Introduction of compostable zipper bag
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 packaging bags, such as compostable zipper bag, compostable self-adhesive bag , compostable flat bag, compostable die cut shopping bag and so on.
In this article, we will explore the different aspects of PLA compostable zipper bags, including their production process, categorization, pros and cons, and applications.
What Is PLA zipper bag made from?
PLA (polylactide) is a bioplastic material that is made from renewable resources such as cornstarch,tapiocae, and other plants. This kind of bioplastic material is the main material of the PLA zipper bag. Although , the compostable bags which are made from 100% PLA look very transparent , it will be much more expensive . Also, the bags will be a little less flexible. Therefore , most of the compostable bags are made from the biodegradable material PLA+PBAT or PLA+PBAT+CORNSTARCH ,they are also the compostable bags we usually see in the market . One thing has to mention that the zipper we use on our compostable zipper bag is also compostable . It makes our biodegradable zipper bags become really 100% biodegradable and compostable . These zipper bags are a great alternative to traditional plastic zipper bags, which are not environmentally friendly, and take a long time to break down in landfills.
Production Process
PLA is a biodegradable and compostable material that is made from renewable sources, such as corn starch or manioc root. There are two ways to obtain PLA, one is to produce PLA by fermentation, that is, starch and other fermentation substances transform into lactic acid under the action of fermentation bacteria , and then the lactic acid through polymerization reaction to get PLA.
The second is the chemical production of polylactic acid, that is, through the polymerization of lactic acid and other monomers to obtain polylactic acid PLA. After that , the lactic acid is then polymerized into a resin, which can be used to produce various products, including packaging materials.
To produce PLA compostable zipper bags, the PLA resin is first melted and blown 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 or semi-transparent bag that is suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.
Classification
To classify from compostable methods
According to compostable methods , there are generally two types of PLA compostable zipper bags: industrial and home compostable. Industrial compostable bags are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities. Which requires 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 require 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/ EN 13432, OK compost , BPI and so on. 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.
To classify from material and color
According to the material and color , there are three types of PLA compostable zipper bags ,
The first one is fully transparent compostable zipper bags made from 100% PLA.
The second one is high transparent compostable zipper bags made from PLA +PBAT
The third one is semi-transparent ( we usually call it natural color)compostable zipper bags made from PLA+PBAT
Among them , both high transparent and semi-transparent compostable bags are made from material PLA+PBAT. But the PLA ratio will be much higher for high transparent compostable zipper bag .
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
PLA compostable zipper bags offer several advantages over traditional plastic bags. Firstly, they are made from renewable resources and they can break down into natural materials over time. 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. Thirdly, they are lightweight, flexible and transparent. That makes them ideal for a range of packaging applications, such as food items, cosmetics, and household goods. Fourthly, they have a zipper closure, which provides convenience for the user and helps to seal in freshness.
Fifthly , PLA zipper bags are also versatile and can be used for a variety of applications. They are commonly used in clothing packaging, but they can also be used for food packaging, storage, and other household uses.
Disadvantages
Despite their many advantages, PLA compostable zipper 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.
Applications
PLA compostable zipper bags are suitable for a wide range of packaging applications. It includes food items, cosmetics, garment packaging and household goods. They can be used for packaging fresh products, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, snacks and other food products.
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, 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.
Are compostable ziplock bags actually compostable?
In recent years, environmentally friendly products have become increasingly popular as people become more aware of the impact that their actions have on the environment. One example of such a product is the PLA zipper bag, which is both biodegradable and compostable. These bags are used primarily for clothing packaging and are considered to be a green product due to their eco-friendliness.
Conclusion
Overall, PLA zipper bags are a great example of a green product that is both biodegradable and compostable. They are made from renewable resources and are non-toxic, which makes them a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags. While they have some disadvantages, such as their cost and durability. And they are still a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly option for clothing packaging and other household uses.
