From Waste to Wonder: Understanding the Lifecycle of a Biodegradable Bag
There is genuinely nothing in our world today that does not require us to carry, store or throw away. Unless you already have a shopping bag or trash bag in hand. Unless you stumbled across this article to discover the differences betweenĀ Biodegradable BagsĀ and plastic bags.
The lifecycle of a biodegradable bag from production to use and decomposition is simply fascinating. Yes, a journey from waste to wonder. AtĀ Revolve Green, we believe that it is essential that you know about biodegradable bags, their sustainability and lifecycle.
Stage 1: Extracting Raw Material from Renewable Resources
Unless you are in the bag manufacturing business and you are making bags from polymers, the first step would most likely be extracting raw material from renewable resources. Fortunately for your mother Earth, Biodegradable Bags are made from renewable resources such as cassava, corn starch and more.
Now, although oil is a natural resource, it is however not a renewable resource. Compared to oil, harvesting cassava and corn would do relatively less harm to the environment. Not to mention that drilling crude oil is extremely harmful for the environment.
Stage 2: Making Bags from Natural Polymers
Assuming that you are making bags from polymers, the second step would then be to make bags from the polymers. Now, being an environmentally conscious individual, it is only paramount that you ensure that the manufacturing plant is CIPET and/or CPCB approved so that you are able to get quality-assured biodegradable bags that will not disappoint you in purpose and performance. After all, you do not want your precious cargo to turn into plastic waste.
Stage 3: Using the Bag
Your biodegradable bag is ready for use after manufacturing. Similar to other bags, the quality of a bag is only as good as how you intend to use it. Like plastic bags, biodegradable bags are used for carrying precious cargo from point A to point B. Sometimes the bags are used as trash bags or even carry your grocery bags. In essence, biodegradable bags are simply substitutes for plastic bags.
Stage 4: Getting rid of the Bag
It is at this point that we begin to realize what makes biodegradable bags sustainable compared to plastic bags. The bag that you used to carry your precious cargo or was gifted to you is no longer of use to you.
Unlike with plastic bags, biodegradable bags begin to decompose as soon as they enter the composter. It is at this point that your bag begins its journey from waste to wonder!
Stage 5: Bag Degradation Process
The famous saying ājourney from waste to wonderā mostly revolves around this point in the lifecycle of a biodegradable bag. Everything begins to change as soon as the bag is dumped into the composter. Below are the processes that a biodegradable bag undergoes as it begins to degrade.
Microbial Degradation
Microbial degradation begins as soon as the microbes in the composter start breaking down the bagās organic polymers. It is the main reason why your bag will begin to lose its shape.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the second stage and it involves the bagās filaments and fiber losing their shape. Similar to microbial degradation, fragmentation also sees the bag losing its shape and becoming smaller pieces of plasticized matter.
Decomposition
Unlike the previous stages, decomposition is the final and most recognizable stage of degradation. It is the stage at which the bag fully decomposes to form water, organic matter and carbon-di-oxide.
How Long does the Bag take to Break Down?
The bag takes a relatively relatively short time to breakdown. It only takes a couple of months for the bag to turn into fine dust. It is important to note that the rate at which the bags degrade greatly depends on the composter.
Stage 6: Going back to Nature
Just as the name suggests, it is at this stage that the bag goes back to nature in the form of fine dust, water and carbon-di-oxide. Unless you want to use the compost to grow more plants, this stage would mark the end of the bagās lifecycle. This is the second leg of the journey from waste to wonder.
While the plastic bag will forever and always lie in the landfills poisoning the planet, the biodegradable bag has returned to nature in the form of compost waste. That is another lesson on biodegradable bags that will change your perception of the world.
Why it is informative to understand the lifecycle of a biodegradable bag:
When it comes to choosing between biodegradable and plastic bags for your next shopping errand, most of us would automatically lean towards the plastic bags thinking that it is a more eco-friendly option. Although biodegradable bags are a more eco-friendly option, they are also much more damaging to the environment. Here are some reasons why it is informative to understand the lifecycle of a biodegradable bag:
Although not all bags are created equal, it is important that you learn more about CIPET and CPCB bags for the greater good.
It is only paramount that you ensure proper composting of biodegradable bags. Which leads me to the reason why we created this article in the first place!
It is also important that you ensure that your waste management services are also eco-friendly.
Our Vision and Values At Revolve Green
At Revolve Green we have big plans for the world. Specifically, the waste management and sustainability world. From the production process, everything we do is of the highest standard. Our innovative compostable bag series is perfect for your business needs. We have a wide range of garbage bags, other compostable products that would be ideal for your business. We also strive to provide women artisans with a sustainable source of income as they create amazing handicrafts from waste material. Our Sajja Decor range also makes zero-waste party decorations. Our biodegradable bags are part of our vision and values to you and the planet.
Conclusion
Biodegradable bagsā lifecycle is significantly much better compared to the plastic bags that will forever and always pollute the planet. It is easy to see now why sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable bags are the future of waste management. It is now relatively easy to see why knowing the biodegradable bagsā cycle is essential if you want to choose between biodegradable and plastic bags. After learning about the journey from waste to wonder that a biodegradable bag undergoes, are you still considering using plastic bags for your next shopping errand? At Revolve Green, we have a wide range of compostable bags and other biodegradable products that you can use for your event. You can find us online to begin your journey from waste to wonder!












