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Common Queries

The Info You’re After

What is the composition of your bags?

Our home compostable bags are primarily made from a plant-based film produced in Europe mostly from regenerated cellulose derived from wood pulp originating from managed plantations. The film carries formal certification and approvals to the level of HOME compostability (more on this below) and Marine Biodegradation.

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In contrast, traditional plastic bags are made from polyethelene, a by-product of the fossil-fuel based pertroleum industry, and can not be composted nor, for that matter, be bio-degraded.

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Click the PDF link to view and download an Information Sheet about our compostable bags.

What is the difference between a BIODEGRADABLE plastic bag and a COMPOSTABLE plastic bag?

Both types of bags are intended to break down under certain conditions by the actions of micro organisms, however the difference is largely to do with what remains after the breakdown.

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A biodegradable bag often disintergrates into tiny pieces which leave metal-based residues in the environment, and accordingly cause ongoing harm in the form of micro-plastics which are now known to commonly enter the food chain after having been ingested by animals.  Biodegradable bags can thus cause more harm than good, and are not a solution to safely reducing our volumes of waste.

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A compostable bag will completely degrade in the right conditions to a form of humus which contains nutrients related to the original source of the bag's raw material, and thus can rightfully claim to be contributing to clean recycling and reducing waste.  Home compostable bags will breakdown in a healthy home compost bin in the presence of oxygen and moisture required by bacteria and fungi to flourish.  Some types of compostable bags require higher heat levels than are typically found in home compost systems, instead requiring processing in designated industrial composting facilities (at a cost).

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The primary material used in our bags is certified to be HOME compostable.

How to dispose of our compostable bags?

Domestic users may of course include our bags into their home-based composting system, where complete breakdown can take as little as a few weeks.

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The same may apply to business and commercial users of our bags, in that properly operating compost systems can be used to process bags which have reached the end of their usable life.  However, if the volume of usage is high, industrial composting is another option to be considered plus our bags can also be included with other business waste destined for either landfill or incineration because:

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  • the natural composting process can continue within a landfill environment, albeit at a slower rate, and

  • if burnt, nil or negligible residues will be released, unlike their petroleum-based plastic counterparts which release vast amounts of toxins under incineration

How to properly store these HOME compostable plastic bags?

Bags should be stored until ready for use in a cool and dry situation away from sunlight, ideally at room temperatures less than 24C

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We recommend limiting shelf retention periods to be no more than six months, and to use the oldest batches first.

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Bags are intended to be used and reused a number of times - the gum closure feature is effective for at least a dozen or more close and open cycles.

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Can we have printing on our bags, such as our logo or other typical labelling requirements?

Most definitely, yes.  Our HOME compostable bags can be printed on in single or multiple colours during the bag manufacturing process and consequently this needs to be arranged at the time we process your order.  Some additional fees will apply.  Our bags come standard with our brand name and logo printed on the bag per the product details on this website.

 

Please contact us about your specific requirements.

What is your order process and your payment options?

  • The total price of your order will be calculated and displayed during your online purchase transaction;
     

  • We then check and process your order and will provide a formal confirmation;
     

  • If your ordered items are in stock, and you have an account with us, your order will normally be shipped within a couple of days and full payment will be due within your agreed payment terms;
     

  • If you don't have an account with us, we will normally request payment from you prior to us shipping.  Once that first order has been fully completed you are welcome to talk with us about opening an account; and
     

  • If your ordered items are not in stock - such as if you require custom printing on your bags - we will contact you about the next steps and timings including payment requirements.
     

  • Normally we require payment by direct transfer to our bank.  Our bank account details are provided on our invoices.

 

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