USDA Vote Raises the Stakes for Compostable Packaging

In light of the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board’s unanimous vote against adding synthetic compostable materials as compost feedstocks to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, the stakes for regulatory clarity and scientific accuracy in sustainable packaging have never been higher.

It is for this reason that we were excited to read Mary Catherine O’Connor’s latest article in Packaging Dive. It simplifies the current activity within the compostable packaging industry, including the ongoing policy debates and real-world implications, such as those prompted by California’s SB 54 saga.

We were especially encouraged to see Bill Orts’s expertise highlighted. His detailed response to the OMRI Technical Review draws attention to critical flaws in the recent toxicity assessments, advocating for rigorous, science-based evaluation which is vital for advancing truly sustainable solutions. The composter’s perspective, often overlooked, is also thoughtfully represented, painting a more complete and nuanced picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As we move forward in the wake of this influential USDA decision, it’s clear that the industry’s path will be shaped by those who are willing to engage with the science and the stakeholders involved. Staying informed—through thorough reporting like O’Connor’s and scientific insight from voices like Orts’s—is not just recommended, but absolutely necessary for anyone committed to the future of sustainable packaging.