Introduction to PLA Compostable Bags
PLA compostable bags, also known as polylactic acid bags, are a type of eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags. These bags are made from plant-based materials, such as cornstarch or tapioca, making them biodegradable and compostable. PLA compostable bags are designed to break down into natural components within a reasonable timeframe, leaving behind no harmful residues. They are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable option for packaging and carrying groceries, reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic..
What’s is compostable ?
When it comes to compostable bags, we must first discuss what is compostable. So what is compostable?
Definition of compostable
The term “compostable” refers to a product or material that can biodegrade under specific, human-driven circumstances. Unlike the completely natural biodegradation process, composting requires human intervention.
In the composting process, microbes break down organic matter with the help of humans, who provide the water, oxygen, and organic matter needed to optimize conditions. The composting process usually takes several months or 1 to 3 years. The timing is affected by variables such as oxygen, water, light, and the type of compost environment.
Introduction of two kinds of compost
There are two main types of compost:
- Home composting: Home composting involves collecting food scraps into bins or piles, mixing them with yard waste, and periodically breaking them down into more basic organic matter. For this reason, you can’t break down things like meat, cheese, and fish in the household trash can because
- Commercial composting: Commercial rcomposting involves screening and sorting organic and inorganic matter, breaking them down with chippers and grinders, and creating optimal conditions for humidity, temperature, and oxygen. As a result, commercial composters can break down more complex products than domestic composters.
Production Process of PLA Compostable Bags
The production process of PLA compostable bags involves extrusion. This process begins with the melting of PLA pellets, followed by extruding the molten PLA into a thin film using a machine called an extruder. The resulting film is then cut and shaped into bags using a specialized bag-making machine.
Classification of PLA Compostable Bags
There are some main types of PLA compostable bags. They are shopping bags, garbage bags, mailing bags, garment bags, and food packaging bags.
1.Compostable Shopping bags
Compostable Shopping bags are typically used to carry groceries or other items, there are two main shopping bags, they are compostable die-cut shopping bags and hand shopping bags. The customized specifications and printing design are available for compostable shopping bags.
2. Compostable Garbage bags
Compostable Garbage bags are used to collect and dispose of household waste. They have a similar loading capacity as traditional garbage bags, but the most important is that they can be compostable.
3. Compostable mailing bags
Compostable mailing bags are used as the inner packaging bags to pack clothing or other items when they are thin
They can be made to be thick to used as the mailers to deliver the items.
4. Compostable zipper bags .
There are two kinds of compostable zipper bags, they are press ziplock bags and slide zipper bags. They can used to pack garments,
socks, jewelry, and so on. Some people will be worried if the zipper is compostable. Yes, the zipper of the compostable zipper bags is also biodegradable and compostable.
Usually, the minimum thickness of the compostable zipper bags will be 60 or 70 microns to keep a good bag shape.
5. Compostable Food packaging bags
It is well known that the compostable is food grade. they are used to store and transport food products safely and hygienically.
Usually, there are different material structures to store different food.
- PLA/ Paper compostable packaging bags, the bags are usually used to pack dried fruit, snacks, tea, daily necessities, etc
- Compostable paper /bio-plastic aluminized packaging bags, bags are used for coffee packaging, food packaging requiring high barrier performance, heavy packaging, dog food and cat food packaging, and so on.
- Compostable transparent laminating packaging bags, bags are used for dry food, dried fruit, dried fruit, and seasoning packaging, as well as daily necessities packaging.
Advantages of PLA Compostable Bags
There are several key advantages to using PLA compostable bags. Firstly, they are biodegradable and compostable, which means that they can be broken down into natural substances by bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional plastic bags, which can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose.
Secondly, PLA compostable bags are made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or tapioca. This means that they are a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than traditional plastic bags, which are made from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Thirdly, the compostable bags are non-toxic and safe for use with food products. This makes them a great option for food packaging and storage, as they help to keep food fresh and hygienic while also being safe for the environment.
Disadvantages of PLA Compostable Bags
In addition to their many advantages, PLA compostable bags also have a few disadvantages. Firstly, they can be more expensive than traditional plastic bags, which may limit accessibility for some consumers.
Secondly, these compostable bags require specific conditions to break down and decompose. This means that they need to be disposed of in a composting facility or through other specialized means, which may not be available in all areas.
Finally, although PLA compostable bags are more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic bags, they still require resources to produce and transport. This means that they have a carbon footprint, albeit smaller than that of traditional plastic bags.”
Applications of PLA Compostable Bags
PLA compostable bags are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Shopping bags
- Garbage bags
- Food packaging bags
- Biomedical applications
- Agricultural applications
Conclusion
Overall, PLA compostable bags are a more eco-friendly packaging option than traditional plastic ones. While they have a few disadvantages, their many advantages make them a great choice for consumers who are looking to reduce their environmental impact and make a positive contribution to the planet. By using PLA compostable bags, we can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
