Introduction
Compostable ziplock bags are made from biodegradable and compostable materials, PLA+PBAT. These bags are designed to break down in a commercial composting facility or home composting device. Also, they can even broke down after burying in the soil . Where they will decompose into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to support plant growth. Although these bags may cost slightly more than their traditional counterparts, they offer several benefits for both consumers and the environment. This blog post will explore how compostable ziplock bags are made and some of their benefits.
How are compostable ziplock bags made?
As we all know, compostable ziplock bags are made of plant-based materials PLA and biodegradable plastic PBAT. There are several steps to make compostable ziplock bags.
1. Granulation
PLA raw materials are modified to make PLA particles. Usually, it need to add into some additives during the modification process to improve certain properties of bioplastics, such as strength, tensile strength, toughness, etc.
2. Film blowing
Add the modified particles to the film blowing machine to make tubular film.
In most cases, the biodegradable raw material films used to make zipper bags, self-adhesive bags, flat bags and other bag types are tubular films.
3. Printing
To print according to the printed artwork confirmed by the customer.
4. Bag cutting
Hot cutting according to the bag size required by the customization
5. Zipper installation
Install the pre-made biodegradable zipper bags onto the cut bags.
6. Sorting
Pick out the unqualified bags, such as those with poor edge sealing and poor zipper installation.
7. Packing
Usually , it can pack the bags according to customer requirements or factory routine packaging specifications. The packaging methods are usually inner bag + carton, or inner bag + carton + pallet.
Why use a compostable ziplock bag?
The main reasons for using compostable zip bags include environmental protection, energy conservation, reduced landfill needs, and versatility.
1. Environmental protection
The main advantage of compostable ziplock bags is their biodegradability and compostability, which means that they can break down naturally under certain environmental conditions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the C footprint, and thus reducing pollution to the environment. Compared to traditional plastic bags, the use of compostable zipper bags helps to reduce the generation of plastic waste, thereby reducing pressure on the environment .
2. Energy saving
The main raw material of the compostable zipper bag comes from natural renewable resources, such as corn, cassava and other plants. Unlike plastic zipper bags, their raw materials are derived from non-renewable resources such as petroleum. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the compostable zip bag requires less energy and does not require the recycling of fossil fuels. In contrast, conventional plastics require more energy in the production process and require the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, the use of compostable zipper bags can reduce energy consumption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels .
3. Reduce waste of land resources
You don’t need to send the wasted compostable ziplock bags to a landfill for disposal. This reduces the need for land to be used for landfills, while also avoiding the contamination of soil and groundwater that traditional plastic waste can cause during landfills .
4. Protect the soil
Usually , you can dispose of the compostable zip bags by commercial composting, home composting, or burying in the ground. These bags eventually break down into CO2, water, and organic matter that fertilizes the soil and helps maintain the soil’s ecological balance. In addition, the degradation cycle of compostable bags is much shorter than that of traditional plastic bags, no matter what kind of treatment, these bags can be completely degraded within 1-2 years, which can effectively reduce the waste of compost space.
5. Ease of use
Like traditional plastic zipper bags, the compostable zipper bags also open and close the bag easily. And, during the shelf life, they can also be reusable as if you use the bags properly.
6. Printing customization
The color of the compostable bag is translucent, hazy, and can be printed in a variety of colors and patterns according to customer requirements. So , the customers can customize according to their needs, such as customized color, size, printing, etc.
7. Versatile
Compostable ziplock bags are mainly used to pack clothing, which not only highlights the good environmental awareness of the enterprise, but also looks high-end environmentally friendly . In addition, you can use these environmentally friendly bags to pack small accessories, electronic products, eye lenses and so on.
To sum up, the use of compostable zipper bags not only helps to protect the environment, save energy and reduce the need for landfill, but also has a wide range of application scenarios, is a more environmentally friendly and practical choice.
How to compost at home？
We all know that it can dispose of waste compostable ziplock bags through commercial composting, home composting and burying in the ground. Here we mainly introduce home composting that is convenient for everyone to operate at home. To understand how to compost, we must first understand what composting is.
What is composting?
Composting is an organic fertilizer that uses widely existing microorganisms in nature to convert degradable organic matter into stable humus through a controlled biochemical process. The composting process relies on microorganisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi to promote the conversion of biodegradable organic matter into stable humus under artificial conditions. After composting, biodegradable bags can be decomposed into CO2, H2O and organic matter that can fertilize the soil. This process not only helps to recycle resources, but also reduces environmental pollution. At the same time, it produces nutrient-rich organic fertilizers, which plays an important role in agricultural production and soil improvement.
Basic principles and processes of composting
Raw materials: The main raw materials of composting include crop straw, weeds, leaves, peat, organic household waste, kitchen waste, sludge, human and animal feces and urine, biodegradable products of waste gas, etc.
Composting: Mix the above organic wastes and compost them under suitable conditions to decompose them through the action of microorganisms.
Maturity: After a period of fermentation and maturity, organic matter is converted into stable humus to form compost.
Simple methods for home composting
Composting at home is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. Here are some tips to get started:
1. Collect your food scraps in a compostable bag. You can find these bags at most grocery stores.
2. Put your food scraps in a compost bin or pile. If you don’t have a bin, you can create one by drilling holes in the bottom of a plastic container.
3. Cover your bin or pile with dirt, leaves, or other organic matter to help it break down faster.
4. Add water to keep the bin or pile moist but not too wet.
5. Stir or turn the bin every few days to aerate it and help speed up the composting process.
6. When the compost is ready, it will be dark and crumbly. You can then use it as fertilizer for your plants or garden!
Conclusion
Compostable ziplock bags are made from bio-based materials, PLA+PBAT. The bags can break down quickly in a compost environment, making them more eco-friendly than traditional plastic bags. So, if your products need and ziplock packaginges , and you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your environmental impact, switching to compostable ziplock bags is a great place to start.
