Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging Made from Renewable Resources
The compostable bag market is growing as brand owners and retailers are motivated by regulatory and consumer demand. Compostable bags are the single-largest application use for compostable materials. The driver for this market is the ongoing need to reduce and eliminate organics (food and green waste) from municipal waste streams and landfills. Organic waste is a significant contributor to GHG emissions when trapped within a landfill, where it decomposes anaerobically and releases methane gas.
Compost bags are segmented into consumer kitchen bags and industrial can/bin liners. Both market segments require the aspect of compostability, as outlined in the specifications of ASTM D6400 for compostable plastics, D6868 for plastic coatings, and European norm EN 13432 for compostable plastics.
However, the physical property requirements of these market segments are very different. The industrial can/bin liner is a much larger bag and requires greater mechanical properties to handle larger payloads, as compared to consumer kitchen compost bags. Industrial can/bin liners constitute the most attractive market segment for Mirel film grades. To support this larger market, Telles has chosen a partner, Heritage Bag, which is the largest industrial compost bag manufacturer in North America.