# 267 - Do composters really want compostable packaging?!? with Justen Garrity from Veteran Compost

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2024-06-13
- Length: 34m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/267-do-composters-really-want-compostable

## Summary

Justen Garrity, founder of Veteran Compost, explains why composting operators are frustrated by the current state of compostable packaging, citing contamination from poor labeling and lack of financial compensation. He discusses the operational challenges of manual sorting, the confusion caused by terms like 'biodegradable' versus 'certified compostable', and the limitations of home composting devices like Lomi. Garrity argues that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and standardized labeling are essential to make the circular economy viable for waste managers.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=1) Introduction and Drupa Recap
- [6:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=395) The Problem with Compostable Packaging Contamination
- [11:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=708) Operational Challenges and Manual Sorting
- [15:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=900) Business Model: Collection vs. Product Sales
- [16:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=970) The Role of EPR and Labeling Standards
- [23:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=1388) Consumer Confusion: Biodegradable vs. Compostable
- [27:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-06-13-267-do-composters-really-want-compostable-packaging-with-justen-garrity-from-vet#t=1630) Home Composting and Device Limitations

## Topics

- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Packaging design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/packaging-design)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Veteran Compost (company)
- BPI (other)
- Lomi (product)
- ASTM (other)
- Drupa (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Intelligent Dumpsters and Sustainable Waste Disposal with Ben Chehebar, VP of Hardware at RoadRunner Recycling, and Jason Gates, Senior VP of Strategy at RoadRunner Recycling](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-03-30-intelligent-dumpsters-and-sustainable-waste-disposal-with-ben-chehebar-vp-of-har) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Making garbage useful with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-08-17-making-garbage-useful-with-tom-szaky-of-terracycle) (How I Built This)
- [Ep. 8: Build a Food Business with Teeth - Chloe Sorvino, Forbes Magazine](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-08-13-ep-8-build-a-food-business-with-teeth-chloe-sorvino-forbes-magazine) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [Educating a Modern Engineer | ’Round & ’Round: Electronics and the Circular Economy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-05-01-educating-a-modern-engineer-round-round-electronics-and-the-circular-economy) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

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