5 Interesting Facts About Biodegradable Plastic Bags

Nowadays, we are more aware of environmental issues (like overflowing landfills and oceans littered with plastics), so we are constantly trying to improve the way we provide what’s truly important for our planet. We try to make our homes more sustainable and our habits less harmful. A first step is switching from plastic bags of all kinds to biodegradable ones.

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We know that biodegradable plastic is a special kind of plastic that is broken down by microorganisms into different elements like carbon dioxide and biomass under the right conditions. However, here are five interesting facts about biodegradable plastic bags that you might not know. These facts can also help in your effort to diminish your environmental footprint.

1. Biodegradable Grocery Bags Can Save You Money

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Don't you have that storage space in your house where you collect all the unwanted plastic bags? At some point, you might use some of them, but there are always too many. So, rather than making a hobby out of gathering plastic grocery bags that are not only inconvenient and costly but also damaging for the planet, try using a reusable biodegradable grocery bag.

By choosing a biodegradable grocery bag instead of a single-use plastic one, you can save a significant amount of money. You are not only reducing the sum your community must spend on cleaning up every year, but also reducing the number of non-renewable resources necessary to produce plastic bags. Considering that the average amount of time a plastic bag is actually used is only 12 minutes, it is easy to imagine how many plastic bags need to be removed from the street.

In an effort to rear customers in the right direction, numerous stores are beginning to charge more on plastic bags than they used to in the past. By taking your own biodegradable grocery bag whenever you go shopping, you end up saving money. 

Not all the stores are charging extra for plastic bags, some adopt a different strategy. You will be pleased to know that some of them are offering a discount or other kind of incentive for bringing your own bag. Therefore, rather than punishing the behavior they wish to discourage, they are rewarding eco-friendly actions.

Not only do you save money, but you can also save a lot of storage space. Take a minute to think about it. If you come home with three grocery bags every week, you collect 156 bags within a year. And that's only on groceries. Bags take up a lot of room in your household, car, and workspace. You could use that space for far more important things. 

Just like that, you would have the satisfaction of taking a step in cutting down the environmental footprint. Plastic bags being one of the top ten most common items found on shores and in oceans.

2. How Long It Takes for Biodegradable Bags to Decompose?

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The time needed for biodegradable plastic bags to decompose depends on different factors, such as temperature, humidity, and moisture. Considering that, the average period of decomposing is three to six months. In comparison, traditional plastic bags need hundreds of years to fully decompose.

Even though all plastics are biodegradable at some point, the process takes too many years. Traditional plastics are manufactured with chemicals that bacteria cannot consume. Therefore, they cannot easily decompose or biodegrade. A plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose in landfills.

When it comes to biodegradable plastics, the time of decomposing is all about where the bags end up. The only way to ensure the material completely breaks down is to make sure it ends up in a place that offers the right conditions. Also, take into consideration that decomposing in landfills takes extra time compared to an open environment.

It is essential to remember that there are also places that are inappropriate for biodegradable plastic bags, like the marine environment. If these eco-friendly products end up in the ocean, they might still prove harmful to the ecosystem.

3. Biodegradable Bags Are Not the Same with Compostable Bags

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Because of the similar use of the two words, there is a lot of confusion between them. Regardless of their similarities - they are both made to break down and return to the natural environment easily -, there are also big differences that set biodegradable plastic bags apart from compostable produce bags.

Basically, many of the compostable plastic bags that can be found nowadays are manufactured to decompose in a commercial composting facility. This means that landfills are definitely not an alternative. The specialized facilities offer a specific ambiance of temperature, moisture, air, and other environmental factors to favor the break-down process.

On the other hand, biodegradable plastic bags are designed to be broken down by natural organisms like bacteria, fungi, and others. These bags may not continue to occupy space in a landfill for as long as common plastic bags. 

Yet, not all biodegradable plastics decompose in landfills. Therefore, when buying biodegradable products, look for specific labels that point out the products' ability to decompose in landfills. 

Considering that the most plastic we throw away winds up in landfills, we should use landfill-biodegradable plastic bags. These products are manufactured by combining traditional plastic with an organic additive that attracts microbes. Therefore, they start decomposing 90% faster than conventional plastics. Just like that, we will make a significant step in reducing our ecological footprint.

4. Companies Tend to Go for Biodegradable Packaging

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The reasons behind numerous businesses turning to biodegradable packaging are pretty obvious at this point. The danger posed by climate change has progressively become one of the main reasons to worry about these days. Sadly, since it took us so long to recognize and accept these warnings, we have gotten ourselves walking on very thin ice. 

Finding ourselves in this bitter scenario, it’s no wonder that big companies and businesses decided to go for biodegradable plastic bags and packaging. Unfortunately, once this change was set in motion, certain companies stirred up some controversy.

All in all, to bring on noteworthy change, consumers and manufacturers need to join forces. When we refer to environment-friendly plastic bags, we should also consider the plastic bags that we use to carry different products. Currently, many companies are ready to sell the most fashionable and eco-friendly biodegradable grocery or shopping bags. It has never been more fashionable to be sustainable.

