Biodegradable/degradable carrier bags

Current discussions over degradable polythenes and biodegradable materials state the difference to be mainly down to the length of time taken to degrade and the resulting residue left within the soil. Biodegradable (generally starch based) carrier bags are considered to degrade within a compostable timescale, however the degradable polythenes will take longer. The time taken for degradable polythenes is subject to the amount of degradable additive within the extruded polythene. All polythenes will degrade, via a method of Oxydegradation, to a residue of some mineral material. For a bag to be considered biodegradable, the material will degrade within a short time, add nutrients to the soil and leave no other residue. No polythene based material should be considered suitable as a compostable matierial due to the length of time taken and residue (even though non-toxic) remaining. Alternatives to polythene can be starch based amongst other materials. These however are currently much more expensive than the degradable polythene alternatives.

Currently Beckdale use various degradable (these are also known as Oxy-biodegradable polythenes*) additives from DEG 68 to EPI subject to location of manufacture. Corn starch bags are said to give off large quantities of greenhouse emissions during degradation to the effect of a noticeable atmospheric increase since their introduction.

POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK is a masterbatch which degrades Polyethylene under the influence of light and heat. The addition of 2 to 3% POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK will produce a photochemically and thermally degradable film. Polyethylene containing POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK will not degrade before being exposed to UV light. Once the Polyethylene has been exposed to UV light, the degradation reaction will be triggered and continues even in the dark. It will be accelerated by heat. Once the Polyethylene has been transformed into a fine powder, many studies have shown that biological degradation will take place. The end products of biodegradation will be Carbon Dioxide and water, with a very small residue of non-toxic inert mineral material. Biological degradation can start when the molecular weight has been drastically reduced and when the surface area of the disintegrated plastic has been enlarged. The residues of degraded Polyethylene are NON-TOXIC.

Further information regarding POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK:

POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK contains active metal ions embedded in LDPE. Degradation starts only after
the metal ions have been activated by exposure to a UV light source.
The degradation speed is mainly dependent on:
- the concentration of POLYBATCH DEG
- the thickness of the film
- the type of resin
- the presence of antioxidant and pigments
- the temperature
- the type of exposure
For mulch application, only pratical tests can determine the amount of POLYBATCH® DEG that is
required.
Practicaltests must be performed to determine the optimum resin selection.
PACKAGING:
POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK is packed in Polyethylene bags on shrink-wrapped pallets. It should be store
inside for no longer than 6 months.
FOOD CONTACT:
The active ingredients of POLYBATCH® DEG 68 UK are approved for use in food contact applications
according to directive 2002/72/EC.

Patch For biodegradable materials, minimums of 5,000+ apply. For recycled polythenes, limited stocks are available, usually grey and white materials only. If a very specific colour polythene is required then minimums in the order of 50,000 apply. Vest Minimums for vest carrier bags produced with a biodegradable additive are 5,000 with limits, 50,000 for all styles. These can be produced to any colour or specificaiton. Varigauge New for 2008, these can now be produced with a BIO additive (usually DEG 68) from quantities of 1,000+ in white LDPE material. Minimums may vary for other colours. Variloop/Flexiloop As these bags are produced in a similar way to patch and varigauge bags, these can also be produced using biodegradable additives. Paper bags Please also take a look at our paper bag selection for alternative enviro bags.