The Disappearing Myth
Posted By on Nov 10th 2020
The Disappearing Myth
by Saloni Doshi • published July 29, 2025 • 7 min read
New packaging innovations—like compostable mailers, mushroom-based materials, corn-based foams, or plastic additives—often come with big promises. Many of these technologies have real potential, especially when they replace virgin plastics. But one claim we hear too often is that these materials simply “go away” once they compost or dissolve.
That idea sounds hopeful—but it’s misleading.
Do Materials Ever Really Disappear?
When something biodegrades or dissolves, it doesn’t vanish into thin air. It leaves something behind in soil or water.
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With food and yard waste, that “something” is beneficial—nutrients that improve soil health.
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With many packaging alternatives, what’s left is less friendly: contaminants, heavy metals, or other residues. At best, the material is neutral. At worst, it adds pollutants to ecosystems.
Just like we evaluate the afterlife of trash or recycling, we need to consider the true end of life for compostable or dissolving packaging.
A Simple Example: Salt
Salt dissolves in water. It’s technically compostable. But would you dump a bucket of it into your garden?
Of course not. High salinity damages soil, making it harder for plants to absorb water. Even though you can’t see it, the salt’s impact lingers.
Source: Tatiana Dyuvbanova
The Case of Corn Starch Foam
Corn starch foam is often promoted as a compostable, dissolvable alternative to Styrofoam. It looks promising—but let’s dig deeper.
In compost:
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Corn starch foam introduces heavy metals (like arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and selenium).
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In small volumes, this may be minimal. But if used at scale, compost quality would drop, making it unsuitable for agriculture.
In water:
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Dissolving foam releases heavy metals and tiny organic molecules.
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Wastewater treatment may filter some out, but not all.
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Leftover molecules can flow into waterways, fueling algae blooms and contaminating water supplies.
And that’s without considering the environmental toll of large-scale corn production itself.
The Takeaway
Corn starch foam and other bio-based innovations aren’t inherently bad. For companies moving away from Styrofoam, they offer important benefits. But no packaging material is impact-free.
The key is not to fall for the myth of disappearance. Compostable or water-soluble doesn’t mean “harmless.” Every material leaves a footprint—and those impacts must be part of the conversation.
Looking for Truly Sustainable Options?
If your business wants to move away from Styrofoam or other plastic fillers, it’s worth exploring packaging that’s both effective and transparent about its environmental impact.
At EcoEnclose, our protective packaging solutions—like GreenWrap, corrugated bubble, and 100% recycled tissue—are designed to protect your products while aligning with circularity goals. Unlike many “disappearing” materials, these options are proven, recyclable or compostable (where infrastructure exists), and come with a clear end-of-life pathway.
About EcoEnclose
EcoEnclose helps forward-thinking brands deliver on their sustainability goals with innovative, research-driven packaging solutions designed for circularity.