Moreover, the consumer is a key component in this process. You are the one who would have the last word in purchasing a biodegradable bag or a plastic one. The main reason people tend to prefer the traditional material is the price. 

Manufacturing a proper biodegradable plastic bag is a much more expensive process, so the purchasing price is also higher. Here is where the companies’ power of persuasion and each of our desire for change come into the equation.

5. The Main Criteria for Choosing Biodegradable Garbage Bags

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When it comes to garbage bags, there are a lot of options on the market. Although, it is important to mention that the best possible solution would be to produce less waste and toss it in a bin without a liner. The downside to this strategy would be that the process would take more time overall, considering you should wash the bin after dumping loose trash.

Still, if you are not an expert on this market and you are thinking of purchasing a biodegradable garbage bag, you should consider the following criteria in your selection process.

Durability

You should test a bag's strength in comparison to the traditional plastic bags you used to purchase. Because of their composition, biodegradable bags tend to be more fragile. Therefore, don't forget to pay attention if they easily tear or leak and try to avoid overfilling.

Certifications

A proper biodegradable plastic bag should be certified to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for composting and biodegrading.

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Decomposition Rate

One of the main criteria is, of course, how long it takes for the bag to decompose. Most of the brands would note this right on the packaging.

Composition

Take your time to study the label and also the brand's website. You should find out what kind of materials go into the bags and if they have Environmental Products, Inc. (EPI) chemical additives to accelerate plastic degradation.

Customer Feedback

You should look for verified reviews and do a little research on your own before choosing one specific product. Find out if the previous customers are truly satisfied with the products and, if not, what exactly were the problems.

Packaging

The packaging of biodegradable garbage bags should also be environment-friendly. So, look after compact and recyclable packaging.

Final Thoughts

Even if there is certainly a lot to process, don't forget all the real benefits of using biodegradable bags in your daily activities. Unfortunately, plastic remains both a blessing and a curse. Although plastic remodeled the way we live, its impact on our planet today is too destructive to sustain a feasible long-term system. 

The Truth About Biodegradable Trash Bags … and the Compostable Alternative

Plastic has changed our world. It has touched almost every facet of our lives from the way we drink, live, eat, care for our sick, package items, carry our belongings, etc. A great deal of it has brought powerful, important changes. However, today we are better educated about the negative impact it can have on the environment. We also recognize improperly discarded plastic is one of the most urgent problems facing the environment today. Plastics accounted for 12 percent of the 292 million tons of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S. in , totaling some 35.7 million tons. However, the volume of plastic waste recycled in the U.S. that year was 3.1 million tons, giving a recycling rate of just 8.7 percent. 

Being so aware of this conflict is what drives our commitment to finding greener ways of dealing with trash, especially when it comes to the production and disposal of plastic bags. It has also driven innovation: biodegradable plastic bags have been inspired by the need for environmental change. But like all new technologies, a great deal of information has been misunderstood. There are still some “secrets” surrounding the world of biodegradable trash bags. 

Secret #1: The term “biodegradable” (and sister terms) is often misunderstood.  

To best define what “biodegradable” means in the trash bag world, comparisons can help to better understand what it is and what it is not. 

“Regular” trash bags are made from a synthetic material created from petrochemicals. Without boring you with the science that fascinates us — basically, the long polymer chains in traditional plastics like polyethylene are so resilient and resistant to breakdown that they can last for hundreds of years. These are the dirty holdouts of the plastic world — the ones that will be around for generations. 

Biodegradable plastic is also made from petrochemicals BUT is manufactured differently so that it can begin to break down more quickly in the presence of air and sunshine. You might see this plastic labeled as photodegradable or oxo-degradable.

Bioplastic is a biobased plastic that comes from renewable biomass, meaning plants. It is made from organic, renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, corn starch and grains. It is even made sometimes from algae and seaweed! 

Secret #2: Biodegradables are the “Wild West” of trash bags.

One of the first problems with “biodegradable plastic” was that, in the early days, there was no consensus on what qualified as biodegradable and therefore it has evolved in a way that is not regulated. 

Dubious claims abounded as companies rushed to get on the green bandwagon and made all kinds of promises to consumers that were simply not true.

Eventually, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stepped in with a strict set of guidelines defining exactly what could and could not be labeled as biodegradable. For a full explanation, you can take a look at the “Truth in Advertising” section of the FTC Green Guides here, but in short, when the term  “biodegradable” is used for marketing purposes, it includes a time component regarding the length of time it takes for the plastic to fully degrade. According to the EPA, an item truly qualifies as “biodegradable” if the items completely decompose within one year after customary disposal. Items that are customarily disposed of in landfills , incinerators and recycling facilities are deceptive because these locations do not present conditions in which complete decomposition will occur within one year. 

Even today, while the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) sets definitions and standards (which we’ll discuss in a minute), and the Federal Trade Commission is responsible for enforcement against false or deceptive product labeling,  there is little solid standard and burden of proof for biodegradability since so much is on the consumer to dispose properly. 

