Scientists at the University of Plymouth have found ‘compostable and biodegradable’ bags intact after 3 years in the sea and soil, raising questions about whether these plastics are truly a solution to the problem of conventional plastic pollution. Here, we explain why they are not and what the real solution is.
Compostable doesn’t mean biodegradable
While compostable plastic bags do exist (such as those made from cornstarch or agave), most are only compostable in an industrial composting facility. This means that human intervention on an industrial scale is required, with very specific temperatures, humidity levels, continuous material movement, aeration, and additives with specific bacteria to break down these bags. In home or garden compost, they will not disappear because the necessary specific conditions are not met. So…
Saying that a bag is biodegradable is not enough
The fact that a bag is made from natural sources does not guarantee its biodegradability, meaning it will disappear without human intervention as bacteria and fungi break it down. Laboratory tests and certifications are always required to confirm this property, as is the case with bax® bags, which have undergone tests proving they disappear faster than an orange peel, as certified by the Laboratory of Pisa and Güeldres in the Netherlands.
The solution: biodegradable-compostable bags
Fortunately, the solution already exists. bax® bags are the first and only bags that are both biodegradable and compostable. They biodegrade in 22 days with organic waste, in 45 days in the sea, and in 90 days in the soil, all without human intervention. This provides a solution to the plastic pollution problem because, no matter where they end up, bax® bags will not harm the environment or leave residues. Additionally, bax® bags are garden compostable, meaning they will naturally disintegrate and return to nature, enriching the soil with nutrients.
With bax®… Say goodbye to plastic! Available in T-shirt, boutique, trash, roll, pet waste, and laundry formats, now also available on Amazon through the official Green Team® Mexico Amazon store.
If it’s bax®, it NEVER contaminates.
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