Biodegradable Bags
Plastpack manufactures biodegradable and degradable poly bags for businesses that want to lower the environmental footprint of their packaging without giving up the strength and reliability of conventional film. As an Australian manufacturer that extrudes its own film, we can apply degradable technology across most of our bag range and make the bags to your size, thickness, colour and print.
Understanding Biodegradable and Degradable Bags
Conventional polyethylene can take a very long time to break down. Biodegradable and degradable poly bags are made so the film breaks down far faster once it reaches the end of its life, while performing like a standard bag during use. It is worth being clear on the terms, because "biodegradable", "degradable" and "compostable" are not the same thing. The right choice depends on how the bag will be disposed of, and we will tell you honestly which option fits your requirement.
The Biodegradable Film Technology We Use
Plastpack produces its degradable film using licensed EPI additive technology. The additive is blended into the polyethylene during extrusion and accelerates the breakdown of the film through oxidation, followed by biodegradation, so the bag degrades under landfill conditions rather than remaining intact for decades. Because the additive works with standard polyethylene, you keep the clarity, strength and sealability you expect from a normal bag while gaining the degradable property. You can read more about the technology on the EPI website.
We can make almost any bag using this degradable technology, although minimum quantities apply for some products because the film is produced to order. If you would like to discuss a specific bag, contact us with your requirements.
Degradable, Biodegradable or Compostable: Knowing the Difference
Degradable polythene bags: use an additive that breaks the film down through oxidation and then biodegradation. This is the technology we apply to our poly range, and it suits bags that end up in general waste or landfill.
Biodegradable poly bags: break down through the action of micro-organisms over time. The degradable film we produce is intended to break down rather than persist intact in the environment.
Compostable bags: meet a separate, certified standard that usually requires industrial composting conditions. This is not the same as degradable. If your tender or disposal pathway requires certified compostable, tell us and we will advise honestly whether we can meet it, so you are not buying a product that does not match your disposal method.
Commercial Applications of Biodegradable Bags
Degradable poly bags suit a range of commercial settings where businesses want a more environmentally responsible bag:
Retail and checkout: retailers can offer degradable carry and checkout bags as a more responsible alternative to standard plastic, in line with their sustainability commitments.
Food producers and packers: degradable produce and packing bags can be used where the bag is intended to break down after use, subject to the correct food-grade specification.
Waste management and facilities: degradable bin liners suit organic and general waste handling in commercial and facilities settings.
Agriculture and horticulture: degradable film and bags suit growers and nurseries looking to reduce persistent plastic on site.
Which Bags Can Be Made Degradable?
We can apply degradable technology to most bags in our range, including plain poly bags, carry bags and printed bags. If you are after biodegradable polythene bags for a specific use, send us the size, thickness and quantity and we will advise what is possible.
Why Choose Plastpack for Biodegradable Poly Bags
Australian made: we manufacture our degradable bags here in Australia at our own facility, which keeps quality control in-house and lead times short.
Made by the manufacturer, not a reseller: we blend the degradable additive at the extrusion stage, so you get the exact specification you need and consistent batches, rather than whatever finished stock a reseller happens to hold.
Colour and print options: degradable bags are available in opaque and tinted colours, with up to six-colour printing so your branding and environmental messaging can be printed directly on the bag.
Honest advice: we will confirm whether a degradable bag suits your disposal pathway or whether you need a different product, so the bag you order actually matches your requirement.
Our Approach to Environmental Impact
The most environmentally responsible bag is one that is specified correctly, used for its purpose and disposed of properly. Choosing the right film and the right bag for the job reduces waste in the first place. To understand the wider picture, see our notes on plastic bags in landfill, plastic in the litter stream and the environmental cost of making a bag.
Discuss Your Biodegradable Bag Requirements
Tell us the bag type, size, thickness, colour and quantity, and whether the bag needs to meet a specific disposal or tender requirement. We will recommend the right degradable option and provide a clear quote. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Biodegradable Bags FAQ
Are degradable poly bags as strong as normal plastic bags?
Yes. Because the additive is blended into standard polyethylene, the bag keeps the strength, clarity and sealability of a conventional poly bag during its working life, and is designed to break down only at the end of its life.
What is the difference between degradable and compostable bags?
Degradable polythene bags break down through oxidation and biodegradation and suit general waste and landfill. Compostable bags meet a separate certified standard that usually needs industrial composting. They are not interchangeable.
Can I get biodegradable bags in a custom size, colour or printed?
Yes. As the manufacturer we apply degradable film technology to custom sizes, colours and printed bags. Minimum quantities apply for some products.
Do you supply biodegradable poly bags across Australia?
Yes. We manufacture and dispatch Australia-wide. Send us your specification and quantity for a quote.
