At In Praise of Herbs, we regularly receive questions about our ecological packaging. We completely understand that. For us as well, this is a topic we approach as consciously and thoughtfully as possible.
What are our bags made of?
Our herbs are packaged in resealable pouches that consist of:
- an outer paper layer
- a thin protective inner layer based on compostable materials
This protective layer is necessary to preserve the herbs properly. It helps to:
- block out light
- limit air and moisture
- better protect aroma, taste, and active compounds
Without such a barrier layer, herbs would lose their aroma more quickly and would not keep as well.
Why not fully paper bags?
Fully paper packaging allows more air, moisture, and light to pass through. For some products this can work, but for many herbs it means:
- aroma fades faster
- taste diminishes
- quality declines more quickly
- shelf life becomes shorter
We therefore look for a balance between packaging that is as natural as possible and proper protection of the contents. For us, it is important that the herbs you receive truly remain fresh and potent.
Compostable: what does that mean in practice?
Our bags are industrially compostable. This means they can break down in professional composting facilities where temperature, moisture, and microorganisms are carefully controlled. In many municipalities, compostable packaging can therefore be disposed of with organic waste. There, they are processed together with organic material. Because this can vary locally, we recommend checking how this is handled in your municipality.
Can you compost them at home?
Yes, you can. In a home compost, the bags will also break down, but the process is slower because conditions are less constant. On average, decomposition takes about 1 to 2 years. For some people, this is a good solution, especially if you already have your own compost heap.
What if industrial composting is not possible?
Not every municipality processes compostable packaging in the same way. In some cases, it is not separately recognized or processed. That’s why it’s best to check locally what the best option is:
- organic waste, if compostable packaging is accepted
- home composting, if you have that possibility
- or residual waste, if other options are not available
A conscious choice, not a perfect solution
We are aware that no packaging today is completely ideal. There is always a balance between:
- ecological impact
- product protection
- shelf life
- practical use
Our current bags represent the best balance we can find today: they protect the herbs well, are resealable, and are made from industrially compostable materials. We continue to follow developments closely and remain open to better alternatives, without compromising on quality.
Transparency matters to us
We share this information because we believe honest communication is important. If you have questions about our packaging, we are happy to think along with you. Together, step by step, we look for ways to handle what we use and consume more consciously.