Frequently Asked Questions

We take the confusion out of home compostable packaging. Take a look at our most frequently asked questions here.

Custom Orders

Whether you want to customise our existing range or need help with new product development, we can help. 

Custom orders have a minimum quantity of 5,000 units per sku and are subject to independent trials being conducted for shelf life and suitability with our existing range of materials.

To learn more about our custom order and innovation process, please book an initial free 15 minute consultation with our packaging inovation specialist Melissa Woods, please email enquiries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Yes we can help with printing. Custom print orders have an MOQ of 5,000 units per sku and are subject to trials being conducted for shelf life and suitability prior to customisation of artwork.

We like to help all customers and understand our print MOQ doesn’t work for everyone, so there are two alternative recommendations that we suggest and can quote to help with:

  1. Designing and printing paper labels to be added to the bags 

  2. Designing a custom stamp to use with the kraft pouches 

Note: If the label topper is made from paper it can be peeled off and attached to a cardboard box for paper recycling. If it is plastic it needs to be added to landfill. 

General FAQ's

Yes, our Misty Lady bioplastic packaging is certified AS5810 Home Compostable and food safe. Our products are bio based and can be organically recycled in the home or commercial compost.

Our certified compostable packaging can be recycled by microbes at home alongside organic food waste.

  • Misty Lady is AS5810 Home Compostable by ABA Australian Bioplastics Association 
  • OK HOME COMPOST, OK COMPOST HOME and OK Biodegradable Soil

A healthy compost heap will heat up naturally due to microbial activity.

The ideal internal temperature of an aerobic home compost is 55–65 °C (130–150 °F)
This kills most weed seeds and pathogens.
The heap may feel warm or even steaming in the center. Use a compost thermometer if available, or just check that the center feels hot. After a few weeks, it will cool down — that’s when you can turn it to reheat and speed decomposition.

Although our materials were not designed for liquid, we have had a large number of companies successfully use our Misty Lady AS5810 Home Compostable film for packaging liquid. It is essential organisations run their own technical trials to assess suitabilty across the supply chain as we cannot make guarantees.

 

At this moment in time, our MOQ across the range is 1000 units per sku.

Product range

We do not currently have tape or fragile stickers as part of our core range.

Flat bottom pouches are not currently part of our core range. However, we have the ability to develop these for custom requests with an MOQ of 50,000 units per sku. 

We currently do not sell compostable adhesives.

We currently do not sell compostable labels.

We do not currently stock Algae ink. 

Returns

We do not accept returns unless faulty. 

Your product, storage and environment all impact the materials and performance which is why it is important for trials to be completed with our sample pack prior to an order being made. 

See our returns policy here

Shelf life

We are not able to make any claims on shelf life as this is always subject to trials with each individual product.
 
The product needs, storage and supply chain environment are all different and all impact the material and performance which is why it is mandatory for trials to be completed prior to an order being made. Trials are always a key part of the process for any new customer to check for both suitability and the shelf life. Biobased bioplastic materials break down once in soil with heat, moisture, O2 and microbes. 
We are not able to guarantee a life span for the bags, however, they only break down once in soil with heat, moisture and microbes. On the shelf over time they are exposed to warm moisture and the bioplastic so will become more brittle which may impact performance.

Shipping

Yes, we can help with international orders directly. Please email your details to our team at enquiries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Stand up pouches

Our stand up pouches can be heat sealed and have a tear tab for ease of opening. Once open our pouches can be resealed with a reclosable zipper. 

 

 

The metalised foil layer is cellulose from eucalyptus tree pulp and has been added to improve the barrier qualities of the biopolymer film.  It is NOT for light blocking, the kraft paper does this.

The metalised cellulose layer is certified home compostable and is earthworm safe.

1kg is the largest size we are able to make due to the strength of the compostable materials being used and composting regulations to break down in the required time. 

Trials & testing

We do not currently have a recommendation for chemical testing. However, the film performs similar to normal plastic, it is just made from plants rather than oil and gas. All customers must conduct independant trials with each product for shelf life and suitability.

Yes we can help with this directly. Please contact our team at enqueries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz 

Vacuum Seal Bags

Our vacuum seal bags can be used on a home or commercial vacuum sealer.

For more information, see our 'how to: seal and dispose' guide here.

Our vacuum seal bags are made from bio or plant based bioplastic and are regenerative in the home compost. In the presence of moisture, soil, heat and oxygen the biofilm is broken down and renewed by soil organisms, fungi and worms to become soil.

1. Wash bag in warm soapy water and dry.

2. Reuse bag.

3. When you are finished with the vacuum bag, rip or cut the bag into strips and place in a warm home compost.

4. Cover or lightly turn compost

5. If you don’t have a home compost visit the to find a compost near you

www.sharewaste.org.nz
www.compostcollective.org.nz
www.supertrash.nz

Still have some unanswered questions? We're happy to help. Send us an email at enquiries@saltoftheearthpackaging.nz