Environmental pollution has become a topic of social interest worldwide, thanks to the great damage and negative impact suffered by different ecosystems and the repercussions this has for life on planet Earth.

That is why large groups of scientists and researchers have focused on manufacturing materials, objects, and other resources based on elements that can degrade more quickly and less harmfully to the environment, including eco-friendly or biodegradable bags.

In the following article, we will detail everything you need to know about biodegradable bags , their types, and their benefits for the ecosystem.

What are biodegradable bags ?

Biodegradable bags are made from recyclable materials that also decompose more quickly in nature . Compared to regular plastic bags, biodegradable bags are broken down by the same bacteria and organisms found in the environment.

Currently, plastic garbage bags and those used for everyday shopping have become an environmental problem, causing large tons of waste both on the ground and in the sea.

Important: Recently, certain regions of the world have focused on replacing plastic with biodegradable materials . Meanwhile, the use of compostable bags in Peru has progressed to the point of passing a law mandating their implementation throughout the country .

Types of biodegradable bags

Eco-friendly or biodegradable bags can be classified both by their use and by the different materials used in their production , keeping in mind that the main purpose of reusable bags is to preserve the environment. The following are the types of biodegradable bags :

1. According to use

Dog waste bags are not the same as those used for taking out the trash or buying groceries. The differences between them usually lie in the size and weight the reusable bag can hold .

Tip: To ensure the bag is suitable, we recommend that you read the description that is usually printed on the bottom edge , which details the weight that the biodegradable bag can support.

2. According to the material used

Most recyclable bags are made from organic raw materials such as: banana peel, potato and/or tomato, shrimp, mushrooms, corn, soybean oil, legumes with high lactic acid content , polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), bacterial fermentation among others.

What differentiates each type of eco-friendly or biodegradable bag is the time it takes for them to degrade in the environment , the eco-friendly materials used in their production, and the support they provide to recyclable bags.

What are the benefits of biodegradable bags ?

Sales of compostable and biodegradable bags are steadily increasing thanks to the numerous benefits of purchasing and using eco-friendly materials . Below, we will detail some of these benefits:

1. They contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution

Environmental pollution directly affects human health, in addition to the damage it causes to ecosystems. Therefore, the use of biodegradable bags significantly reduces the amount of waste that accumulates because it cannot be recycled or naturally decomposed.

2. They are manufactured using renewable resources and other petroleum derivatives.

Because they are made from renewable resources, which are largely based on food waste or cellulose, biodegradable bags have the advantage of having a useful and functional lifespan that will then be absorbed by the environment without generating pollution.

3. They are durable and practical

Their reusable nature makes them the ideal choice for everyday shopping without having to spend money on plastic bags; they can also be easily washed and stored.

Note: The strength of each biodegradable bag will depend on the material and size it is made of. However, you can buy eco-friendly bags that can hold up to 20 kg without losing their shape or function .

4. They allow for savings through reuse

The price of biodegradable bags is considerably lower than that of conventional plastic bags. While the price of biodegradable bags can vary depending on their size and weight capacity , they are considered a worthwhile investment due to their reusability.

In this sense, the sale of compostable bags and their price will also depend on the ecological materials used for their manufacture.

How long does it take for biodegradable bags to decompose?

Unlike ordinary plastic that can take from 150 to 450 years to degrade, biodegradable bags take between 90 days and 3 years respectively, as mentioned above, it all depends on the material used for their manufacture.

Important: Studies indicate that these bags can remain in the environment for just over 3 years without affecting the ecosystem , thanks to the fact that, being biodegradable at the end of their useful life, they will not become a pollutant for the environment.

What is the difference between biodegradable bags and compostable bags?

Although the purpose of each is to preserve the environment and prevent its pollution, the manufacturing process of these types of bags makes them different , focusing mainly on the time and conditions they take to degrade.

In this sense, biodegradable bags are those that decompose through microorganisms when in contact with air, sunlight, soil or water, giving rise to new biomass or carbon dioxide.

Compostable bags, on the other hand, are distinguished by the fact that their degradation process ends in a product rich in humic substances (organic macromolecules), which can be used to make fertilizer among other nutrients beneficial to the soil.