How Biodegradable Plastic Bags Contribute To Environmental Sustainability
Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue, with millions of tons of disposable plastics ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Many consumers and business owners are seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic bags.
One of the solutions is Biodegradable Plastic Bags, also called Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic Bag or Biodegradable Plastics Shopping Bag. These bags are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics.
According to a recent survey, educated consumers are eager to convert to biodegradable plastics and will pay more for them.
While not perfect, the rise of biodegradable bags represents progress toward more sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic.
Biodegradable plastic bags break down naturally through microbial action. But how useful are these biodegradable bags?
We need to understand the world of plastics and its issues to learn what ultimately led to the rise of biodegradable plastics.
Plastics: A Major Environmental Concern.
Traditional plastic bags pose a serious hazard to global ecosystems, taking hundreds of years to decompose and frequently ending up in oceans and landfills, harming species and polluting the environment.
A plastic bag used to carry your groceries would be discarded immediately after use. However, it takes decades for Mother Nature to dump it (degrade the material)!
Plastics are difficult to dispose of. Burning them releases harmful gases. Recycling is also difficult, as different types of plastic are separated and go through different processes.
With so much to worry about, plastics are still needed and used.
Why?
That’s because they’re simply too good to be true. Plastic is used in every industry because it’s strong, durable, and versatile.
As a result, an alternate option must have similar features while also being eco-friendly.
The Alternatives Available
With so many plastics polluting the environment, developing eco-friendly alternatives has been a focus of research in recent decades.
Environmentally friendly plastics can be divided into two categories:
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastics that are made from renewable materials such as cornstarch and sugarcane. They can be composted under certain conditions, but their environmental impact depends on the manufacturing process and end-of-life management.
Biodegradables
Biodegradable plastic bags, also known as compostable, are designed to break down into natural materials under specific conditions. Plastic bags made from organic materials or renewable polymers have the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste.
What makes plastic bags biodegradable?
Biodegradable bags are made from materials that break down naturally, for example, by bacteria or sunlight and oxygen. This is different from regular plastics, which can stay in the environment for many generations. A biodegradable bag is a more sustainable way to end your life.
How quickly do biodegradable plastic bags degrade?
Biodegradation depends on temperature, humidity, and microbial activity. Under ideal conditions, biodegradable plastic bags can degrade in as little as a few months to a few years, which is much faster than their traditional counterparts.
Here are some commonly asked questions about biodegradable bags.
- Can Biodegradable bags be recycled?
No, they require specific composting conditions and should not be mixed with traditional recyclables.
- Are biodegradable bags suitable for every use?
- Are they truly eco-friendly?
Yes, when properly disposed of in the right environmental conditions, they pose less of a threat to wildlife and ecosystems.
However, experts caution that biodegradation labeling can be confusing. A UN inspection found that most biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to degrade and can still create hazardous residues. It can take months or even years for a full degradation to occur. PHA (polyhydrogenated) plastics degrade the fastest.
According to reviews, even biodegradable bags can take years to disintegrate and produce methane in landfills.
Recycled plastics
In addition to biodegradability, plastic recycling plays an important role in reducing environmental impact. By recycling plastic waste, resources are conserved and pollution is reduced by redirecting plastic waste from landfill sites and incinerators.
Effectiveness of Biodegradable Plastic Bags
Plastic bags that are biodegradable help the environment by reducing carbon emissions, keeping animals safe, and reducing marine litter and landfilling.
Interesting Statistics on Biodegradable Plastics
- Studies show replacing standard plastics with biodegradable alternatives can greatly reduce trash. Ecopacks, for example, reported a 70% reduction in plastic waste after switching to biodegradable bags.
- Consumer interest in eco-friendly items has grown dramatically, with a 50% increase in demand for biodegradable plastic bags in the last year alone.
A sustainable future.
Bioplastics are a great way to support global efforts to reduce plastic waste. By understanding the benefits of bioplastics and using them in everyday life, we can all work together to create a healthier planet. Let’s make a change for the better, one bioplastics bag a day.
Ecopacks is leading the way in eco-friendly packaging by offering Biodegradable plastic bags. Join us in transforming the future of our planet.