What are Biodegradable Plastics?

Biodegradable plastic bags are plastic bags that are made from plant-based polymers or renewable resources such as:

• vegetable fats
• vegetable oils
• corn starch8
• potato start
• wheat starch
• agricultural by-products
• reused plastic waste

Depending on the type of biomass used, the type of bio-plastic also differs. These include:

• Bio-based Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET)
• Bio-based Polyethylene (PE)
• Bio-based Polycarbonate (PC)
• Bio-based Polyamide (PA)
• Bio-based Polyurethane (PUR)
• Bio-based Polyamide (PA)
• Bio-based Polyhydroxyalkanoates

The plastic bags that are made from the bio-based polymers mentioned above are bio-degradable because once they are processed during the disposal process, they can easily be processed by bio-organisms like the fungi and bacteria that are naturally present.

Regular Plastic vs. Biodegradable Plastics

While traditional plastic is made with chemical fillers that are harmful to the environment (during the decomposing process) bio-degradable plastic is made from natural substances, which means when the breakdown process is initiated, unlike regular plastic that emits harmful gases, bio-degradable plastic doesn’t pose the same risk to the environment.

For instance, regular plastic bags are made from carbon-based polymers which automatically implies the release of harmful gases into the environment when it begins to decompose. However, in the case of biodegradable plastic bags, this doesn’t happen as no carbon is involved in its manufacturing process.  And another positive aspect of biodegradable plastic is that they are able to be broken down by naturally occurring bacteria, which is ultimately beneficial to the environment.

While biodegradable plastics can decompose naturally, there are certain conditions that need to be met in order to ensure successful decomposing of the plastic waste which is still a significant win coming from non-compostable plastic. But, aside from the slightly higher cost that is involved in the production and composting process, biodegradable plastics hold many advantages over that of standard plastics. They offer the same functionality and durability, while helping you contribute towards an environmental cause!

If you are planning to begin the production of biodegradable plastic bags or are looking for more information on the production process of biodegradable plastic bags, contact XL Plastics on +91 265 2830155 and book a consultation with our team of experts right away!