10 Facts about Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Bags
Bioplas Australia
1) The biodegradability and compostability of carrier bags and, in general, of packaging is assessed by Australian and International Standard like AS 4736 and EN 13432.
2) Most biopolymers used to make biodegradable carrier bags are also biodegradable in soil and applied to make biodegradable mulch films for agriculture.
3)The dual use (first carrier bags and then waste bags) favour collection and recycling and decrease littering.
4) Studies indicate that compostable carrier bags conforming to the AS 4736 and EN 13432 biodegrade in marine environment.
5) Carrier bags made with biodegradable plastics can be sent to mechanical recycling of traditional plastics up to a concentration of 10%.
6) Bio-based vs biodegradable is a ill posed question. Biodegradability and renewability are two different concepts.
7) The total substitution of the whole current European market of single-use carrier bags with biodegradable bags would require max. the 0.06% of the total European agricultural land (worst case scenario).
8) Non-renewable energy resources needed for producing biodegradable and compostable plastics are lower than the benchmark of the sector.
9) Biodegradable and compostable carrier bags do not to contribute significantly to biogas formation in landfills (biogas is a powerful greenhouse gas if released into the atmosphere).
10) When biodegradable carrier bags are subjected to organic recycling, CO2, water and compost are formed. Compost is a soil improver and it's very important to maintain soil fertility.