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At The Herbal Connection, we’re serious about sustainability. It’s not just a buzzword for us—it’s a commitment. From the moment we began transitioning to biodegradable packaging across our entire product line, we knew we were stepping into a leadership role in the herbal and organic wholesale industry. Today, more than 80% of our products are packed in certified compostable, eco-friendly packaging, and we’re proud to work with some of the most advanced packaging innovators in the world to make that possible.

In this post, we’ll explain exactly why this packaging is so important, what makes it better for the planet, and how you should store products once they arrive to ensure quality and shelf life.

Certified Compostable and Biodegradable: What That Really Means

We’ve partnered with HZF (HuizeFeng Packaging Technology Co., Ltd)—a pioneer in certified compostable multi-layered packaging that holds over 30 global patents for biodegradable film structures. These compostable packages meet stringent standards and are:

• ✅ DIN Certified (DIN CERTCO)

• ✅ BPI Certified Compostable

• ✅ Compliant with ABA Standard AS 5810 (Home Compostable)

• ✅ FDA Approved for Food Contact

This means our packaging is free from conventional plastics, fully safe for storing herbs, teas, and spices, and will break down in industrial or home composting environments within 90–180 days—depending on the conditions.

Whether it's a pyramid tea bag, pouch, vacuum bag, or windowed pack, every layer of our packaging—from the film to the ink—has been designed to minimise environmental impact and reduce plastic waste. These bags do not just decompose; they do so in a way that supports soil health and ecological diversity.

The Science of Sustainability

These cutting-edge materials are made from plant-based polymers and printed using eco-inks. They’re designed to provide the same barrier protection, shelf-life stability, and durability as traditional plastic packaging—without the environmental burden.

From tea bags to bulk spice packs, we’ve ensured that our packaging provides:

• Excellent protection from moisture and air exposure

• Heat resistance suitable for food-safe sealing

• Leak and puncture resistance

Yet, when disposed of correctly in a composting environment, they degrade naturally without leaving toxic residues, microplastics, or harmful emissions.

So… How Should I Store My Products?

This is the #1 most important thing we want our customers to know about biodegradable packaging:

It’s designed to break down. Which means it should not be used for long-term storage.

We love that our bags are planet-friendly, but they are not airtight and are intentionally breathable to allow for composting. This means:

• Moisture and air can pass through the material over time.

• The packaging will slowly degrade, especially in warm or humid environments.

To ensure the quality, potency, and shelf life of your herbs, teas, and spices, we highly recommend transferring products to airtight containers as soon as you receive them.

Ideal Storage Tips:

• ? Use glass jars or BPA-free airtight containers.

• ? Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.

• ? Label with the product name and best-before date.

This helps to prevent clumping, fading, or spoilage—especially for delicate botanicals or powders that are prone to moisture absorption.

Why We Chose to Go Compostable

At The Herbal Connection, we ship thousands of kilos of product across Australia and New Zealand each month. That adds up to a huge packaging footprint, and we wanted ours to be as gentle on the planet as possible. Here’s what makes our shift to compostable packaging so impactful:

• Reduces landfill waste dramatically

• Minimises plastic leakage into the environment

• Supports a circular economy by enabling customers to compost at home

• Builds trust with like-minded customers who care about sustainability

It also means you can proudly tell your customers or stockists that your products come in eco-certified, fully compostable packaging—a strong selling point in today’s environmentally conscious market.

Types of Compostable Bags We Use

Our current compostable packaging options include:

• Tea Bags (pyramid shape with Neo Soilon mesh)

• Windowed Stand-Up Pouches

• Coffee Bags

• Vacuum-Sealed Bags

• Mailers

• Heat-Resistant Pouches for dried spices

Certifications & Global Standards

HZF’s packaging meets global standards for compostability and food safety. Here's a quick snapshot of what backs it:

• DIN CERTCO (Germany) – internationally recognized compostable certification

• BPI (USA) – Biodegradable Products Institute seal for compostability

• ABA AS5810 – Home compostable under Australian regulations

• FDA Approval – Safe for direct food contact

All packaging materials are tested for:

• Toxins and heavy metals

• Disintegration rate

• Soil safety (no microplastics left behind)

A Final Note: Good for You, Better for the Earth

Our packaging is a reflection of who we are as a business. When you buy from The Herbal Connection, you’re not just sourcing bulk organic herbs and spices—you’re supporting a planet-first mission that prioritizes sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency.

We’re proud to be among Australia’s first wholesale suppliers using certified compostable materials across such a broad product range—and we’re only getting started. As packaging technology evolves, we’ll continue to innovate and lead by example.

So next time you open one of our beautiful compostable pouches, know that it was designed with care—for you, your business, and the planet.

? Have questions about storage or packaging? Our customer care team is here to help.

Let’s grow greener together.

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