Packaging & Disposal

Packaging & Disposal

What our pouches are made from, and how to dispose of them properly.

The material

Our stand-up pouches are made from industrially compostable materials — a multi-layer construction chosen because it holds up: seal integrity, shelf life, and print quality, without relying on conventional single-use plastic film.

Specifically, it's a 4-layer NK and white kraft / VMPLA / PLA construction, 160 microns thick, with a matte finish, a waterproof outer layer, and a biodegradable zipper.

The material is certified to DIN EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 compostability standards, verified by TÜV Rheinland / DIN CERTCO.

We know it's not perfect

Packaging is one of the hardest parts of running a small tea brand sustainably — there's no perfect option yet. But we're glad to be using a plant-based material instead of petroleum-based plastic, and we'll keep improving as better options become available.

What is industrial composting?

An industrial compost, also called commercial compost, is a controlled setting with specific temperatures and inputs (like water, air, carbon and nitrogen-rich materials). Because of the controlled settings, a commercial compost rapidly breaks down organic materials. This also means you can compost a broader range of materials and products.

Industrially Compostable

When you see this certification, it means the packaging can be sent to an industrial compost facility.

Industrial composting facilities are becoming increasingly available in Australia. Right now, there are 164 councils with FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) collection in Australia — but only 43 currently accept compostable packaging in their residential compost collections.

Can I just put it in landfill?

If there's no industrial compost facility available to you, the last option is general waste. We recognise this isn't the ideal place for compostable packaging to end up — organic waste in a landfill environment emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

How to make sure it ends up in the right place

  1. If you're a business, check whether commercial food waste collection is available in your area and sign up for a compost pickup service.
  2. If you're an individual, check whether your local council offers Food Organic & Garden Waste (FOGO) collection. Some councils accept compostable packaging in their FOGO.
  3. Visit the Compost Club Map and choose to support local businesses that compost their packaging.
  4. If your council isn't composting, consider writing to them to encourage change.

Certifications

DIN EN 13432Industrial compostability standard
ASTM D6400Industrial compostability standard
TÜV Rheinland / DIN CERTCOCertification body

Questions

Can I put it in my home compost?

No — this material is certified industrially compostable (to DIN EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards). It needs the higher, sustained temperatures of a commercial composting facility.

Can I put it in my household organics bin?

Only if your council accepts compostable packaging in FOGO — currently 43 of 164 FOGO councils in Australia do. Check yours on the Compost Connect council list.

Is it recyclable?

No — please don't place it in kerbside recycling. If no compostable collection is available, general waste is the correct fallback.