Sustainability is no longer just a trend, it's a global responsibility. Countries around the world are waking up to the impact of plastic pollution, and governments are stepping in to control the damage. For manufacturers, food businesses, and packaging suppliers, keeping up with eco-friendly packaging regulations is no longer optional it’s essential.
If you're planning to supply or export biodegradable packaging to the USA, UK, or Canada, you must know the local rules, bans, and labeling requirements. In this article, we’ll break down the key regulations that impact compostable and biodegradable plates, cups & lids, clamshells, and compartment plates in these three major regions.
United States: Patchwork but Progressing
In the USA, there’s no single nationwide law that regulates eco-friendly packaging. Instead, rules vary by state and municipality, which makes things a bit complicated for businesses.
Key Areas of Regulation:
- Plastic Bans: Several states like California, New York, and Vermont have banned or restricted single-use plastic bags and foam containers. This also impacts plastic plates, cups, and clamshell containers.
- Labeling Laws: California’s SB 343 prohibits using the term “recyclable” or “compostable” unless a product meets strict standards. Businesses must ensure their biodegradable packaging is certified by trusted third parties like BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute).
- Compost Facility Acceptance: In many U.S. cities, only industrially compostable materials are accepted at municipal composting facilities. This means home-compostable packaging may not qualify unless clearly marked and certified.
What Businesses Need to Do:
- Verify product compostability with BPI or similar organizations
- Follow correct labeling to avoid fines or greenwashing claims
- Check local or state laws for specific bans on disposable plates, clamshells, or cups & lids
United Kingdom: Shifting to Full Compliance
The UK has taken bold steps toward sustainable packaging, with clear national guidelines and strong government initiatives encouraging greener practices.
Recent Regulatory Moves:
- Plastic Ban (2023): England officially banned single-use plastic plates, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain polystyrene containers including some clamshell food boxes.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Starting 2025, producers must cover the cost of managing packaging waste. Businesses will have to report packaging material usage and meet recycling targets.
- Plastic Packaging Tax (2022): A tax is applied to plastic packaging that doesn’t contain at least 30% recycled content. While biodegradable packaging isn’t taxed directly, many foodservice providers are now switching to compostable alternatives to avoid regulatory pressure.
- Compostable Labeling: Businesses must comply with UK-specific compostability standards, such as EN 13432. Certification from bodies like TUV Austria is often required for cups & lids, plates, and compartment trays to be accepted by local composting facilities.
What This Means for Exporters:
- Ensure your products meet EN 13432 standards for compostability
- Use approved certification logos on packaging
- Avoid exporting plastic-based disposable plates or clamshells to the UK
Canada: Federal Ban & Provincial Rules
Canada has recently introduced federal-level action against single-use plastics, making it one of the most forward-thinking countries on this issue.
Highlights of the Ban:
- Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (2023): The government banned several items, including plastic checkout bags, straws, cutlery, and food containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics. This includes expanded polystyrene clamshell containers.
- Zero Plastic Waste by 2030: Canada's national target aims to drastically reduce landfill waste through policy and enforcement. This affects businesses dealing with plastic plates, disposable containers, and non-compostable foodservice products.
- Provincial Support: Provinces like British Columbia and Quebec are also pushing bans on certain plastic foodware items. Some municipalities demand that cups & lids be fully compostable or recyclable with certifications.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Products must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
- Avoid polystyrene and non-certified plastics in food packaging
- Use biodegradable packaging with transparent material sourcing and certifications
What Should Manufacturers and Suppliers Do?
Whether you're a biodegradable packaging supplier, a compostable packaging manufacturer in India, or a business planning to export to these countries, here’s what you need to stay ahead:
1. Certify Your Products
Third-party certifications like BPI (USA), EN 13432 (UK), and TUV or ASTM standards help validate your product’s claims. This is critical for compostable clamshells, plates, and cups.
2. Label Honestly
All three countries are cracking down on greenwashing. If your compartment plates are compostable only in industrial facilities, label them accordingly.
3. Stay Informed
Laws change often. Check official government websites or partner with distributors familiar with regulatory shifts in the USA, UK, and Canada.
4. Choose Better Materials
Focus on packaging made from:
- Bagasse (sugarcane pulp)
- Molded fiber
- Recycled paper pulp
- PLA or plant-based resins (where approved)
These materials break down faster and are generally well-accepted under local eco-packaging laws.
Final Thoughts
The movement toward eco-friendly packaging is growing stronger every year. Countries like the USA, UK, and Canada are setting serious legal expectations for sustainability and the message is clear: the era of single-use plastic is ending.
Whether you’re exporting biodegradable compartment plates, cups & lids, or clamshell containers, following these regulations is not just about compliance. It’s about responsibility.
At Oxylus Eco Green, we design and supply packaging that aligns with these global standards because we believe eco-conscious business is smart business.
If you're looking to expand your product line to North America or the UK, make sure your packaging is legal, certified, and truly biodegradable.