That is because so much of a bag being biodegradable depends on…

Secret #3: Location, location, location. 

One of THE MOST important aspects of using biodegradable products is where and how it is disposed. Beyond how a bag is manufactured or what it is composed of, the location of its final destination will also define the effectiveness of the product. 

Most biodegradable garbage bags end up in landfills but the conditions in a landfill are extremely hostile to the biodegrading process. Nothing is meant to decompose there: air, moisture and sunlight, the three factors most necessary to decomposition, are purposely kept out of landfills to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.Instead, a biodegradable trash bag must be disposed of in a place where it can receive the proper amount of oxygen and airflow. Many customers are unaware that landfills, incinerators and recycling facilities DO NOT offer this. Therefore, to complete its “destiny” as a biodegradable bag, it must be disposed of properly — typically in an industrial-grade composting facility.  

Simply put, you cannot send biodegradable bags to a landfill and expect it to have any positive environmental impact. They will overstay their welcome on this planet like regular plastic.

Secret #4: The dream job of all biodegradables is “bio-assimilation.”

The ideal function of a biodegradable garbage bag or any bag striving to be a good environmental citizen is bio-assimilation. If a bag "bio-assimilates,” it means that the plastic has degraded to a molecular weight that can be consumed by living organisms. Imagine…trash as food. Only when there is no trash of the bag left behind have we received the final nirvana. This final and conclusive stage of plastic biodegradation leaves behind no microplastics, in both marine and terrestrial environments. 

Secret #5:  You may be saying “biodegradable” when in reality you want compostable. 

We like to say that a compostable bag is a “lazy environmentalist’s” dream — it does all the work with far less human confusion.  

Because of its unique chemical properties, compostable trash bags will do just that: turn to compost more easily.  In other words, you can’t just throw a biodegradable trash bag on your compost pile and think it will decompose. It can’t — the temperature won’t get hot enough. But compostable trash bags will turn into compost sometimes, right in your own backyard. (Please note: If your compostable bag can be used at home, the label will indicate that the product is okay for home composting.) To learn more about composting at home and how to do it right, visit EPA Guide to Composting.

Otherwise, generally, compostable waste bags are intended to be sent to an industrial or commercial composting facility that contains higher temperatures and different breakdown conditions than those found in a typical homeowner’s compost bin. Again, don’t expect a compostable trash bag to break down in your backyard composter unless it specifically says it’s suitable for home composting use.A great first step is to check if your community has a residential compost collection program. They will be able to help you better understand whether compostable garbage bags will be accepted under this program.Shop Our Collection of Compostable Trash Bags Here

Secret #6: Look for compliance with the ASTM D standard to help you determine when garbage bags are actually compostable.

The ASTM D standard is the best indicator to use if you’re hunting for compostable trash bags. This standard defines what plastics should be called “compostable” according to how much of a given plastic bag decomposes within a set amount of time, given the right conditions like heat and moisture. 

One easy way to find out if a product is compliant with this standard is to look for plastic products with the BPI Certified Compostable logo. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is an independent environmental group that works with bioplastics businesses to test and certify their products as biodegradable or compostable. If your trash can liners are BPI Certified Compostable, as Plasticplace’s compostable trash bags are, you can be confident that they’ve been put through rigorous third-party testing to confirm their ASTM D compliance.

Note that a BPI/ASTM certification only tells you whether a product will undergo degradation in industrial and municipal composters. Many BPI-certified products still aren’t intended for backyard composting, so once again, don’t put a compostable trash bag into the backyard compost with your food scraps. If you’re really curious about the trashy details, you can read up on the BPI’s labeling guidelines.

All that aside, compostable trash bags are the number one choice for anyone seeking an eco-friendly trash bag option. They can take a big bite out of your home or business’s plastic footprint, and they’re especially important for California residents taking part in the state’s mandatory composting program. Naturally, this is why all of Plasticplace’s compostable garbage bags are BPI certified for ASTM D compliance!

Secret #7: Compostable trash bags need to be filled with compost.

Remember that non-compostable trash should never go into a compostable trash bag. If you send your local compost facility a compostable trash bag filled with non-compostable plastic waste, like plastic grocery bags, that waste has no path to its proper spot in the landfill. It will end up as a contaminant at your compost facility. Instead, fill your compostable garbage bags with traditional compost materials like food waste and yard waste (plus any other certified compostable materials you might need to throw away). Check your local composting center’s regulations to verify what kind of materials they do and don’t accept.

Secret #8: Biodegradable concepts perpetuate single-use plastic use. 

The concept that we are buying a “biodegradable” bag or “environmentally friendly” bag allows us to use one-time plastics more “guilt-free.”  This mentality can lead to an increase in plastic use. Once it's understood that a biodegradable bag will still have a significant environmental impact, especially when improperly disposed of, it is easier to accept the importance of minimizing one-time plastic use and recycling.  

Foremost, when possible, select reusable products instead of disposable ones.  

Are you interested in learning more about Compostable Produce Bags Wholesaler? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!