Materials 101
Learn how to correctly dispose of our product materials to reduce environmental impact and support a cleaner future.
Packaging Can Be Disposed Together
Responsible Materials
At ONEarth, we believe packaging should protect food without harming the planet. That’s why we choose responsibly sourced, rapidly renewable, and low-impact materials across our entire product range. Each material is selected for its environmental performance, composability, and ability to reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics.
Below is an overview of the key materials we use and why they matter.
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Aqueous
Aqueous cups are certified home compostable and manufactured using a unique waterproof barrier coating, reducing the material needed. Each cup is leakproof.
Plant Fibre
We combine sugarcane pulp (bagasse) with other plant-based pulp to create what we call ‘plant fibre.’ A versatile, strong and inexpensive solution.
PLA Bioplastic
PLA (short for polylactic acid) is a type of bioplastic made from plant-based resources like corn. Biopak’s PLA products are certified industrially compostable.
FSC™ Paper & Birchwood
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) logo means our wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests – taking into account water use, energy use, community.
Aqueous
Aqueous cups are certified home compostable and manufactured using a unique waterproof barrier coating, reducing the material needed. Each cup is leakproof.
Plant Fibre
We combine sugarcane pulp (bagasse) with other plant-based pulp to create what we call ‘plant fibre.’ A versatile, strong and inexpensive solution.
PLA Bioplastic
PLA (short for polylactic acid) is a type of bioplastic made from plant-based resources like corn. Biopak’s PLA products are certified industrially compostable.
FSC™ Paper & Birchwood
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) logo means our wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests – taking into account water use, energy use, community.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials does your packaging use?
We use plant-based, renewable and responsibly sourced materials such as plant fibre (bagasse), FSC™ paper, aqueous-lined paper, PLA/CPLA bioplastic, and certified compostable biopolymers. In limited cases, PET/PP plastics are used where no compostable alternative is suitable.
Are your materials compostable?
Many of our materials — especially plant fibre, PLA-lined items, CPLA, and soft bioplastic — are certified compostable under Australian and European standards.
What is the difference between home compostable and industrially compostable?
Home Compostable: Breaks down in backyard compost bins under natural conditions.
Are your paper products recyclable?
Products made from 100% paper or aqueous-lined paper are typically recyclable in kerbside bins, provided they’re clean and free from food residues.
What is PFAS and why does it matter?
Some older plant fibre products contained added PFAS and were not compostable. From July 2024, we have removed PFAS-added items entirely.
What happens if compostable packaging ends up in landfill?
While not ideal, compostable packaging still has lower environmental impact than traditional plastic because it is made from renewable resources.
Packaging Can Be Disposed Together
Start Composting at Your Foodservice Business
Compost Connect is a not-for-profit platform connecting foodservice businesses to commercial organic waste pick-up services. With 23 compost partners servicing 2,200+ postcodes across Australia and New Zealand, you can search your postcode to find out if compost collection is available in your area.
We launched Compost Connect to take responsibility for where our packaging ends up. Food and organic waste decomposing in landfill emits methane, a greenhouse gas that’s on average 28 times more potent than CO2. By joining Compost Connect, you’ll be diverting waste from landfill, reducing emissions, showing your commitment to environmental sustainability, and turning your food and packaging waste into nutrient-rich compost!
Visit Compost Connect
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Why This Matters
Doing right by the planet doesn’t have to be complicated. With so much greenwashing, finding what’s truly sustainable can be tricky. At ONEarth, we cut through the noise—evaluating every product against clear, fact-based criteria and tailoring solutions to your needs. Truth over trends, always.