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Joined 4 months ago
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Cake day: June 3rd, 2026

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  • So in the context of packaging none of that is true. The real difference between wax and plastic is that plastic has a higher molecular weight. No specific cutoff, it’s mostly just vibes. Some packaging folk add a second criteria: wax melts, then burns, while plastic just burns.

    Using your definition of wax, you’re pretty much living in the 17th century. Nowadays, wax comes from oil, and is usually the exact same polymer as the plastic packaging on the next product over. But with slightly smaller molecules.

    Edit: I forgot grease barrier. Old school compostable biodegradable wax dissolves in grease. You don’t want that.