At present, green and environmental awareness deeply rooted in people's hearts, more and more consumers are gradually paying attention to whether packaging bags are environmentally friendly and are beginning to understand what green biodegradable packaging bags are. Biodegradable packaging bags are generally divided into two categories, namely “fully biodegradable” and ”pseudo biodegradable”. How can they be distinguished?

Fully biodegradable/compostable packaging bag

The main biodegradable materials are PLA, PBAT, PCL, PHA, PBS and PPC, which are referred to as environmentally friendly materials. For example, cassava, corn, etc. are processed into lactic acid, known as polylactic acid PLA. These polymers have good biodegradability. Under specific conditions, it can be completely degraded by microorganisms in nature after using, and finally produce carbon dioxide and water. They not only do not pollute the environment, but also protect the environment. Fully degradable packaging bags refer to packaging bags that can be completely degraded into water and carbon dioxide.

Pseudo degradable packaging bag

What is a pseudo degradable packaging bag? Photodegradation and thermal oxidation degradation, etc. Are all pseudo-degradable plastic bags. Pseudo degradable packaging bags refer to adding a certain amount of additives to the plastic during the production, reducing its stability, so that it will more easily disintegrate in the natural environment. This type of plastic product can cause significant problems for human society. Because it is not through microbial organic decomposition, but through chemical reactions. It cannot be completely decomposed into organic matter, but will be decomposed into small fragments and enter the environment. These microplastics are ingested by animals and enter the food chain, ultimately returning through the biosphere. This plastic products can decompose, but it cannot be completely degraded.

Is adding starch to PE considered pseudo degradation? No, strictly speaking, plastic products which contain non biodegradable polymer materials such as PET, PVC, PP, PE, EVA, etc. are considered non degradable plastic products.