With the rapid development of e-commerce today, online shopping is favored by many people due to its convenience. This surge has led to a higher demand for mailing bags. At present, many express bags are made from non-degradable plastics, which have an adverse impact on the natural environment. Research from the University of Leeds suggests that around 251 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced each year, enough to fill around 200,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. About a fifth of the waste (52.1 metric tons) is emitted into the natural environment without management.
In recent years, from governments to businesses, to every consumer, are actively seeking ways to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmentally friendly packaging. In order to balance economic benefits and environmental benefits, compostable mailing bags have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional express bags. Let’s learn more about compostable mailer bags.
Why are compostable mailer bags biodegradable?
PLA (polylactic acid) is a kind of polyester polymer mainly derived from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugar cane and cassava root, which is non-toxic, renewable and biodegradable. PBAT also has excellent biodegradability and is one of the best biodegradable materials. It is widely used in the packaging industry and other fields and can be almost completely decomposed by the action of microorganisms, becoming an environmentally friendly material.
With the development of science and technology, more and more mailer bags are made from PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT and other biodegradable materials, so they can be rapidly decomposed under certain conditions such as moisture, heat, microorganism, etc within 6 to 12 months, and do not leave toxic substances in the process of composting, effectively reducing environmental pollution and the harm of micro-plastics to human body.
Why is eco-friendly mailing bag recommended?
-
Resource Saving
The raw materials of compostable mailer bags are mostly sourced from renewable resources such as plants (such as roots and potatoes), which helps to reduce the dependence on non-renewable petroleum resources.
In the process of bio-degradation, the express bag can eventually be degraded into carbon dioxide, water, organic fertilizer, which can be returned to the natural ecosystem and realize the recycling of resources.
-
Durable
Although made from biodegradable materials, compostable mailing bags are durable and can withstand bumps and wear during transportation. The bag is tough and not easy to break due to its special processing technology.
-
Bio–compatibility
When used for containing organisms, compostable express bags will not cause adverse reactions or toxic effects, especially suitable for holding food, drugs and other sensitive items.
-
Reliable Sealing
The mailer bags can be sealed in a variety of ways. Some mailing bags are equipped with self-adhesive sealing, that is, adhesive is applied to the seal. All we have to do is to tear the seal off and fold the sides of the bag in half to seal the bags.
In addition, some courier bags feature a zipper seal that allows for repeated opening and closing. By pulling the zipper and aligning both sides, users can securely seal the bag. The advantage of this sealing method is that the mailing bags can be opened and closed repeatedly to check the contents of the package.
-
Versatility
Just as its name implies, compostable mailing bags are usually used to pack commodities, documents and other items, preventing the goods from being damaged or polluted. They could be used for packaging clothing, shoes, electronics, medicines, cosmetics, gifts, accessories, daily necessities, food, etc.
Plastic shipping bag is also a good choice for documents or paperwork. It is water-proof and protects the paper documents from getting wet or dirty. Besides, express bag can serve as a storage bag, and its function is equivalent to clothing bags, resealable bags, garbage bags, etc. Compostable courier bags can also be used as trash bags to collect kitchen waste for composting, reducing the burden on landfills.
-
Certified Compostable
Compostable mailing bags are certified by international authorities as compostable and comply with environmental standards, such as EN13432 by EU, ASTM D6400 by the United States, etc. to ensure that the biodegradation performance of the product meets the highest environmental requirements. They could be decomposed into non-toxic substances within 6 to 12 months.
-
Professional Customization
In order to accommodate enterprises’ personalized needs, custom mailing bags are available. You can customize mailer bags just by sending your requirements, such as specific sizes, thicknesses, printings, patterns, logos and so on. By customizing compostable mailer bags, you could reach more potential customers and build up brand perception.
How can we reuse mailing bags?
Compostable mailer bags are both biodegradable and recyclable. When shoes need to be temporarily stored, used or discarded delivery bags can be used as dust-proof shoe covers to protect shoes from dust and reduce the trouble of frequent cleaning. Some logistics companies will provide delivery bag recycling service, customers can give the used delivery bags to the courier for recycling.
It is suggested that the government and enterprises jointly establish and improve the recycling system of express bags, including the establishment of recycling sites, the development of recycling standards and processes, and the provision of recycling incentives so as to improve recycling efficiency and enhance people’s environmental awareness.
Conclusion
Compostable mailing bags have been a new trend and enjoy increasing popularity due to their durability, biodegradability, versatility, customization and other advantages. By reusing mailer bags such as discarded courier bags as shoe covers, we could reduce the waste of resources and contribute to the natural environment. Besides, other sustainable packaging bags have emerged and made a difference.
