Fully degradable packaging bags (also called fully biodegradable packaging bags) are usually made of the following environmentally friendly materials, which can be completely degraded in the natural environment and will not cause long-term pollution to the environment:
1. Polylactic acid (PLA)
Material characteristics: PLA is a bioplastic made from lactic acid fermented from plant starch (such as corn starch or sugarcane). PLA bags have good transparency, smooth surface and high strength.
Degradability: PLA can be completely degraded within a few months under suitable industrial composting conditions, which usually require humidity, temperature and sufficient oxygen. It does not degrade so quickly in the natural environment, especially in soil, but can be completely decomposed under composting conditions.
Application range: commonly used in food packaging bags, shopping bags, coffee cup outer layers, tableware, etc.
2. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
Material characteristics: PHA is a biodegradable plastic synthesized by microorganisms under special conditions, commonly used in packaging, food containers, medical equipment, etc.
Degradability: PHA can be rapidly degraded in soil, seawater and composting environments. It is a natural fully degradable plastic that does not rely on specific composting facilities and can be naturally degraded in different environments.
Application range: used for high-performance food packaging, agricultural films, etc.
3. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)
Material characteristics: Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble polymer material that does not contain petroleum-based components. It is usually used in combination with other natural polymers to enhance mechanical properties.
Degradability: PVOH can be completely dissolved and degraded in water, so it is particularly suitable for packaging applications that require rapid degradation, such as disposable packaging, wet wipes, etc.
Application range: Commonly used in water-soluble packaging, detergent packaging bags, films, etc.
4. Degradable polyester (PBS)
Material characteristics: PBS (polybutylene terephthalate) is a plastic synthesized from renewable resources (such as corn or sugarcane) with similar strength and transparency to traditional plastics.
Degradability: PBS can be completely degraded in a composting environment, and the degradation time is usually several months. In the natural environment, PBS can also be degraded quickly, reducing the long-term burden on the environment.
Application range: commonly used in packaging bags, disposable tableware, films, etc.
5. Bio-based polyester (Bio-PET)
Material characteristics: Bio-based PET is polyester produced by a biosynthetic process from renewable resources (such as sugarcane or corn). It has similar physical properties to traditional petroleum-based PET.
Degradation performance: Although bio-based PET has poor degradation performance, it usually adopts enhanced degradation technology, such as adding degradation agents, to promote its degradation in the natural environment.
Application range: used for bottled water, soft drink bottles, food packaging bags, etc.
6. Starch-based materials (such as degradable starch plastics)
Material characteristics: Starch-based plastics are made by combining natural starch with other ingredients (such as polymers, natural rubber, cellulose, etc.). Starch itself is a biodegradable natural material.
Degradation performance: This type of material can be completely degraded within a few months under composting conditions. It is usually suitable for short-term packaging and non-food contact applications.
Application range: commonly used in garbage bags, disposable tableware, packaging bags, etc.
7. PBAT (polybutylene adipate)
Material features: PBAT is a new type of biodegradable plastic, usually mixed with other degradable materials (such as PLA, PBS). PBAT itself does not contain petroleum-based raw materials and has good flexibility and processing performance.
Degradation performance: PBAT can be completely degraded in a composting environment, and can also be degraded in soil and oceans, with a faster degradation rate.
Application range: Suitable for plastic bags, food packaging films, agricultural films, etc.
Fully degradable packaging bags are usually made of a variety of bio-based and degradable materials, which can not only degrade in the natural environment and reduce environmental pollution, but also provide strength, transparency and operability while packaging products. Common fully degradable materials include PLA, PHA, PVOH, PBS, starch-based materials and PBAT, etc. Each material has its own unique degradation performance and application scenarios. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements and the increase in consumer demand for sustainable packaging, fully degradable packaging bags have become an increasingly popular choice.
