Compostable Packaging Resources & Guides
Welcome to the Pure Compostables resource library — a working set of in-depth guides written for the people who actually procure, evaluate, and switch to compostable packaging. You’ll find detailed certification breakdowns (BPI, TUV, EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and beyond), step-by-step playbooks for transitioning a business away from conventional plastics, and product selection guides covering bag sizes, materials, and use cases. Every article is written from the perspective of a manufacturer with thirteen years of operating experience — not a marketing team. Use the categories below to navigate by topic, or browse the most recent guides directly. If your question isn’t answered here, our team is happy to help — start with our wholesale page or send us a note via the contact page.
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Why Does My Compost Smell Bad?
A bad-smelling compost pile is a chemistry problem with a small set of causes. Here’s how to identify which one is yours and how to fix it.
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Why Do Some Environmentalists Criticize Compostables?
Some environmentalists critique compostable products as a distraction. The criticism has some real merit — and some misses. Here’s what each side gets right.
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A Buyer’s Guide to Compostable Sushi Trays
Sushi trays are one of the harder compostable foodware applications. Here’s what to spec for moisture, soy sauce, and presentation.
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Hanukkah Latke Plate Compostability
Latkes are deep-fried, oily, and acidic — the worst-case scenario for compostable plates. Here’s what actually works.
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10 Compostable Items for Picnic Operations
Ten compostable items that make picnic operations actually compostable — from plates and utensils to bags and tablecloths.
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Hair and Nail Clippings in Compost: A Surprisingly Useful Input
Human hair, pet hair, and nail clippings are slow-release nitrogen sources that work better in compost than people expect. Here’s the science.
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Community Garden Composting: Volunteer Programs Worth Joining
Community garden composting programs need volunteers and accept household scraps. Here’s what to look for and how to get involved.
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7 Compostable Items for Sporting Event Catering
Seven compostable foodware items that work for sporting event catering — from hot dog trays to cold cups — with real performance notes.
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How to Compost in a Townhouse With a Tiny Yard
Townhouse composting works in 50-200 square feet of yard. Here’s how to set up a compact pile that handles a household without taking over the patio.
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Compostable Garbage Bags: Choosing the Right Mil for Your Bin
Compostable garbage bag thickness (mil) determines what’s inside, how long it holds, and whether it leaks. Here’s how to pick the right thickness.
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Lettuce Cores: Why They Compost Faster Than Whole Heads
A whole head of lettuce in compost takes 8-12 weeks. The same head cut up takes 3-5 weeks. Here’s why surface area matters that much.
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How to Start a Backyard Compost Pile in 7 Days
A practical day-by-day plan to get from no compost pile to a working backyard system in one week, without overthinking it.