FAQ

Q. Why should I make the change to more environmentally friendly packaging?

A. A new group of green consumers is making educated purchasing decisions based on their impact on the Environment. Commercial and Retail packaging make up a huge percentage of refuse that has created a never ending waste management crisis in Canada. Government subsidies to recycling and disposal programs are directly reflected back to the consumer through municipal, provincial, and federal taxes. The responsibility for disposal has been left with the consumer instead of with Industry and Manufacturers where it belongs. Groups like the Canadian Councils of Ministers for the Environment are working toward implementing a *Sustainable Packaging Initiative through Extended Producer Responsibility programs that will be implemented Canada-wide, and put the responsibility back on Manufacturers through product levy’s and taxes. Sustainable Packaging Initiative

Q. What is the price difference?

A. Our product line of Biodegradable and Compostable packaging solutions is competitively priced to ease the transition for businesses and consumers. In fact, when weighing all of the conceivable offsets, switching to a more Eco-Compatible business philosophy can be cost neutral or result in cost savings. The common advantages that we hear the most from our customers are the following:

• A huge public relations benefit comes from portraying a business philosophy that consumers can identify with on a personal level in their efforts to make a positive impact on the environment.
• As the price of petroleum continues to rise, products like plastics and polystyrene foam have risen dramatically and the market for biodegradables and compostable packaging products has become very attractive.
• Consumers in an ever increasing Green Market are making educated purchasing decisions based on business philosophy and environmental impact of their daily products. Customers are so committed to voicing their opinions regarding their purchasing, that they are contacting businesses and expressing their need for more ecologically compatible strategies and products.
• Biodegradable and compostable food service packaging occupies 60% less volume then Styrofoam due to its thinner yet more resilient construction. The cost of shipping, storage, and fuel consumption is therefore greatly reduced.
• Media and consumer attention provides business with access to new markets and increased profit margins as a result of making the step towards a zero waste policy. These strategies are so new in the consumer market, that businesses receive immediate positive attention as role models in the community.

Q. How long will the product last before it starts to biodegrade?

A. There is no maximum shelf life on biodegradable and compostable food service packaging made from non-wood fibers. Consumers often confuse these products with degradable plastics that are commonly available on the market today. Non-wood fiber food service packaging requires a combination of light, heat, moisture, oxygen, and micro organisms in the soil to initiate the biodegrading process. Degradable plastic however have minimum shelf lives because light is the common initiating factor. This is why they are called Photodegradable and not Biodegradable.

Q. How long does it take for your product to biodegrade?

A. There are several factors that influence the process by which our products will break down. As a biodegradable and not introduced into a composting system, the biological consumption of the product by micro organisms in the organic waste matter will cause the product to decompose in less than 90 days. As an organic waste, introduced into a home composting system, the product will decompose in 45 to 50 days. In a commercial composting facility where there is much higher heat introduced in the sterilization stages, the product can completely decompose in as little as 30 to 45 days. However, when composting this product, tearing it into small pieces dramatically increases the decomposition rates.

Q. Where can I buy GCE products?

A. Green Century Enterprises Inc. is a wholesale distributor of biodegradable and compostable food service packaging currently marketing its product line through distributors, grocery stores, restaurants, and corporations. Unfortunately, we do not retail directly to the consumer. However, if you contact us, we can refer you to the closest location where you can find the products that would best suit your needs.

Q. Can GCE provide custom printing or private branding for products?

A. Yes, we absolutely can. Our products can be provided directly from the manufacturer with many different custom packaging and printing options. Please contact our sales team for information regarding product branding or printing.

Q. What if I need a specialty item that is not listed in your product catalogue?

A. Because our products are made from a molded pulp fiber, there are many different size, shape, and capacity options. Please contact us to discuss your particular need and we can suggest the best options.

If you have a question about any of GCE’s products of services, please contact our sales team and we would be happy to serve you.

info@greencentury.ca