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How do biodegradable and degradable bags impact the environment?
Degradable Bags
Biodegradable bags have a distinct advantage over "degradable" bags. They are made to break down into smaller pieces and are therefore more sustainable than biodegradable bags. Plastic does not decay faster, but it becomes dispersed more throughout the environment.These plastic bits that have been degraded are still dangerous, especially if they end up in the mouths of marine life. Bio-magnification is another possibility. This means that chemicals and plastics can be transferred up the food chain, and even end up in seafood.
According to a University of New South Wales study, degradable materials have the same environmental impact as regular plastic bags.
Biodegradable Bags
Biodegradable plastics are more stable than degradable plastics. They can be decomposed in the right environment, usually in a similar environment to a landfill or at a composting facility. This is the key word: under the right conditions.
Even though biodegradable bags are not as easily disposed of as regular plastic bags, they can still end up in oceans.
Research from the UK and European Plastic Recyclers Association has also shown that additives in biodegradable bags can be harmful to the environment.
Conclusions
You can see that biodegradable and biodegradable bags could have the same environmental impact as regular plastic bags. Retailers need to be aware of these facts and work towards sustainable shopping bags in the future. It's all about changing our habits, and making it easy for customers to do the same.
In parts of Australia, single-use plastic shopping bags that are regular, disposable and biodegradable have been banned (under 35 microns). The new laws may be a challenge for retailers and food outlets, but they will make the future sustainable.
Fast Diect Packaging offers a variety of options, including paper bags and heavy-duty plastic bags.