IN South Africa’s complex and fast-changing packaging environment, the topic of compostables is once again gaining traction. But this time, the narrative is shifting – away from an “either/or” debate with recycling and toward a more integrated, systems-based approach.

REM Specialty Papers, the local distributor for Futamura’s NatureFlex range, is among the companies working to reframe this conversation. NatureFlex is a renewable, cellulose-based film that’s certified home-compostable and used in a variety of packaging applications globally. REM is collaborating with brand owners and converters to explore its potential for local and export markets.

‘We believe compostables have a clear and legitimate role to play – especially in applications where recycling isn’t viable,’ explains Reuben Glenny, managing director of REM Specialty Papers. ‘The problem isn’t the material – it’s the way it’s misunderstood and misapplied.’

According to Reuben, compostables often fall victim to misconceptions. Some industry stakeholders see them as contaminants or as idealistic solutions that can’t match the scale of recycling. But REM argues this is an oversimplification – and a missed opportunity.

‘This isn’t a competition between compostables and plastics,’ Reuben continues. ‘We’re talking about different tools for different jobs. Compostables offer unique advantages in specific contexts – especially for items contaminated with food or those used in places with limited access to recycling.’

He cites compostable fruit and vegetable labels as a practical example. Across Europe, regulatory changes are pushing toward compostable alternatives for fresh produce stickers, which typically end up in food waste bins. REM is working with Bio4Life, a European innovator that has developed a home-compostable adhesive – a long-missing link in making these products fully compostable.

‘This is the kind of innovation that makes sense for South Africa too,’ Reuben says. ‘Retailers are already looking at how they can futureproof their packaging in line with global trends.’

Still, system-level hurdles remain – especially when it comes to waste separation and processing infrastructure. South Africa has limited industrial composting capacity and home composting isn’t widespread. That means even compostable items can end up in the wrong stream – either contaminating recyclables or being sent to landfill.

But as Reuben points out, this isn’t unique to compostables. All waste sectors face challenges with contamination. PET recyclers, for example, need to exclude PVC and other incompatible plastics. Composters, likewise, must remove non-organic material from their input streams.

‘Everyone is dealing with contamination,’ Reuben says. ‘The real issue is source separation. That’s where education, clear product labelling and collaboration across sectors becomes critical.’

‘We need a more inclusive approach,’ Reuben says. ‘Compostables are still sidelined in legislation, even though they can solve very specific challenges. Until policy catches up, it’s the private sector that has to lead with pilot projects and practical case studies.’

‘We need to move away from binary thinking,’ Reuben concludes. ‘It’s not about which material is better. It’s about finding the right fit for each application and building systems that support all forms of responsible packaging. That’s how we’ll move forward – together.’

Vicentini’s Regina di Fiori teas now use Futamura’s NatureFlex compostable film – preserving aroma and Italian craftsmanship with care.

The bakery, Vikings and Goddesses, uses Elk Packaging’s certified compostable pouches with NatureFlex film – fresh, space-saving and fully aligned with their sustainable goals.

Futamura, Repaq and GK Sondermaschinenbau have launched fully compostable sachets using Futamura’s NatureFlex technology that’s certified for home and industrial composting.