and eaten up, essentially causing the full biodegradation of these materials in industrial compost facilities. 

We asked BPI to host a public webinar with this content – we'll let you know when it is scheduled.

Composter Perspectives: Where Compostable Packaging is Working

It shouldn’t be a surprise that we enjoyed the positive comments about how compostable foodservice products can work well in industrial compost facilities, bring in more food scraps to a compost facility, and create new revenue streams. A couple of our favorite quotes from composters and haulers included:

• “Disintegration (of compostable products) is not a problem at all”
• “The product is beautiful – it works really well. There hasn’t been a problem to date”
• “Contamination: Blame the diversion program. NOT the packaging!”

While we respect that there are composters who choose not to accept compostable packaging at their facilities, for a variety of reasons, there are plenty of composters out there who do want these products (for a variety of reasons). It is very important to always double check with your local composter to make sure compostable products are accepted at their facility.

A big THANK YOU to everyone at BPI who was involved in putting on this event! We can’t wait to see you next year.