No matter how hard manufacturers try to recycle plastic, the reality is that a huge amount of it still ends up in landfills and continues to pollute the environment. And while collection and recycling are far from perfect, biodegradable packaging may well compete with traditional packaging. While large consortiums are working on creating a completely paper bottle, a small company in the US has already launched a biodegradable, reusable water bottle on the market.

Los Angeles-based Whatrr launched the bottle this summer and is already partnering with grocery chain Erewhon to stock it, with the company hinting at future partnerships with other retailers. So what's the big deal about the bottle they're offering?

Tests have shown that this bottle is 85.5% biodegradable after 3.5 years in a landfill. It is BPA-free and non-toxic. The outside of the bottle is made from bamboo pulp and sugarcane, and the inside has a biodegradable green barrier. It is also claimed to be reusable.

Although there is a heated debate about the safety of using biodegradable packaging, more and more variations of it are appearing on the market. And in terms of possible environmental pollution, in our opinion, it is a lesser evil than regular plastic in landfills.

Used materials from whatrr.com, packaginginsights.com.