Takeout containers are everywhere and they have a significant environmental footprint. This blog investigates how long wax takeout containers take to decompose and biodegrade, considering their materials, conditions, and sustainability.
What is a Takeout Container (Wax or Plastic-Lined Paperboard)?
Take-out boxes are diverse in appearance and can be made from paperboard combined with coatings that offer resistance against water and fats. Here the three major types are analyzed:
1. Wax-Coated Paperboard
These items typically have a coating of paraffin or other kinds of waxes which make them resistant to water. Wax coatings on these kinds of fast food packages are slowly inter-degradable albeit depending on the kind of wax used in designing them.
2. PE (Polyethylene) Lined Paperboard
It is made up of a plastic layer called PE placed over a cardboard material. PE is effective at preventing leakage but it cannot be broken down by living organisms because it has a strong bond with cellulose fiber hence not recyclable.
3. PLA (Polylactic Acid) Lined Paperboard
PLA is plant-based plastic which is considered more environmentally friendly. It can degrade under industrial composting conditions while remaining undegraded within natural environments.
How Long Does It Take to Biodegrade?
The biodegradation process varies significantly based on the container’s material:
| Material | Biodegradation Time (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Wax-Coated Paperboard | 2–3 months (in composting systems) |
| PE Lined Paperboard | Non-biodegradable |
| PLA Lined Paperboard | 6–12 months (industrial composting) |
How Long Does It Take to Decompose?
Decomposition refers to the physical breakdown into smaller pieces. Here’s how long each takes:
- Wax-Coated Containers: Break down within 3–6 months in compostable conditions but slower in landfills due to limited microbial activity.
- PE Lined Containers: Can take decades or centuries in landfills.
- PLA Lined Containers: Requires industrial composting facilities for full decomposition, often within 90–180 days.
Under Which Conditions Do Wax Takeout Containers Biodegrade or Decompose?
- Oxygen-Rich Environments: Wax biodegrades faster in aerobic (oxygen-present) conditions.
- Moisture and Heat: Composting facilities with high humidity and heat accelerate the process.
- Landfills: Limited oxygen and microbial activity significantly delay decomposition
Are Wax Takeout Containers Compostable?
Yes, wax-covered dishes can be composted if treated with natural waxes such as beeswax or soy wax. With its artificial nature, paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum sources, may not break down completely when composted. Always ensure that the product is certified for composting.
Are Wax Takeout Containers Eco-Friendly?
While wax-coated containers are a better alternative than fully plastic ones, their level of environmental friendliness increases depending on the type of wax used. Paraffin waxes are considered inferior as compared to natural waxes. However, there’s still deforestation and resource use during production.
Are Wax Takeout Containers Sustainable?
The sustainability of wax containers hinges on several factors:
- Renewable Sources: Soy or beeswax makes containers more sustainable.
- End-of-Life Management: If they’re compostable and disposed of correctly, they’re a better option than PE-lined containers.
Are Wax Takeout Containers Toxic?
Wax-coated containers are generally non-toxic for food use. However, paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, may release harmful chemicals during incineration or improper disposal.
Can Wax Takeout Containers Be Recycled?
Recycling wax-coated containers is challenging because the wax layer must be separated from the paperboard. Most recycling facilities do not accept them. Always check your local recycling guidelines.
How to Dispose of Wax Takeout Containers?
Compostagem: Ideal for containers with natural wax coatings.
Landfill: For non-compostable or non-recyclable containers.
Special Facilities: Some areas accept paraffin wax-coated containers for energy recovery or specialized processing.
Other More Environmental Materials?
For a more sustainable future, here are better alternatives to wax takeout containers:
- Bagaço de cana-de-açúcar
Made from agricultural waste, bagasse containers are fully compostable, strong, and eco-friendly. - Cornstarch & PLA
These bioplastics are plant-based, biodegradable, and suitable for industrial composting. - Molded Fiber
A renewable, biodegradable option often made from recycled paper.
Conclusão
Wax-coated takeout containers offer a step up from plastic-lined counterparts but still face challenges in biodegradability and disposal. Opting for eco-friendly alternatives like bagasse or PLA can make a significant difference. Whether compostable or recyclable, understanding the lifecycle of your takeout container is key to making greener choices.
Let’s rethink packaging for a sustainable future! 🌍
