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
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Biodegrade into CO2, water, and biomass within 6 months due to biological activity
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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
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Do not dispose anything hot in them
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Keep these bags in your bin for two weeks maximum
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These compostable bags can be used for your Bio-waste bin according to municipality rules
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After filled with organic waste these bags can be placed entirely in home composting
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Avoid leaving these bags exposed to rain, wet environments or direct sunlight
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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
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End consumers take care of the separation, treatment and ultimate end-use of the organic waste
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Home produced compost reduces the need for soil conditioning with fertilizers
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Home composting using compostable bags reduces the volumes of mixed plastics to be handled
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Challenges
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Proper education on composting processes and compost application is necessary
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Not everyone has a garden or is willing to home compost
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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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