What is the introduction of biodegradable bags?

Bag capable of being decomposed

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Biodegradable bags are bags that are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.[1]

Each year approximately 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide.[2]

Distinguishing "biodegradable" from "compostable"

In typical parlance, the word biodegradable is distinct in meaning from compostable. While biodegradable simply means an object is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, "compostable" in the plastic industry is defined as able to decompose in aerobic environments that are maintained under specific controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Compostable means capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site such that the material is not visually distinguishable and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with known compostable materials. (ref: ASTM International D )

The inclusion of "inorganic materials" precludes the end product from being considered as compost, or humus, which is purely organic material[opinion]. Indeed, under the ASTM definition, the only criterion needed for a plastic to be called compostable is that it has to appear to go away at the same rate as something else that one already knows is compostable under the traditional definition[citation needed].

Plastic bags can be made "oxo-biodegradable" by being manufactured from a normal plastic polymer (i.e. polyethylene) or polypropylene incorporating an additive which causes degradation and then biodegradation of the polymer (polyethylene) due to oxidation.

Trade associations

The trade association for the oxo-biodegradable plastics industry is the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association, which will certify products tested according to ASTM D or (starting 1 January ) UAE :

The trade associations for the compostable plastics industry are the Biodegradable Products Institute, "European Bioplastics", and SPIBioplastics Council. Money is certified as compostable for industrial composting conditions in the United States if they comply with ASTM D, and in Europe with the EN.

Materials

Most bags that are manufactured from plastic are made from corn-based materials, like polylactic acid blends. Biodegradable plastic bags are nowadays as strong and reliable as traditional (mostly polyethylene)-bags. Many bags are also made from paper, organic materials like Manila hemp, or polycaprolactone.[2][3][4]

• A single use compostable bag from a grocery store

• A tote bag made of Manilla hemp, produced by the Swiss bag company QWSTION

"The public looks at biodegradable as something magical," even though the term is broadly used, according to Ramani Narayan, a chemical engineer at Michigan State University in East Lansing, and science consultant to the Biodegradable Plastics Institute. "This is the most used and abused and misused word in our dictionary right now. In the Great Pacific garbage patch, biodegradable plastics break up into small pieces that can more easily enter the food chain by being consumed."[5]

Recycling

In-plant scrap can often be recycled but post-consumer sorting and recycling is difficult. Bio-based polymers will contaminate the recycling of other more common polymers. While oxo-biodegradable plastic manufacturers claim that their bags are recyclable, many plastic film recyclers will not accept them, as there have been no long-term studies on the viability of recycled-content products with these additives. Further, the Biodegradable Plastics Institute (BPI) says that the formulation of additives in oxo films varies greatly, which introduces even more variability in the recycling process.[6] SPI Resin identification code 7 is applicable.

Marketing qualification and legal issues

Since many of these plastics require access to sunlight, oxygen, or lengthy periods of time to achieve degradation or biodegradation, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, commonly called the "green guide",[7] require proper marking of these products to show their performance limits.

The Federal Trade Commission provides an example:

Example 1: A trash bag is marketed as "degradable," with no qualification or other disclosure. The marketer relies on soil burial tests to show that the product will decompose in the presence of water and oxygen. The trash bags are customarily disposed of in incineration facilities or at sanitary landfills that are managed in a way that inhibits degradation by minimizing moisture and oxygen. Degradation will be irrelevant for those trash bags that are incinerated and, for those disposed of in landfills, the marketer does not possess adequate substantiation that the bags will degrade in a reasonably short period of time in a landfill. The claim is therefore deceptive.

Since there are no pass-fail tests for "biodegradable" plastic bags, manufacturers must print on the product the environmental requirements for biodegradation to take place, time frame and end results in order to be within US Trade Requirements.

In , the State of California essentially made the term "biodegradable bags" illegal,[8] unless such terms are "substantiated by competent and reliable evidence to prevent deceiving or misleading consumers about environmental impact of degradable, compostable, and biodegradable plastic bags, food service ware, and packaging."

In , an Australian manufacturer of plastic bags who made unsubstantiated or unqualified claims about biodegradability was fined by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, which is the Australian equivalent of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.[9]

In recent years, the Biodegradable Products Institute and related companies have claimed products compost in available compost facilities at 60 °C (140 °F). The Vermont attorney general found these claims to be misleading and sued compostable plastic companies for false claims.[10]

See also

References

You may have heard more about biodegradable materials in the past few years, and how we should all be looking to reduce our use of traditional plastics and instead seek to use biodegradable materials when possible. But, what exactly does biodegradable mean? What are the benefits of biodegradable bags? Should your business switch to biodegradable bags? This article explains everything about biodegradable bags and their advantages for the environment.

