Is Wax Paper Compostable?

Wax paper can be used for packaging and it has many advantages such as being waterproof and it also offers other benefits to the environment. However, the question is: “Is wax paper compostable?” Before you attempt to answer this question, you should know the chemical components of wax on the paper.  

What are the Components of Wax?

First and foremost, you should understand that wax paper mainly functions as packaging material and it is organic. Wax papers are also used for other applications but the most important aspect about them pertains to their compostability. You can use them in your compost to add nutrients to the soil.  

The other aspect is that wax paper is biodegradable which means that it can be recycled and does not cause harm to the environment. The option of recycling means that you can make new products from used material.  

Wax is made from soybean, vegetable oil or paraffin and these components are compostable material. When the wax is made from soybean, then it is good for composting since it is organic. The wax is also friendly to the environment since it does not consist of chemicals that can be harmful to the soil.

Vegetable oil also makes good wax for paper packaging and it is compostable. The wax is consists of hardened fats which come from vegetable oil. The packaging solution is cost-effective and it has many benefits to the users and the environment. The packaging is also safe for disposal in your garden compost. 

Wood is the major raw material that is used in the manufacture of wax paper and it is a renewable resource. Since both paper and wax are made from plants, they can decompose just like leaves. You can use the packaging consisting of wax for composting purposes. However, it is important to point out that microbes can find it difficult to digest the wax. 

Paraffin wax consists of either petroleum or vegetable oil. The good thing about vegetable oil is that it is organic and it does not cause any harm to the environment or soil. As such, vegetable oil is good for composting so there is no problem using paper wax that is made from the compound for composting. 

You should also know that the microbes can find it hard to digest the wax though it works well for your compost. On the other hand, it can be noted that petroleum-based paraffin is not good in your compost. If you have an idea that the wax paper consists of petroleum, you must avoid composting it since it may affect the quality of your compost.  

In conclusion, it can be observed that as long as the wax paper is not lined with plastic it can be compostable. This means that you can throw it in your compost and it can add some nutrients to the soil. Wax paper is also safe for the environment since it is biodegradable.