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Abstract
Compostable materials have been a hot topic lately. While compostable options claim many advantages, it is important to check to see if they are a legitimately more sustainable option for petroleum-based plastics. While both kinds of materials have their pros and cons, finding a more sustainable solution could help improve environmental, social, and eveneconomic issues in the future. This study investigates the carbon emissions associated with compostable versus conventional plastic materials associated with the food service industry using meta-analysis methods based on life cycle assessments. Reviewing 153 data points over 16 studies, it was determined that the was a statistically significant difference in net emissions of kg of CO2 per kg of material, with compostable materials having fewer emissions. This conclusion is in line with the original hypothesis.