In our living, really biodegradable bags and plastic bags have been applied widely, Especially, disposing of trash or garbage, people most pick up living trash and community garbage with them. Some of affordable persons, this group of people can have a better work position and enrich living. They choose good quality and really biodegradable trash bags, which can degrade into organic matter and melt into the soil and return into the great nature. These bags are called as really biodegradable bags, made of oxo-biodegradable or compostable material. But another group of people, who general use fake biodegradable bags or traditonal plastic bags to pick up their living trash, these bags are made from fuel fossil materials. They have a great potential dangerious to our river, ocean and fishes. From angle of impact to environment, Really biodegradable bags is more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic bag.

What’s really biodegradable bags ?

Really biodegradable bags are designed to break down into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae over time. These bags are typically made from organic materials such as plant-based polymers (like corn or potato starch) or biodegradable plastics (such as PLA, a polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane).

However, it’s essential to understand that not all biodegradable bags are created equal. Some degrade faster or under specific conditions, like industrial composting, while others may take longer or require specific environments to break down effectively. Additionally, some biodegradable bags may leave behind harmful residues or microplastics even after degradation, depending on their composition.

For consumers looking to make environmentally friendly choices, it’s crucial to check for certifications like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification or the European Norm (EN) certification, which ensure that the product meets specific standards for biodegradability and compostability. Additionally, considering reusable options like cloth bags or opting for compostable bags specifically designed for home composting can further reduce environmental impact.

What are really biodegradable bags made of ?

Really biodegradable bags can be made from a variety of materials, but some common ones include.

1. Plant-Based Materials: These bags are often made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, potato starch, or other plant-based polymers. These materials are usually derived from agricultural byproducts or crops specifically grown for bioplastic production.
2. Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It’s often used to make biodegradable bags and packaging.
3. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHA is a biodegradable polymer produced by certain bacteria as a form of energy storage. It can be derived from renewable resources like plant oils or agricultural waste.
4. Paper: While not strictly a “plastic” bag, paper bags are also biodegradable and compostable. They are made from wood pulp, a renewable resource, and can break down naturally in the environment.

The above materials offer alternatives to traditional plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Really biodegradable bags can break down more quickly under special conditions, reducing their environmental impact. However, it’s important to note that not all biodegradable bags are created equal, and their environmental benefits can vary depending on factors such as production methods, disposal practices, and the specific environment in which they degrade.

Really biodegradable bags have compostable and oxo-biodegradable bags

Really biodegradable bags can indeed be further classified into compostable bags and oxo-biodegradable bags. Each with its own characteristics and environmental impact.

Compostable bags

These bags break down into organic matter, water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic compounds under specific conditions, typically in industrial composting facilities. Our Compostable garbage bags are made from materials like plant-based polymers (e.g., PLA) and meet specific compostability standards. Such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432. When properly composted, they contribute to the production of nutrient-rich compost, making them environmentally friendly.

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Oxo-biodegradable bags

Oxo-biodegradable bags are conventional plastic bags that are chemically treated with additives to accelerate their degradation process. These additives cause the plastic to fragment into smaller pieces more rapidly than conventional plastics. When exposed to oxygen and sunlight. However, oxo-biodegradable plastics remain controversial due to concerns about the environmental impact of the resulting microplastics and the effectiveness of their degradation process.

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Ultimately, the choice between compostable and oxo-biodegradable bags depends on factors such as local waste management infrastructure, end-of-life disposal options, and environmental considerations.

Really biodegradable bags vs traditional plastic bags , For impacts of environment

Really biodegradable bags have the potential to reduce some environmental impacts, and can degrate into natural orgainc elements at last, and maitain a good ecosystem. But traditional plastic bags, known as “white garbage” which persisits hundreds of years in its solid way. These plastic bags will have a great plastic pollution in our planet.

Impacts of environment for really biodegradable bags

1. Resource Usage: Biodegradable bags often require resources like land, water, and energy for production, similar to traditional plastic bags. The cultivation of crops for biodegradable plastics may also compete with food production or contribute to habitat destruction if not managed sustainably.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production process of biodegradable bags may generate greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the materials and manufacturing methods used. Additionally, if biodegradable bags end up in landfills where anaerobic conditions prevail, they may release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, during degradation.
3. Waste Management: Proper waste management is crucial for biodegradable bags to degrade efficiently. If biodegradable bags are not disposed of correctly, such as being littered in the environment or sent to landfills where conditions for degradation are not optimal, they may persist just like traditional plastic bags, causing environmental harm.
4. Contamination: Contamination of recycling streams with biodegradable plastics can be a concern. If biodegradable bags are mixed with traditional plastics in recycling facilities, it can lower the quality of recycled materials or cause processing issues.
5. End-of-Life Options: Biodegradable bags typically require specific conditions, such as industrial composting facilities, to break down efficiently. If they end up in environments where these conditions are not met, such as marine or terrestrial ecosystems, they may persist for long periods or degrade slowly, potentially causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.

Impacts to environment for traditional plastic bags

1. Resource Depletion: Traditional plastic bags are typically made from non-renewable fossil fuels such as petroleum or natural gas. The extraction and processing of these resources contribute to habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Production Pollution: The manufacturing process of plastic bags involves the release of toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment. This includes emissions from petrochemical refining, polymerization, and plastic bag production facilities.
3. Waste Accumulation: Plastic bags are notorious for their persistence in the environment. They do not biodegrade quickly and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When improperly disposed of, they contribute to littering in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and disrupting ecosystems.
4. Marine Pollution: Plastic bags are a significant contributor to marine pollution. They often end up in water bodies through littering, runoff, or improper waste management practices. Once in the ocean, they can break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine organisms. Leading to bioaccumulation and ecosystem disruption.
5. Microplastic Pollution: As plastic bags degrade over time, they break down into smaller fragments known as microplastics. These microplastics can enter the food chain and contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to human health and ecological integrity.

Overall, biodegradable bags offer potential benefits in reducing plastic waste, their environmental impact depends on various factors. Including their production processes, disposal methods, and end-of-life management. Proper waste management practices and consumer education are crucial to maximizing the environmental benefits of biodegradable bags. The environmental impact of traditional plastic bags is substantial and multifaceted. Encompassing resource depletion, pollution, waste accumulation, and ecosystem disruption. Addressing these impacts requires concerted efforts to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and transition to more sustainable alternatives.

Where to buy really biodegradable bags