Biodegradable Packing Peanuts: Eco-Friendly Facts and Things to Know

Packing peanuts are an popular and versatile packaging material. These small foam pieces offer excellent impact protection for fragile items and serve as a reliable void filler to prevent shifting inside a box, all while keeping the overall weight of the package to a minimum. When it comes to packing oddly shaped and fragile items like vases and collectibles for moving or shipping, packing peanuts are a must-have.

But did you know that there are different types of packing peanuts? While standard Styrofoam peanuts are commonly used, biodegradable packing peanuts are equally effective and much more environmentally friendly.

What Are Biodegradable Packing Peanuts?

Biodegradable packing peanuts are a sustainable alternative to traditional Styrofoam packing peanuts. They provide the same level of protection for items during shipping and moving, but with the added benefit of being non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These innovative packing materials are designed to cushion and safeguard items while also being kind to the planet. The best part is that they naturally decompose over time, reducing waste and minimizing harm to the environment.

What Are Biodegradable Packing Peanuts Made Out Of?

Biodegradable packing peanuts – also known as dissolvable packing peanuts or eco-friendly packing peanuts – are made of plant-based materials. U-Haul packing peanuts are made from corn starch and potato starch for maximum eco-friendliness. This simple and natural formula not only minimizes environmental impact but also guarantees that our packing peanuts are 100% non-toxic for both people and pets!

Our plant-based formula ensures that these packing peanuts will dissolve in water. Even without moisture, dissolvable packing peanuts decompose naturally over time. Unlike foam peanuts, biodegradable packing peanuts will never end up polluting the ocean or any other natural environment, as they don’t contain any non-biodegradable materials.

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Are Biodegradable Packing Peanuts Edible?

Yes, biodegradable packing peanuts are completely edible and non-toxic. If a pet or small child (or anyone who’s curious) gets their hands on one, there’s no need to worry. Biodegradable packing peanuts are 100% safe to eat, by accident or otherwise.

U-Haul Packing Peanuts are 100% Biodegradable!

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts Vs. Foam Packing Peanuts

Most people are familiar with foam packing peanuts; the small, S-shaped Styrofoam pieces that are used to fill shipping boxes. This varieity is made from polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. Although this material can be useful for packaging, it’s harmful to humans and the environment. In fact, select cities have banned some polystyrene packaging because of the negative impact the material has on the environment.

The manufacturing process of polystyrene, in particular, releases harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Once discarded, polystyrene can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose, so they often end up littering oceans, forests, and our own communities long after being thrown away.

How to Tell If Your Packing Peanuts are Biodegradable

If you want to determine whether your packing peanuts are biodegradable or foam so you can dispose of them properly, you're in luck. There are some easy ways to quickly tell the difference:

• Check for Static Electricity: Dissolvable packing peanuts won't conduct static electricity. So, rub a packing peanut against your clothes. It if sticks, it's likely a foam peanut.
• Run Them Under Water: Run a packing peanut under the kitchen faucet or place it in a small bowl of water. If it starts to dissolve after several minutes, it's biodegradable. If not, it's foam. 
• Do Some Extra Research: If all else fails, consider reaching out to the company that sent the packaging for clarification. Or, you can check with the peanut manufacturer directly.

Eco-Friendly Packing Peanuts: Helping the Environment

Biodegradable packing peanuts aren’t a new concept. As a leader in the world of environmentally-friendly moving supplies, U-Haul has offered eco-friendly packing peanuts as an affordable alternative to traditional packing peanuts since 1993. Nearly two decades later, the versatile void fillers have had a measurable and positive impact:

How to Use Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts serve as an excellent void filler, preventing items from shifting and becoming damaged during transit. They are particularly useful for securing oddly shaped items such as lamps, holiday figurines, crystal vases, and other fragile ornaments that are challenging to wrap in bubble packing wrap. By filling gaps and immobilizing boxed items, packing peanuts help to avoid cracks, chips, and scuffs that can occur during transportation.

To get the most out of your packing peanuts:

1. Pair them with other packing supplies, like Enviro-Bubble® wrap, packing paper, and a sturdy moving/shipping box.

2. Start by filling the box about halfway with packing peanuts, then firmly insert your item(s) into that first layer of peanuts. Use the peanuts to fill empty spaces where possible (the peanuts will conform to your item).

3. Fill the remaining empty space with packing peanuts and firmly press down on the second and final layer. The goal is to immobilize your item in the box as much as possible by ensuring that the gaps around the item are filled.

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts: The Advantages

In addition to being safe for the environment, biodegradable packing peanuts have other useful advantages over traditional packing supplies that you should consider.

• Anti-Static: Biodegradable packing peanuts are an anti-static, dust free, and scratch-resistant packing material so they’re safe to use with computers, laptops, monitors, and other valuable electronics.
• Reusable: Biodegradable packing peanuts are reusable so you can take pride in contributing to a more sustainable future that is less reliant on single-use waste, like plastic and polystyrene, when you fill your boxes.
• Lightweight: One bag of U-Haul Biodegradable Packing Peanuts weighs less than one pound and fills an entire U-Haul Small Moving Box. That’s a lot of void filler without much added weight to your box.
• Compostable: Those with a green thumb can use any leftover biodegradable packing peanuts as compost for added sustainability perks. Note: U-Haul packing peanuts tend to decompose quicker in humid and warmer climates.
• Versatile: Unlike moving blankets or bubble cushion, packing peanuts can be used to pack boxes of all shapes and sizes. Simply use more peanuts to fill medium- and large-sized boxes, and less to fill small boxes.

Where to Buy Biodegradable Packing Peanuts?

You can buy biodegradable packing peanuts at most places that you can find moving or shipping supplies. That includes the thousands of U-Haul locations across the U.S. and Canada. You can also order dissolvable packing peanuts online then have them shipped to your doorstep or pick them up from a U-Haul near you. Same-day delivery is available in most U.S. metro areas for added convenience. Order your biodegradable packing peanuts and other essential packing supplies today, and start working towards a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow!