Casein (milk protein) films and coatings
Water-soluble, biodegradable pellets made from milk protein; replaces PVA detergent-pod film, soluble sachets and some paper coatings.
Food packaging and film
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Silk protein produce coating (Mori)
An invisible, edible silk-fibroin coating that slows produce spoilage; reduces the need for cling film and sealed plastic packs that keep produce fresh rather…
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Palm leaf (areca) plates and bowls
Naturally fallen areca palm sheaths washed and heat-pressed into disposable plates; home compostable, but evidence is vendor-only and shipping dominates the footprint.
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Silicone
A synthetic silicon-oxygen polymer, not strictly plastic but not plastic-free; a durability swap for zip bags, lids and straws, never a biodegradable one.
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Bio-PE and bio-PP drop-in plastics
Polyethylene made from sugarcane ethanol; chemically identical to fossil PE, recyclable in the same stream, and not biodegradable.
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Reuse and refill systems
Not a material but a system: returnable or refillable packaging that avoids single-use waste entirely, with 35 to 70 percent lower greenhouse gas (GHG)…
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Containers and wraps instead of cling film
Cling film is unrecyclable and used once; a plate over a bowl, a lidded container or a beeswax wrap does the same job for…
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Silicone or glass instead of zip-lock bags
A reusable silicone bag replaces hundreds of zip bags, but silicone itself is not recyclable or biodegradable, so buy few and keep them.
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Loose-leaf tea or plastic-free tea bags
Many tea bags are sealed with polypropylene or made from PLA mesh, which does not break down in a home compost heap.