In recent years, biodegradable plastic bags have become more and more popular due to their environmentally friendly properties. However, not all plastic bags that claim to be biodegradable actually are, so it's important to be able to identify which ones are truly biodegradable. Here are some tips on how to quickly identify biodegradable plastic bags.
1. Look for a Biodegradable Certification Mark
One of the easiest ways to determine whether a plastic bag is biodegradable is to look for a certification mark. The most common certification mark for biodegradable plastics is the ASTM D6400 or D6868 certification. The certification ensures that the plastic bag meets strict industry standards for biodegradability and compostability.
2. Check the Material
Another way to identify whether a plastic bag is biodegradable or not is to check the material it's made of. Biodegradable plastic bags are usually made of plant-based materials such as cornstarch, cassava, or sugarcane. They are also referred to as compostable bags. However, if the bag is made of traditional plastic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene, it is not biodegradable.
3. Look for the Words "Biodegradable" or "Compostable"
Many biodegradable plastic bags are labeled as such, so look for the words "biodegradable" or "compostable" on the bag. But, be cautious about bags that only have those words without certification marks or material information, as they may not actually be biodegradable.
4. Test the Bag
One simple test to determine whether a plastic bag is biodegradable is to try tearing it. If the bag tears easily, it may be biodegradable. Biodegradable plastic bags tend to degrade faster and become more brittle than traditional plastic bags.
In conclusion, it's important to be able to quickly identify whether a plastic bag is biodegradable or not so we can make informed decisions and do our part for the environment. By looking for biodegradable certification marks, checking the material, reading the label, and testing the bag, we can be confident in our ability to identify biodegradable plastic bags and reduce our impact on the environment.