What Does Biodegradable Mean?

The strict definition of a biodegradable material according to the Cambridge Dictionary is a substance or object that is &#;able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful.&#;

In other words, if something is biodegradable, then eventually it will break down into smaller pieces by microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. 

It can be a little confusing though since there is no time limit on how long it must take before a biodegradable material needs to break down by. That is the main difference between compostable and biodegradable plastics. And an important consideration to take into account when choosing biodegradable bags for your business.

Find out more about the differences between biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials.

Polystar Compostable Bags

Through continued research, development, and field trials, Polystar is proud to be one of the key independent specialist UK manufacturers able to produce this product which is a 100% compostable material made from a blend of co-polyester and PLA (sugar cane).

Our fully biodegradable, compostable bags and film are 100% compostable, as well as this Polystar&#;s biodegradable bags&#; key features, include the following:

• Fully recyclable

• Equivalent strength and weight compared to traditional plastic

• Leakproof

• Degrades on land or sea

What are the advantages of biodegradable bags?

As you can see, there is no compromise in quality when it comes to using biodegradable bags, but what further advantages are there? There are multiple benefits to choosing biodegradable bags, here we&#;ve created a list of the top seven reasons why you should choose biodegradable packaging products for your business. 

1. Reduction In Carbon Emissions

Polystar&#;s unique biodegradable material is made from PLA bioplastic. As this is plant-based, the manufacturing process produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastic. While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions, biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon &#; a 500% reduction! 

2. Waste Reduction

Currently, the UK generates over 30 million tonnes of household waste every year, approximately 35% of which is garden and kitchen waste. As biodegradable plastics break down over time, this means there is a large reduction in the volume of waste being created which means less waste ending up in landfill.  With less wastage taking up space in landfills, the outcome is less overall waste to manage.  Saving land for other purposes and preserving the beauty of our planet.

3. Repurposing & Recycling  

The oils that come from plants make bioplastics far superior materials compared to traditional plastic types. The oils make the surface of bioplastics more malleable and less brittle so that it&#;s easier to form new shapes and textures. 

They are just as moldable as traditional plastics and can be turned into various appealing ways to suit your requirements. In addition to this, they can also be recycled and repurposed multiple times in their life cycle. 

Compare this to some non-biodegradable plastics, they are not safe for repurposing because some materials can leak toxic, dangerous chemicals that may leak after the first use. Since biodegradable bags and packaging come from natural materials found in nature, there are no dangerous chemicals or toxins in these items. 

4. Reduced Pollution

As biodegradable products break down naturally, they eventually decompose and are consumed by soil and other natural components. This natural process means no forced chemical reaction needs to take place to kickstart the process and less pollution will happen as a result.

Given that they take a lot less time to decompose than traditional plastics, they are easy to recycle, that&#;s too without releasing toxic elements. 

5. Non-Toxic

Biodegradable bags are made from natural materials which means that they are safer for users. 

Traditional plastics are made with harmful by-products and chemicals which are a threat to the environment and life as well. They are likely to emit these harmful substances during the breakdown process. What&#;s more, the plastic used for most standard water bottles, PET, can attract harmful bacteria or even leak chemicals. 

But this is not a case with biodegradable plastic, further supporting the case for biodegradable plastics. They are safe and don&#;t release toxins during their breakdown process. They are absorbed by the soil. 

6. Less Petroleum

Biodegradable plastics also minimises the use of petroleum supplies. Traditional plastic is manufactured by oil molecules being heated and treated to convert into polymers.

Nearly 2.7 per cent of a country&#;s petroleum is used in the traditional plastic manufacturing processes.  

Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, are made using natural materials such as sugar cane, corn, orange peels, starch, and plants. This process requires far less energy and usually does not involve the burning of fossil fuels.

Therefore, this means that the amount of biodegradable plastics that can be manufactured is much higher while simultaneously using far less energy. So, as well as using less precious resources, there is less pollution being produced. By reducing the production of traditional plastics and making more biodegradable plastics instead, we can reallocate oil resources to other causes like heating and transport. 

7. Brand Friendly

Another benefit of biodegradable bags is the positive effect it can have for your brand. Major corporations such as Coca-Cola are using bioplastic products due to its sustainable reputation. Choosing greener options can have a positive impact on your brand alongside helping the environment. 

Final words

So as demonstrated, there are many benefits of using biodegradable products. They are safe for the environment and their use should be encouraged. However, the need for plastic usage awareness and education regarding their repurposing is necessary as wise use can make a difference.

If you are interested in sourcing, greener packaging alternatives we&#;d love to hear from you. Please call us on or contact us online to take advantage of our free consultation service and see how much you could save.

For more Biodegradable Sandwich Bags Supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.