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Biodegradability, Use and Composting

 

           Biodegradability


Blends of starch with other polymers are being developed to address environmental problems such as climate change and plastic pollution due to their bio-based origin and biodegradability.
Starch-blend bags which are certified compostable according to EN13432 have been checked and verified to meet the below conditions:

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  • Fragment into pieces < 2 mm in less than 12 weeks in an industrial composting facility

  • Biodegrade into CO2, water, and biomass within 6 months due to biological activity

  • Leave behind no harmful substances in the environment after degradation and biodegradation

 

           Recommendations of use


 

These recommendations are to be followed when using starch-blend biodegradable bags:

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  • Wet waste should be let drain as much as possible before placed in the bags

  • Do not dispose anything hot in them

  • Keep these bags in your bin for two weeks maximum   

  • These compostable bags can be used for your Bio-waste bin according to municipality rules

  • After filled with organic waste these bags can be placed entirely in home composting

  • Avoid leaving these bags exposed to rain, wet environments or direct sunlight  

  • These bags are primarily designed for trashing biodegradable residuals; however, they can also be used for disposing regular trash

 

           Some considerations of home composting

 

 

Benefits

  • End consumers take care of the separation, treatment and ultimate end-use of the organic waste

  • Home produced compost reduces the need for soil conditioning with fertilizers

  • Home composting using compostable bags reduces the volumes of mixed plastics to be handled

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Challenges

  • Proper education on composting processes and compost application is necessary

  • Not everyone has a garden or is willing to home compost

  • If home composting is not properly managed, products could fail to compost even if using certified home-compostable bags or other related products

 

Further information on home-in composting:

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- European Bioplastics
https://docs.european-bioplastics.org/publications/bp/EUBP_BP_Home_composting.pdf
- Le site du compostage en ville
https://www.jecomposteenville.fr/le-compostage/je-demarre/
- Recycle now by WRAP: 
http://www.recyclenow.com/compost/

 

In regards to urban composting and of bio-waste management it is recommended to always observe municipality rules

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