Rethinking Waste in Fishing: Why Compostable Packaging Matters
Compostable packaging is changing the way we think about waste in recreational fishing. At Wise Angler, we’ve moved beyond traditional plastic tackle bags to embrace fully compostable, plant-based materials that return to the earth instead of polluting it. This shift isn’t just about packaging — it’s about creating a more circular, responsible fishing culture that gives back to the environment we all enjoy.
Why Traditional Fishing Packaging Is a Problem
Fishing tackle packaging is often made from multiple layers of plastic — including those “see-through” windows that never break down. These materials:
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End up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to degrade
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Leach microplastics into waterways
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Harm wildlife if accidentally left behind or blown into the ocean
And with millions of packets used by anglers every year, the impact adds up fast.
Wise Angler’s Solution: Packaging with Purpose
We didn’t just want to make good gear. We wanted to make better waste — or rather, eliminate it altogether.
Wise Angler packaging is:
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Made entirely from plant-based materials like cornstarch and sugarcane
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Certified compostable under AS 4736, EN 13432, DIN CERTCO, and OK Compost standards
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Designed with a clear, non-plastic window — so you can see your gear without polluting the planet
Once you’re done fishing, that same packaging is designed to break down into soil — completing a natural loop.
What Does “Compostable” Actually Mean?
Unlike biodegradable plastics (which may still leave microplastic behind), certified compostable packaging breaks down into:
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Carbon dioxide
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Water
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Biomass (rich organic matter)
And it does this within a defined timeframe under the right conditions — either at home or in a commercial compost facility.
More Than a Buzzword — It’s a Movement
We see compostable packaging as more than a technical upgrade. It’s part of a bigger shift:
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Toward circular systems in outdoor industries
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Toward responsibility in product design
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Toward anglers leading by example in how we care for the ecosystems we rely on
It’s not perfect. And it’s not always easy. But it's a step forward — and one we’re proud to be taking with our community.
What Happens Next?
In Part Two of this series, we walk you through how to compost Wise Angler packaging step-by-step — including:
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Where to dispose of it (home, council, or community compost)
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What to avoid (like plastic contamination)
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How to make the most of your compostable waste
Read the full guide here:
How to Compost Wise Angler Packaging →