Introduction
As consumers become more concerned about the impact of plastic packaging on the environment, there has been growing interest in alternative materials that are compostable and biodegradable. One such material is PLA (polylactic acid), which is increasingly being used in the production of compostable zipper bags. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of PLA compostable zipper bags, including their production process, categorization, pros and cons, and applications.
Production Process of PLA compostable zipper bags
What’s PLA ?
The full name of pollactic Acid (PLA), also known as Polylactide, is an aliphatic polyester. PLA (polylactic acid) is a new kind of degradation material, which can be extracted from renewable plants by starch, then biological fermentation to produce lactic acid, and finally chemical synthesis. Products made of PLA can be completely degraded into CO2 and water after use, and are non-toxic and non-irritating, which is widely recognized as a new environmentally friendly degradable material.
Advantages of PLA
1. Pure natural raw materials, easy to obtain and renewable, suitable for large-scale intensive production.
2. PLA has similar mechanical properties to polypropylene, while its gloss, clarity and machinability are similar to polystyrene, processing temperature is lower than polyolefin, can be processed into a variety of packaging materials, fibers and nonwovens by injection molding, extrusion, blister, blow molding, spinning and other general plastic processing methods, widely used in industrial, agricultural, medical and civil fields.
3. Better biocompatibility. Its monomer raw material L-lactic acid is the human endogenous active substance, polylactic acid products are non-toxic to the human body, do not reject and can be absorbed by the human body, can be made into medical tissue skeleton materials and pharmaceutical carriers and safely used in the human body.
4. Fully biodegradable, buried in the soil for 6-12 months can be degraded into carbon dioxide and water, and friendly back to the ecological environment.
To produce PLA compostable zipper bags, the PLA resin is first melted and extruded into a thin film. The film is then cut and sealed into the desired size and shape, with a zipper added for convenience. The finished product is a lightweight, flexible and transparent bag that is suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.
Classification of PLA compostable zipper bags
There are generally two types of PLA compostable ziplock bags: industrial and home compostable. Industrial compostable bags are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities. Which have the necessary equipment and conditions to accelerate the composting process. Home compostable bags, on the other hand, are designed to break down in home composting systems, which typically take longer to decompose . And it requires specific conditions, such as the right balance of moisture and temperature.
Both industrial and home compostable bags are certified to meet specific standards for compostability, such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432. These standards ensure that the bags will break down into natural materials, such as water, carbon dioxide and organic matter, within a certain timeframe, without leaving any harmful residues.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PLA compostable zipper bags
Advantages
PLA compostable zipper bags offer several advantages over traditional plastic bags. Firstly, they are made from renewable resources, which reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps to lower carbon emissions.
Secondly, they are compostable and biodegradable. Which means they can break down into natural materials and do not contribute to long-term pollution. And the zipper of Hongren’s compostable zipper bags is also compostable .
Thirdly, they are lightweight, flexible and transparent. It makes them ideal for a range of packaging applications, such as food items, cosmetics, garments and household goods.
Fourthly, they have a zipper closure, which provides convenience for the user and helps to seal in freshness.
Fifthly , they can be customized in sizes, colors , printing design as per the clients’ preference .
Disadvantages
Despite their many advantages, PLA compostable ziplock bags do have some downsides. Firstly, they can be more expensive to produce than traditional plastic bags. Which means they may not be as widely available or accessible to all consumers. Secondly, they require specific conditions, such as high temperatures and humidity, to break down properly. Which means they may not decompose as quickly or efficiently in certain environments. Thirdly, they may not be as durable as traditional plastic bags. Which means they may need to be handled more carefully to avoid tearing or puncturing.
How to custom the compstable zipper bags ?
1. Determine the size of the bag according to the size of the product to be packaged, including the length, width and thickness of the bag.
If you are not sure about the thickness of the bag, you can consult the supplier . Then the supplier can suggest the suitable thickness according to the product to be packed and the required loading.
2. Design and print, according to the customer’s product positioning, personal preference, design exclusive personalized printing design.
Or you can also tell your design requirements to the supplier, then the supplier’s design department will design the printing for you
3. Proofing, after completing the above two steps, you can considers to proofing first .
4. Test samples and mass production. After testing samples, if the samples can meet your requirements, you can place an order to the supplier for mass production.
Applications of PLA compostable zipper bags
PLA compostable zipper bags are suitable for a wide range of packaging applications, including food items, cosmetics, garments and household goods. They can be used for packaging fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, snacks and other food products. They are also suitable for packaging personal care items, such as soaps, lotions and shampoos, as well as household cleaning products, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.
Conclusion
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials. PLA compostable zipper bags offer a viable alternative to traditional plastic bags, as they are made from renewable resources. They are compostable and biodegradable, and suitable for a range of packaging applications. While there may be some disadvantages to using these bags, their benefits outweigh their drawbacks, making them a promising solution for the future of packaging.
