In recent years, environmental issues have gained widespread attention, among which plastic waste has emerged as a pressing concern. Many consumers and environmentalists advocate for those who rely heavily on plastic bags to switch to biodegradable or compostable bags. However, before we make this shift, it’s important to understand what exactly biodegradable and compostable bags are.
What are Traditional Plastic Bags?
Traditional plastic bags are typically made of polyethylene(PE), high-density polyethylene(HDPE), low-density polyethylene(LDPE), polypropylene(PP), etc, which are polymers of petroleum materials.
What are Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Bags?
Biodegradable bags are made from materials that can easily decompose into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and other organic matter when exposed to certain conditions, like heat, moisture, and microorganisms.
Compostable bags are made from natural or renewable materials such as cornstarch. They can decompose to create compost used as fertilizer. On the other hand, biodegradable bags include petrochemical-based materials that cannot be completely turned into organic matter. Consequently, they leave tiny fragments that enter the circulation in nature. This is in contrast to traditional plastic bags.
Difference between Traditional Plastic bags and Compostable Bags
When you carefully compare traditional plastic bags with compostable bags, you can see that they differ in many ways.
Different sources of raw materials
Polyethylene, our most common traditional plastic, is made from petroleum resources, which are non-renewable energy sources. In the long run, traditional plastic bags will not be the main packaging products in the future market.
Compostable bags are mainly made from starch or cellulose, extracted from plants such as corn and sugar cane. These plant resources are completely renewable, so the production of compostable pouches is an environmentally sustainable model.
Differences in the amount of plastic waste generated
Traditional plastic bags are a major source of pollution, as they are often discarded after use and can be found littering our streets, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment and all the living organisms that depend on it.
On the other hand, compostable plastic bags are a more sustainable alternative. They can be naturally broken down into water, carbon dioxide, and other organic matter, eventually turning into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants. By using compostable plastics, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or polluting our natural world.
Differences in carbon emissions
Conventional plastics emit large amounts of carbon during production and recycling. Compostable plastics, on the other hand, produce and degrade through natural chemical reactions, resulting in significantly less greenhouse gas emissions.
The content of toxic substances
Common plastics contain numerous chemical mixtures, including many toxic chemical components, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and others. During use, these toxic chemicals leach out, which can cause harm to human health.
On the other hand, compostable bioplastics are entirely safe and reliable as they are made from natural plant-based ingredients and do not contain any toxic additives.
The length of the degradation time
Ordinary plastic takes hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, and they leave behind plastic particles that harm the environment and ecology.
However, compostable bags made from plant-based materials can decompose within 3-6 months. The fastest decomposition rate is achieved in high-temperature industrial composting facilities, while general home composting is relatively slower.
How Do We Distinguish Traditional Plastic Bags and Compostable Bags?
Conventional plastic bags are usually odorless or plastic-smelling, while compostable bags, especially starch-based bags, have a slight grain fragrance.
- Compared to traditional plastic bags, compostable bags feel like milk with a soft texture.
- Compostable bags are typically certified by authorities like the Biodegradable Products Institute(BPI) and are labeled with markings or logos indicating that they are compostable.
- After being burnt, the smoke from a common bag is thick with a pungent smell, and eventually, a little black chunk is left. However, there is no thick smoke or pungent smell while
- burning compostable bags; only organic powder remains, which can be decomposed.
Summary
When it comes to environmentally friendly alternatives, compostable pouches are currently the best option available. By choosing them, you can start living a more sustainable lifestyle.
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