As we head into Natural Products Expo West, the conversation around packaging continues to evolve. For years, conventional plastic has dominated store shelves. Today, consumers are thinking beyond the product itself. They are asking what materials are being used, how they are sourced, and what happens after disposal. Packaging is no longer an afterthought. It is part of the product experience and part of the environmental impact. This shift is driving demand for alternatives designed with end-of-life in mind.
What Makes Packaging More Sustainable?
More sustainable packaging solutions are often made from renewable, plant-based materials and are engineered to break down under proper composting conditions. Unlike many conventional materials that can persist in the environment for centuries, compostable materials are designed to fully break down within a defined timeframe when processed correctly. This supports a more circular system where materials can return to the earth. In today’s world, transparency matters. Clear certifications and responsible sourcing help ensure sustainability claims are backed by measurable standards.
Why Matter Is an Ideal Alternative to Traditional Plastic
At Matter, sustainability is built into every layer of our design process. Our products are made from natural, renewable, and sustainably sourced resins and fibers, many derived from agricultural crop waste. These materials are carefully engineered to compost within months under proper composting conditions, returning valuable nutrients back to the soil.
In contrast, many conventional materials can remain in the environment for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. Matter products are thoughtfully designed to fully compost within 12 months when properly processed in commercial composting facilities*. By returning nutrients to the soil, they contribute to a regenerative material cycle rather than a linear waste stream. We are internationally certified to meet recognized compostability standards, reinforcing our commitment to verified sustainability and responsible end of life performance. In addition, certain Matter products carry home compostability certifications, indicating they are designed to break down in properly maintained backyard compost environments, where conditions allow.
Importantly, our migration extends beyond the product itself. We have transitioned our packaging to align with the same compostable principles, creating a more complete system designed with sustainability in mind.
Designed for a Higher Standard of Sustainability
Matter products represent a thoughtful alternative to traditional plastic materials. By utilizing renewable crop waste fibers, internationally certified compostable resins, and packaging designed for responsible disposal, we aim to meet a higher standard of sustainability across the entire product lifecycle. For us, sustainability is not a single feature. It is a systems approach that considers sourcing, performance, and what happens next.
Being Mindful About Packaging at Natural Products Expo West and Beyond
Natural Products Expo West brings together brands that are shaping the future of consumer goods, and increasingly, packaging is part of that conversation. Being mindful about packaging is not limited to one product category. It shows up in everyday decisions. It can look like choosing a body soap bar packaged in cardboard instead of a liquid soap in a conventional plastic bottle, or selecting a deodorant packaged in paper-based or alternative material packaging. Even small swaps in food service items, such as choosing glass or compostable materials designed for responsible end-of-life processing, can make a meaningful difference over time.
When shopping, whether at a trade show or in your local market, it is worth pausing to consider the materials used, whether the packaging is certified compostable or responsibly recyclable, and whether the brand provides clear guidance on disposal. These questions help move sustainability from a marketing claim to a material decision. Consumer awareness drives innovation. As more shoppers evaluate packaging alongside product performance, brands are encouraged to rethink materials and explore alternatives aligned with circular systems.
At Matter, we believe thoughtful purchasing decisions across categories help accelerate that transition. As we head into Natural Products Expo West, we are proud to be part of the movement advancing more sustainable packaging solutions designed to work in harmony with natural systems. Because sustainability should not stop at the surface. It should be built in.
*Compostable in commercial composting facilities where available. Facilities may not exist in all areas. Check locally.