Benefits of Compostable Plastics

We’re all used to using plastic bags almost every day. But now, more and more businesses are shifting away from plastic and opting for paper bags or compostable, biodegradable alternatives.

Curious about the benefits of compostable and biodegradable bags? Keep reading to find out more!

Compostable biodegradable bags

Sure, conventional plastic bags have their perks, but they can cause a lot of environmental problems, especially if they’re not recycled properly.

That’s why more sustainable and eco-friendly materials are being introduced. One great example is compostable plastic materials.

What are compostable biodegradable bags and how to identify them?

To understand what compostable and biodegradable bags are, let’s break down the terms:

Biodegradable Materials:
These are materials that break down naturally when they interact with the environment, thanks to microorganisms. This process happens without human help, but there are no official standards for how long it takes. It can sometimes take decades or even longer.

Compostable Materials:
These materials break down into compost, CO2, and water when they’re placed in composting conditions. Unlike biodegradation, composting needs human involvement, either in industrial or home composting setups. Composting is a controlled process where people monitor it to make sure the material turns into compost or fertilizer.

For a material to be labeled as compostable, it must meet the EN-13432 standard. If it passes this standard, it gets an “Ok Compost” certificate.

Don’t confuse biodegradable or compostable with recyclable. Recyclable materials can be processed and used again to create new products, involving specialized industrial processes and human intervention.

The materials of compostable biodegradable bags

• PLA: This stands for polylactic acid, which comes from fermenting vegetables like corn, cassava, or sugar cane. Want to dive deeper into PLA? Check out our post, “PLA Plastic: What It Is and What It’s Used For.”
• Corn Starch or Potato Starch: We use a chemical process to turn these starches into lactic acid, which is then used to make plastic polymers from renewable sources.
• PBAT: This stands for polybutylene adipate terephthalate. Like PLA, PBAT is commonly used as the plastic industry shifts towards compostable materials..

Traditional plastic bags vs compostable biodegradable bags

There are some key differences between traditional plastic bags and compostable plastic bags.

First off, unlike regular plastic bags, compostable bags don’t use materials from fossil fuels like petroleum. Instead, they’re often made from renewable sources like sugar cane or potatoes, making them biobased.

If you’re curious about bio-based plastics, check out our guide on “Everything You Need to Know About Bio-Based Plastics.”

Also, it’s up to us to manage the waste we create. A lot of what we don’t recycle could actually be composted because it comes from organic materials.

For compostable bags, waste management is pretty straightforward. After use, just put them in the brown compost bin along with other organic waste like food scraps and vegetable peels.

Advantages of using compostable biodegradable bags in companies

Using compostable biodegradable bags in your company can benefit you in several ways:

Less Impact on Nature
Compostable bags break down quickly in composting facilities, reducing their environmental footprint when managed properly.

Reduced Dependence on Petroleum
Since compostable bags are made from plant-based materials, you won’t rely on fossil fuels like oil.

Boosted Brand Image
By using compostable bags, you show customers that your company cares about sustainability and the environment, which can enhance your brand’s reputation.

Compliance with New Regulations
Have you heard about Royal Decree 293/2018? It aims to cut plastic bag use by half by 2025. Since January 1, 2021, free light and very light plastic bags are banned in supermarkets and stores, except for biodegradable or compostable ones. Also, any plastic bags on the market must have at least 50% recycled material and be no thinner than 50 μm. Thicker bags must be replaced with more sustainable options, like compostable materials.

Also Read: Cutting Plastic: How Businesses Can Shrink Their Footprint

How to switch to compostable biodegradable bags?

Switching to biodegradable and compostable bags can seem a bit daunting at first, but don’t worry—it’s actually pretty straightforward.

Making the Switch: From Plastic to Compostable Bags

First off, replacing traditional plastic bags with compostable ones won’t change anything for your customers. The new bags look similar to the old ones, so your buying process will stay the same, and the bags will work just as well.

There are different types of compostable bags available, with various levels of flexibility, strength, and resistance. The best part? They significantly reduce environmental impact compared to regular plastic bags.

How to recycle compostable biodegradable bags

As we mentioned earlier, even though compostable bags look a lot like regular plastic ones, they shouldn’t go in the yellow recycling bin. Instead, look for the “Ok Compost” label on the bags and toss them into the brown compost bin.

Just because these bags are biodegradable and compostable doesn’t mean we can toss them anywhere and expect them to disappear on their own. They need to go to a compost bin—either at home or an industrial composting facility. There, they’ll be processed under the right conditions to break down properly.