Plastics are widely used due to their versatility, durability, and low cost. While it may not be realistic to completely eliminate plastics, reducing their use and combating plastic pollution should be a common goal.
Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the environment, especially to biodiversity. Marine life is particularly vulnerable because plastic waste is often ingested, leading to fatal problems such as suffocation, internal injuries, poisoning, or starvation. Without major interventions, by 2050, the weight of plastic in the ocean could exceed that of fish, causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. In addition, the increase in plastic use is expected to significantly increase global greenhouse gas emissions, from 170 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) in 2015 to 650 million tons in 2050. Open burning of plastic waste not only releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, but also emits toxic substances, further polluting the air and soil.
Plastic bags are one of the most common and widely used plastic products, but their impact on the environment is serious. Plastic bags are usually made of petroleum-based polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which take 400 to 1,000 years or even longer to decompose in the environment. Their widespread use has led to a large amount of plastic waste, and microplastics are increasingly infiltrating our food chain. On average, we eat a credit card's worth of microplastics every week. In addition, only 5% of plastics are recycled worldwide, and the production of 1 kg of plastic bags releases about 6 kg of carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.
Due to the serious harm to the environment, plastic bag pollution has attracted global attention. At present, 91 countries and regions have implemented different forms of plastic bans, especially in Europe, where many countries restrict the use of plastic bags by charging, taxing or outright banning. France, Italy, Germany and other countries have successively banned the use of some ultra-thin plastic bags and encouraged the use of degradable alternatives.
Ordinary plastic bags can be recycled in theory, the low cost, complex and energy-intensive recycling process makes it difficult to recycle them. Similarly, recyclable bags often require complex and energy-intensive processing, and some materials are difficult to fully recycle or degrade.
Although cotton and linen bags have higher carbon emissions during the production process, they have a long service life. After 50 to 100 uses, the carbon emissions per use will drop significantly.
FALSE environmental solutions!
If "biodegradable" bags don't say "bio," be careful -- they may be made of plastic mixed with heavy metals or starch. These bags may appear to decompose, but they actually leave behind tiny plastic fragments that can contaminate groundwater and plant roots, leading to more serious environmental problems.
Among the many eco-friendly options, biodegradable and compostable bags are an excellent choice. They combine the convenience of traditional plastic bags while providing a more sustainable solution. These bags decompose into water, carbon dioxide and biomass.
Although biodegradable and compostable bags are usually made from similar raw materials, they are not the same.
First, biodegradable bags degrade under natural conditions, while compostable bags need to be artificially composted under specific conditions.
The decomposition time of biodegradable bags in the natural environment is unpredictable, while compostable bags usually decompose within 6 months in industrial composting facilities or 12 months in home composting.
In addition, the certification standards are different: biodegradable bags do not need to be completely harmless after degradation, while compostable bags must prove that they are non-toxic after decomposition.
Therefore, the certification standards for compostable bags are more stringent, and production requires higher technology and precise material ratios, which is also more environmentally friendly.
Here are some ways to tell if your biodegradable or compostable bags are genuine:
Smell: Genuine biodegradable and compostable bags are usually odorless or have a light grain smell.
Feel: These bags are usually silky smooth, but if PBAT is added, they may feel slightly harder.
Color: Due to the characteristics of bio-based materials, it is difficult to make these bags completely transparent, so they usually look translucent or milky.
What can be industrially composted？
Materials that can be industrially composted include certified compostable bags (link to our products here), compostable cutlery etc. Paper materials such as untreated paper towels, napkins and cardboard, as well as food scraps, fruit peels, vegetables, coffee grounds, and egg shells. Other organic waste and garden waste such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc. After these organic wastes are properly collected, they are sent to local industrial composting facilities for treatment.
Benefits of industrial composting
The main advantages of industrial composting are its efficient decomposition ability and wide applicability. Because it is carried out under strictly controlled conditions, industrial composting is able to process large amounts of organic waste in a shorter period of time (usually 6-12 months). In addition, it can also handle materials that are difficult to handle with home composting, such as large-scale garden waste.
What can be composted at home
Compostable waste includes kitchen waste, such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea leaves and eggshells, and yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, dead branches and flowers. Certified home compostable products (link to our products) can also be used. Items to avoid composting include meat, dairy products, oils and fats, diseased and insect-infested plants, and paper containing harmful chemicals.
Choosing a composting site
Choose a well-drained, well-ventilated site that is protected from excessive sun and rain. The composting area should be away from residential areas to prevent odor problems.
Choosing composting equipment and size
Use a dedicated composting bin or compost tumbler. The ideal compost pile size is about 1 cubic meter, which can maintain the right temperature and humidity and is easy to turn and manage.
Time required for composting
Composting usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the climate, composting materials and management. Composting in winter may take longer.
What to do during composting
Turn the compost pile regularly to ensure air circulation and even distribution of microorganisms, which speeds up decomposition. It is generally recommended to turn the compost every 1-2 weeks.
Identifying finished compost
Successful compost should be dark brown or black, loose in texture, odorless, and the original material has been completely decomposed. If the compost still has a strong odor or undigested material, continue to turn and compost.
How to use finished compost
Mature compost can be used directly in the garden, lawn, flower bed or potted plants as a soil conditioner or organic fertilizer to increase soil fertility and water retention.
If you have any questions, or if you are an expert with additional insights to share, feel free to contact us! We would love to hear from you.
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