When you start thinking
about which plastic bag alternative to use, you might notice there are a
variety of 'degradable' and 'biodegradable' bags on the market.
Biodegradable plastic bags are often made from farmed products like cornstarch, which, in the right conditions, will break down into elements like carbon dioxide, water and methane. Biodegradable bags are generally best suited to composting and may contribute to methane emissions if sent to landfill. To meet international standards, bags need to compost within 12 weeks and fully biodegrade within 6 months. Biodegradable bags are not suited to recycling.
Other degradable plastic bags break down primarily through the reaction of a chemical additive to oxygen, light or heat and are also known as 'oxodegradable' bags. Best suited to landfill disposal, they are also likely to survive long enough to present a threat to animals if littered. As it may take time for them to break down completely, they may pose a threat to animals who mistake the pieces for food. These bags can be recycled.
It's important to understand the difference between these bags and the impact they can have on the environment. Replacement of normal plastic with degradable and biodegradable bags is not encouraged by governments as part of the planned phase-out, as neither is a solution to plastic bag litter.
Standards Australia is currently developing Australian Standards for degradable (including biodegradable) plastics. In time, these may help you to be sure the bags you're buying are as degradable as they claim.
Biodegradable plastic bags are often made from farmed products like cornstarch, which, in the right conditions, will break down into elements like carbon dioxide, water and methane. Biodegradable bags are generally best suited to composting and may contribute to methane emissions if sent to landfill. To meet international standards, bags need to compost within 12 weeks and fully biodegrade within 6 months. Biodegradable bags are not suited to recycling.
Other degradable plastic bags break down primarily through the reaction of a chemical additive to oxygen, light or heat and are also known as 'oxodegradable' bags. Best suited to landfill disposal, they are also likely to survive long enough to present a threat to animals if littered. As it may take time for them to break down completely, they may pose a threat to animals who mistake the pieces for food. These bags can be recycled.
It's important to understand the difference between these bags and the impact they can have on the environment. Replacement of normal plastic with degradable and biodegradable bags is not encouraged by governments as part of the planned phase-out, as neither is a solution to plastic bag litter.
Standards Australia is currently developing Australian Standards for degradable (including biodegradable) plastics. In time, these may help you to be sure the bags you're buying are as degradable as they claim.
When you're looking for an alternative to plastic bags for your retail outlet, consider producing your own and discover the benefits.
- Sell your alternative bags to customers at a profit
- Price your alternatives at an acceptable level. Reusable bags should be inexpensive to encourage more customers to use them as an alternative to plastic bags. Up to $2 is a reasonable charge that should still allow for a profit on each sale.
- Alternative bags are a great advertising opportunity - print your logo and store details on your own bags.
- Enhance your public image and customer loyalty - promote your efforts to your customers and the local media.
- Bags can be customised to the right size, shape and colour for your business.
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