Many brands try to look eco-friendly with green colours or nature-inspired designs. But colours don’t make packaging sustainable — biology does. If you’ve ever wondered what biodegradable packaging is, or what biodegradable packaging is made of, the real answer begins — and ends — in the soil
At S.Lab, we create a natural packaging material that soil organisms can break down safely and quickly. When we say our packaging disappears in 30 days, people often imagine something mystical happening underground. In reality, it’s a smart packaging solution shaped by microbiology, not magic.
If you’ve ever wondered what is biodegradable packaging or what biodegradable packaging is made of, here’s the answer and the full cast of organisms that do the work.
1. Soil bacteria start the cycle
Bacillus, Pseudomonas
These bacteria initiate the process by breaking down simple organic compounds inside our natural fiber packaging. They weaken the structure and prepare it for the next decomposers — a key stage in any innovative packaging solution based on biology.
2. Fungi accelerate decomposition
Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium
Fungi release enzymes that cut complex plant fibres into smaller molecules. This “pre-digestion” step is what makes natural packaging and natural products packaging truly compostable. Without fungi, even the best sustainable packaging solution would degrade much slower.
3. Soil invertebrates support the microbes
Springtails, mites, earthworms
These tiny organisms don’t just nibble on the material. They fragment it, increase surface area, and speed up microbial activity. They’re essential for turning custom eco friendly packaging (like our mycelium-based forms) into nutrients for the soil.
4. Actinomycetes complete the breakdown
This group of filamentous bacteria appears in the later stages. They specialise in tougher plant fibres and add that classic “forest soil” smell you get in healthy ecosystems. They close the loop that makes natural product packaging and custom eco packaging actually disappear.
Together, these organisms show how a truly innovative packaging solution works: no plastics, no toxins and no microplastics at the end, There’s only biology returning nutrients to the soil.
Our material combines agricultural waste and mycelium, making it a fully natural packaging solution. It’s simple, safe and effective — a clear example of what biodegradable packaging should be.
And very soon, we’ll be announcing new data about the compostability of S.Lab’s mycelium packaging, so stay tuned!
If you’d like to explore a custom eco friendly packaging solution for your products, including natural health packaging or natural products packaging, contact us!
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