Degradable Bags
By definition 'Degradable Plastic' means a plastic film containing a controlled percentage of an appropriate non-toxic, non-tinting additive, which will enable the plastic film to totally degrade when exposed to aerobic or anaerobic conditions, including when disposed in a landfill or other regulated dumping area, and within such period of time as specified.
Starch-based Degradable Plastic
Some degradable plastic products are based on starch derived from maize. These materials predominantly require an active microbial environment such as landfill or composting before they will degrade - some will totally degrade in such an environment but others will only perforate, and the plastic component will not degrade. The remaining plastic particles can e harmful to soil, birds and other wildlife. Whilst using renewable ingredients may seem attractive in principle, they do not offer the best way forward.
Composting
Organic waste can be put into compost sacks in homes, restaurants, hospitals etc and put straight into the composting plant without the messy and expensive business of emptying the sacks and disposing of them separately. Disease transmission by flies and rats and handling hazards to humans are effectively minimized by the use of such sacks.
For the reasons described above, much more waste can be safely and conveniently composted for use instead of being sent to landfill and lost. Degradable bags can also be recycled or incinerated instead of being sent to landfill.
Recycling
Degradable packaging is entirely recyclable.
After cleansing, separation and re-extrusion the degradation process is arrested, and the recycled plastic reverts to the properties of conventional plastics. Interestingly, as a further option, the additive can be added to recycle and will cause that to degrade in turn if that is the required outcome.
Manufacturers
Suppliers and manufacturers of biodegradable packaging:
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Degradable Bags
Website specialised in degradable packaging. Find suppliers and information about degradable bags.
Research and resources
Find out more, read articles and find the best suppliers of compost bags at:
PackagingKnowledge: references and news from the flexible polythene packaging industry. Includind these articles on degradable and biodegradable bags and compobags.
PlasticBags.uk.com: Free packaging directory where businesses can add their bags, film and biodegradable product listings for free. Browse websites about environmentally friendly packaging and biodegradable bags.
Goldstork: a private directory of interesting, unusual and off-beat websites. Visit Goldstork environmentally friendly biodegradable bags vault.
What other sites are saying about recycled packaging
Bio-based, Bio-degradable Packaging in the European Region
Source: Rohmhaas
Promising new uses for bio-based materials like polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose and starch-based renewable bio-degradable films will help the packaging industry in Europe make important progress towards green packaging which reduces food waste and more broadly, the environmental impact of packaging.
Why do we need degradable bags?
Source: www.discountdegradablebags.co.uk
Degradable-packaging is increasingly being used as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. The demand is being driven by legislation and by demand from environmentally conscious consumers.
