Biodegradable and Compostable Bags Are Making a Difference

Support the environment: Every Torise bag you choose helps reduce plastic pollution.

Plastics are widely used due to their durability and low cost, but their pollution poses a serious threat to the environment, especially marine ecosystems. Plastic bags are one of the most common plastic products, made from non-renewable petroleum-based polymers that take hundreds of years to decompose. Their widespread use has led to a large amount of plastic waste, and microplastics are increasingly infiltrating the food chain, endangering human health. In addition, only 5% of plastic waste is recycled worldwide. The production and incineration of plastic bags significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, while releasing toxic substances that further pollute the air and soil.

Although biodegradable and compostable bags are usually made from similar raw materials, they are not the same.

First, biodegradable bags degrade under natural conditions, while compostable bags need to be artificially composted under specific conditions.
 
The decomposition time of biodegradable bags in the natural environment is unpredictable, while compostable bags usually decompose within 6 months in industrial composting facilities or 12 months in home composting.
 
In addition, the certification standards are different: biodegradable bags do not need to be completely harmless after degradation, while compostable bags must prove that they are non-toxic after decomposition.


Therefore, the certification standards for compostable bags are more stringent, and production requires higher technology and precise material ratios, which is also more environmentally friendly.  

Here are some ways to tell if your biodegradable or compostable bags are genuine:

Smell: Genuine biodegradable and compostable bags are usually odorlessor have a light grain smell.
Feel: These bags are usually silky smooth, but if PBAT is added, they may feel slightly harder.
Color: Due to the characteristics of bio-based materials, it is difficult to make these bags completely transparent, so they usually look translucent or milky.


Have questions about how to identify truly biodegradable or compostable bags? Contact us and our team of experts will help you choose truly sustainable products.

What can be industrially composted？
Materials that can be industrially composted include certified compostable bags,compostable cutlery,etc . Paper materials such as untreated paper towels, napkins and cardboard, as well as food scraps, fruit peels, vegetables, coffee grounds, and egg shells. Other organic waste and garden waste such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc. After these organic wastes are properly collected, they are sent to local industrial composting facilities for treatment.


Benefits of industrial composting
The main advantages of industrial composting are its efficient decomposition ability and wide applicability. Because it is carried out under strictly controlled conditions, industrial composting is able to process large amounts of organic waste in a shorter period of time (usually 6-12 months). In addition, it can also handle materials that are difficult to handle with home composting, such as large-scale garden waste.

What can be composted at home
Compostable waste includes kitchen waste, such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea leaves and eggshells, and yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, dead branches and flowers. Certified home compostable products can also be used. Items to avoid composting include meat, dairy products, oils and fats, diseased and insect-infested plants, and paper containing harmful chemicals.

Choosing a composting site
Choose a well-drained, well-ventilated site that is protected from excessive sun and rain. The composting area should be away from residential areas to prevent odor problems.

Choosing composting equipment and size
Use a dedicated composting bin or compost tumbler. The ideal compost pile size is about 1 cubic meter, which can maintain the right temperature and humidity and is easy to turn and manage.

Time required for composting
Composting usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the climate, composting materials and management. Composting in winter may take longer.

What to do during composting
Turn the compost pile regularly to ensure air circulation and even distribution of microorganisms, which speeds up decomposition. It is generally recommended to turn the compost every 1-2 weeks.

Identifying finished compost
Successful compost should be dark brown or black, loose in texture, odorless, and the original material has been completely decomposed. If the compost still has a strong odor or undigested material, continue to turn and compost.

How to use finished compost
Mature compost can be used directly in the garden, lawn, flower bed or potted plants as a soil conditioner or organic fertilizer to increase soil fertility and water retention.