Pros and Cons of Compostable Bags

Advantages of Compostable Bags: Environmental, Performance, and Market Trends

In recent years, with the rise of environmental awareness and growing concerns about traditional plastic pollution, compostable bags have gradually become the preferred choice for both businesses and households. Compostable bags are mainly made from bio-based materials such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT-modified composites, which can degrade under industrial composting conditions. Beyond significant environmental value, compostable bags also offer excellent mechanical performance, versatile applications, and compatibility with modern waste management systems.

1. Environmental Value

Compostable bags effectively reduce plastic pollution. Unlike conventional plastics that take hundreds of years to degrade, compostable bags can fully decompose within 90–180 days under industrial composting, converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost and achieving resource recycling. Using compostable bags not only reduces landfill waste but also helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, playing an important role in promoting a circular economy.

2. Performance Advantages

Modern compostable bags perform well in durability and functionality. The dual-layer thickened structure of PLA/PBAT materials provides:

• High tensile strength, preventing tearing during handling
• Leak-proof performance, suitable for wet waste and kitchen scraps
• Customizability, allowing adjustment of thickness, size, and color according to actual needs

These environmentally friendly and high-performance characteristics make compostable bags ideal not only for households but also for commercial and municipal waste management.

3. Rapidly Growing Global Market Demand

Driven by regulations and rising consumer environmental awareness, global demand for compostable bags continues to grow. Particularly in Europe and North America, bans on single-use plastics have pushed businesses to adopt compostable alternatives. Additionally, companies can enhance their ESG brand image by using compostable packaging, aligning with sustainability goals.

Limitations and Common Misconceptions of Compostable Bags

Despite their advantages, understanding the limitations and common misconceptions of compostable bags is essential for proper use.

Strict Composting Environment Requirements

The degradation efficiency of compostable bags depends on temperature, humidity, and microbial activity. In industrial composting facilities, these conditions are strictly controlled, enabling complete degradation within months. In home composting or landfill environments, unsuitable conditions may prevent full degradation, leaving residual material that could still impact the environment.

Misconception: Biodegradable Means Degradable Anywhere

Many users mistakenly believe that “biodegradable” means it can degrade in any environment. In fact, compostable bags certified under ASTM D6400, DIN EN 13432, BPI, etc., are designed for industrial composting. Using them in unsuitable conditions may result in incomplete degradation and disrupt waste sorting systems.

Mechanical Performance Limitations

While durable, compostable bags have lower heat resistance compared to conventional polyethylene bags. High-temperature liquids or long-term storage may affect stability. Therefore, selecting the appropriate material formula and thickness based on intended use is crucial.

Comparison of Compostable Bags with Other Eco-Friendly Bag Materials

The table comparison shows that compostable bags balance environmental benefits and performance, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Common Application Scenarios and Suitability of Compostable Bags

With the promotion of waste sorting regulations, the application scenarios of compostable bags are expanding. The following analyzes their advantages and suitability in different scenarios:

1. Kitchen Waste Bags (Core Application)

Compostable bags perform best in kitchen waste collection:

• Leak-proof, keeping trash bins clean
• Compatible with composting systems, no secondary sorting needed
• Reduce collection and transportation costs, improving waste management efficiency

2. Pet Waste Bags

In the European and American markets, the usage of compostable pet waste bags has grown over 30%. Advantages include:

• Environmentally friendly, can be processed in municipal composting systems
• Odor control, reducing smell

Note that regulations on composting pet waste vary by region, so local rules should be checked.

3. Fresh Food and Food Packaging Bags

• Suitable for: fruit and vegetable packaging, bread bags, ready-to-eat salad bags
• Advantages: Prevent plastic residue from entering the food chain, safe and eco-friendly
• Unsuitable for: high-temperature foods or long-term storage due to PLA’s limited heat resistance and moisture protection

4. Takeout and Food Delivery Bags

• Suitable for: salads, cold drinks, and lightweight takeout
• Advantages: environmentally friendly, lightweight, enhances brand sustainability image
• Limitations: high-temperature soups or oily foods may compromise bag stability

5. Shopping Bags and Retail Packaging

• Suitable for: supermarket shopping, clothing store packaging, e-commerce lightweight packaging
• Advantages: compostable after use, reduces plastic waste
• Limitations: not suitable for long-term heavy loads or high-strength repeated use

Choosing Guanzhong: Reliable Choice for High-Quality Compostable Bags

Top Production Capacity and Complete Industrial Park Support

Guanzhong, located in Yongchun County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, owns an industrial park of nearly 200,000 m², with a total production area exceeding 100,000 m², covering granulation, injection molding, film blowing, and bag-making workshops. Annual production reaches 90,000 tons, supported by 180 professional staff, ensuring consistent quality and supply of compostable bags.

Advanced R&D System and Technical Advantages

The company operates an advanced R&D center focusing on bio-based and compostable composite materials. By controlling the entire production process from grain selection, starch extraction, lactic acid fermentation to polylactic acid synthesis, Guanzhong precisely adjusts the degradation performance and mechanical strength of compostable bags, maintaining durability even in wet waste or pet waste environments.

Strict Certifications and Quality Standards

Guanzhong’s compostable bags meet multiple international and national standards:

• China: GB/T 20197, GB/T 19277.1, GB/T 4806.7
• International: ASTM D6866, ASTM D6400, DIN EN 13432
• Industrial composting certifications: DIN Industrial Compost Certification, US BPI Degradation Certification
• Food contact safety: US FDA testing

These certifications ensure reliability in environmental, composting, and food safety conditions, providing peace of mind for businesses and end-users.

Customizable Services to Meet Diverse Needs

Guanzhong provides comprehensive customization, including size, thickness, color, printing patterns, and logos, suitable for kitchen waste, pet waste, and retail shopping scenarios. Minimum order quantity is 1 ton of raw material, mold period 7 days, and production period 15 days, offering flexible solutions for fast product launches and diverse product lines.

Material Advantages and Sustainable Value

The compostable bags use bio-based/compostable composite materials, non-toxic and odorless, fully degradable in soil. Dual-layer thickened design enhances toughness and tensile resistance, ensuring reliable use in various conditions. Guanzhong emphasizes green design throughout the lifecycle, from raw materials to production to disposal, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.

With stricter environmental regulations and growing consumer sustainability awareness, compostable bags are becoming the preferred solution for households, businesses, and municipal waste management. They effectively reduce plastic pollution while maintaining performance and supporting resource recycling. Proper use and selection of high-quality compostable bags are crucial.

Guanzhong, as a leading compostable bag factory and compostable plastic bags manufacturer, leverages its complete industrial park, advanced R&D technology, strict certification system, and flexible customization capabilities to provide reliable, eco-friendly, and high-performance compostable bags. Whether for kitchen waste collection, pet waste disposal, or retail shopping packaging, Guanzhong delivers professional solutions to help companies and individuals achieve their environmental goals.

Choosing high-quality compostable bags is not only responsible for the environment but also a wise step toward promoting sustainable development. With continuous market and technological advancements, compostable bags will play an even greater role as a key pillar in eco-friendly packaging.