Biodegradable Garbage Bags: What to Know About Them

Plastic waste significantly contributes to environmental pollution, with many non-biodegradable or non-compostable plastics accumulating in landfills for centuries or escaping into nature. This presents a dire need for solutions to combat plastics' negative impact on our planet.

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Innovative alternatives to traditional plastic products have emerged, designed to decompose more quickly and mitigate pollution issues. Biodegradable plastics are increasingly gaining acceptance and can serve as a sustainable option for everyday items like water bottles, plastic bags, and garbage bags, marking a significant step toward reducing our ecological footprint.

Understanding Biodegradable Plastics

The term "biodegradable" refers to certain plastics that can break down more quickly than conventional plastics. It's important to note that biodegradability does not imply instantaneous decomposition; instead, the degradation process varies based on the disposal environment and conditions.

The mechanism of breakdown sets biodegradable plastics apart from standard plastics. They naturally decompose without releasing additional pollutants into the earth or water. Moreover, it’s essential to distinguish between biodegradable and compostable materials—while both are made to break down, only compostable items are suitable for composting systems.

Defining Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags

Eco-friendly garbage bags are crafted from materials that are reusable, biodegradable, or compostable. However, the role of reusable bags as garbage bags is quite limited.

Degradable vs. Biodegradable. Degradable plastic bags typically contain various chemicals and heavy metals, which can leach into the environment during decomposition, causing further contamination of land and water sources.

As smaller fragments of plastic are consumed by wildlife, particularly in ocean habitats where microplastics are prevalent, the breakdown of these materials presents significant hazards.

Both biodegradable and degradable bags require exposure to sunlight and heat to decompose, but the materials used and the breakdown speed vary between the two types.

Biodegradable vs. Compostable. Biodegradable bags are infused with microorganisms that facilitate a quicker breakdown compared to conventional plastics. Compostable bags, derived from natural plant starch, contain no toxic substances and are designed to convert into compost.

Compostable bags can be utilized in composting systems, decomposing rapidly to create compost. In contrast, biodegradable bags are not compost-friendly and should not be included in composting operations.

These compostable bags are ideal for collecting food scraps or other designated compostable materials. If used as general garbage bags, contents must be sorted before disposal in compost bins.

If you are interested in finding out more about our biodegradable garment bags, please reach out to us. Our dedicated sales team is available to help you discover the solutions that meet your specific needs.

Identifying Compostable Biodegradable Bags

To understand what compostable biodegradable bags entail, we first need to differentiate between biodegradable and compostable materials.

Biodegradable Materials

These materials decompose naturally upon interaction with environmental factors, assisted by microorganisms present in nature. This degradation process occurs without human involvement, yet it's important to note that there is currently no regulatory standard defining the precise nature of "biodegradable." Consequently, some biodegradable materials can take decades or even centuries to break down.

Compostable Materials

On the other hand, compostable materials are those that, when subjected to controlled composting conditions, yield compost, carbon dioxide, and water. Human oversight is required in this process, as the materials need to be processed in industrial or home composting facilities.

Composting is defined as "controlled biodegradation" where the process is monitored to guarantee the transformation of materials into compost or fertilizer.

Moreover, for a material to be regarded as compostable, it must meet the criteria outlined in the EN standard, which certifies the compostability of products. If a material successfully meets these standards, it receives the Ok Compost certification.

If you're curious to learn more about biodegradable resin suppliers, don't hesitate to contact us today for expert guidance!

• To understand the regulations governing this standard, refer to our comprehensive article on the EN standard.