Selfseal Packing Waterproof Colored Shipping Envelope Padded Poly Compostable Bags Mailers With Bubble Lining

What exactly is biodegradable and compostable plastic, and what is the difference between them?

Both biodegradable and compostable plastics can break down or “biodegrade” – which happens when microorganisms digest the building blocks that make up the material – but there are important differences between these two terms.

Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into substances found in nature, and in a reasonable time frame. This sounds good in theory, but in practice, doesn’t often work.

While compostable plastic also biodegrades, it is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. Compositing facilities enable specific conditions like temperature and moisture to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioner.

Polybags' range of compostable bags are derived from natural, renewable resources to reduce the impact of the packaging on the environment.

This renewable packaging is manufactured from sugar cane, potato starch and other renewable resources that can be converted into chemicals and polymers using conversion processes similar to those of traditional polythene.

Ideal for collecting food waste, this ultra-green packaging is biodegradable and compostable, meeting EU compostability standard EN13432.

Our compostable range has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture as standard, as the compostable polymers used are designed to structurally break down and decompose after this point.

It is important to store compostable packaging in a cool, dry place, as exposure to direct heat, sunlight or moisture can reduce its shelf life.

Compostable packaging requires an active microbial environment, such as a compost heap, to fully degrade. When placed in industrial composting conditions, it will first disintegrate and then biodegrade into carbon dioxide (CO2), water and biomass, leaving no harmful residue behind.

The composting process will take longer in domestic composting conditions, as these do not match the high temperatures generated in a controlled industrial composting environment. Times will vary according to composting conditions (e.g. location, size, temperature, moisture, microorganisms).