For decades, the U.S. has relied on shipping its plastic waste overseas—out of sight, out of mind. But in 2018, that strategy hit a wall, and it’s been a mounting crisis ever since.
It’s time for an honest conversation about where our trash goes and why we urgently need to shift to local, compostable packaging.
The Global Waste Loop Is Broken
Until 2017, the U.S. exported roughly 2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually to countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The reality? Most wasn’t recycled—China, for instance, recycled only 17% of its imported waste.
In 2018, China banned foreign plastic and paper waste imports, leaving the U.S. and other countries scrambling. The results:
- Landfilling of plastic in the U.S. has increased by over 23%
- More than 32 million metric tons of plastic now fill U.S. landfills yearly
- Much of the remaining exports end up in regions lacking proper waste management infrastructure
Simply put, we’re not solving our waste problem—we’re exporting it.
The Consequences Are Closer Than You Think
Plastic doesn’t vanish—it degrades into microplastics, contaminating our soil, air, and water. These particles have infiltrated our food, bottled water, table salt, and even our bloodstream.
Moreover, many plastic products contain PFAS and other “forever chemicals” that are linked to severe health problems, including:
- Cancer
- Hormonal disruptions
- Reproductive and developmental damage
- Liver and kidney issues
These harmful chemicals circulate back to us through air, water, and food chains—regardless of where we export our trash.
Why Local Compostable Packaging Is the Way Forward
The solution is clear: we need materials that don’t need to be shipped across the world to disappear.
Locally compostable packaging, crafted from renewable materials like bagasse (sugarcane fiber), provides a smarter, scalable solution:
- Breaks down safely in industrial composting environments
- Requires less energy to dispose of
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics
- Keeps waste management—and jobs—closer to home
This approach positions your brand as part of the solution, not the problem.
What to Look for in Sustainable Packaging
For businesses ready to move away from global waste exports, ensure your packaging meets these criteria:
- Certified compostable (BPI, ISO, FSC)
- Made with no PE, PLA, or toxic coatings
- Produced or warehoused locally in the U.S.
- Fully documented with traceable supply chain data
Be wary of packaging labelled “eco-friendly” that still depends on overseas production, plastic linings, or unclear disposal guidelines.
Where SoGreenPack Fits In
We create compostable and biodegradable food packaging that’s certified, plastic-free, and engineered to break down quickly—without crossing oceans.
Our products ship from our U.S. warehouse, reducing transit times, carbon emissions, and logistics complications.
This exemplifies what we mean by green packaging that works—for your business and the planet.
Let’s stop outsourcing our waste problem.
It’s time to bring sustainability home—literally. Contact us about high-quality disposable tableware and recyclable packaging that’s ready to ship from right here in the U.S.