Are Produce Bags Compostable? A Full Guide

As consumers become more environmentally friendly, one question keeps coming up: Are the produce bags in supermarkets compostable? If you're someone who buys fruit and vegetables and wants to reduce your environmental footprint, this article is for you.

This article explores the types of produce bags available, which ones are compostable, and how to identify truly sustainable options.

What Are Produce Bags?

Produce bags are lightweight bags used for carrying fresh fruits and vegetables. You often see them in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or organic shops. Traditionally, these bags have been made from thin polyethylene plastic, a material that does not break down easily and contributes to long-term plastic pollution.

But with growing environmental awareness, eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable produce bags, compostable vegetable bags, and PLA-based mesh bags have entered the market.

Compostable vs. Biodegradable vs. Plastic: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into compostability, it’s important to understand three commonly confused terms:

Type	Breaks Down Into	Timeframe	Requires Special Conditions
Plastic Bags	Microplastics	Hundreds of years	No
Biodegradable Bags	Smaller particles (not always eco-safe)	Months–years	Sometimes
Compostable Bags	Organic matter (like CO₂, water)	Within 90–180 days	Yes – Home or industrial

⚠️ Note: Not all biodegradable bags are compostable. Compostable bags must meet specific standards and break down into non-toxic components.

What Makes a Produce Bag Compostable?

For a produce bag to be truly compostable, it must be made from plant-based or bio-based materials such as:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid) – derived from corn starch or sugarcane
• PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) – a biodegradable plastic additive
• Corn starch composites

These materials can decompose in commercial composting facilities and, in some cases, in home compost systems.

To be confident that a produce bag is compostable, look for certifications like:

• BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Certified
• OK Compost (Home or Industrial)
• EN13432 (EU standard for compostability)
• TÜV Austria certification

These labels guarantee that the bag will break down completely and safely under the right composting conditions.

Can You Compost Produce Bags at Home?

That depends on the bag’s composition and certification.

Home Compostable Bags

Some home compostable produce bags are designed to break down in low-heat, backyard systems. These often carry the OK Compost HOME label.

Industrial Compost Only

Other bags, even if labeled compostable, need the high temperatures and controlled conditions of industrial composting facilities. These usually carry the BPI or OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certifications.

How to Tell if a Produce Bag Is Compostable

Not all bags labeled "eco-friendly" or "biodegradable" are truly compostable. Here's how to verify:

Look for Certifications

• BPI Certified Compostable
• EN13432 or ASTM D6400
• TÜV Austria or OK Compost

Read the Label

• Does it say “100% compostable” or just “biodegradable”?
• Does it include disposal instructions (e.g., “Place in compost bin”)?

Red Flags

• Generic greenwashing claims like “eco-safe,” “degradable,” or “environmentally friendly” without third-party proof
• Bags that feel like thin plastic and have no certification mark

Compostable Produce Bags vs Biodegradable Bags: A Comparison

Feature	Compostable Bags	Biodegradable Bags
Breakdown Method	Into CO₂, water, and biomass	Into smaller plastic fragments
Time to Degrade	3–6 months (under correct conditions)	Varies (can take years)
Compost-Safe?	Yes (if certified)	Often no
Environmentally Friendly	✅ High – No microplastics	⚠️ Medium – May leave residues
Certifications Available	Yes – BPI, EN13432, TÜV Austria	Rare

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Compost Bag?

Putting non-compostable produce bags into a compost system can:

• Contaminate your compost with microplastics
• Disrupt commercial composting processes
• Lead to fines if composting regulations are strict in your area
• Harm soil quality if the compost is later used in agriculture

Always use certified compostable produce bags if you're planning to compost them.

Where to Buy Certified Compostable Produce Bags

Online Retailers:

• Amazon (Search: “BPI Certified Compostable Produce Bags”)
• Eco-products stores
• Zero-waste shops

Bulk/Wholesale (B2B):

If you’re a grocery store, packaging distributor, or brand looking for sustainable packaging options, consider partnering with a certified compostable bag manufacturer.

Tip: Look for suppliers who offer:

• Custom logos & private label
• Compost certifications (BPI, EN13432)
• Corn starch or PLA-based materials
• Industrial compost compatibility

How to Use Compostable Produce Bags

• Store in a cool, dry place. Compostable bags will degrade when exposed to heat or moisture.
• Do not overfill. These bags are durable, but overfilling may cause the bags to tear.
• Use as soon as possible. Shelf life is typically 6-12 months.
• Avoid liquids. These bags are breathable and may not withstand excessive moisture.

Are Produce Bags Compostable?

Yes — some produce bags are compostable, but not all. The key is to choose bags that:

✅ Are made from plant-based materials

✅ Have recognized compostability certifications

✅ Fit your composting system (home vs industrial)

By switching to certified compostable produce bags, you're helping reduce plastic waste, support a circular economy, and protect our environment.

FAQs

Are all biodegradable produce bags compostable?

No. Biodegradable bags may only break into smaller pieces, not into organic matter. Only certified compostable bags are compost-safe.

Can compostable bags go in my green bin?

Check local regulations. Many programs accept BPI or EN13432 certified bags but reject uncertified ones.

What are the best materials for compostable produce bags?

PLA, PBAT, and corn starch blends are commonly used and effective under composting conditions.

Looking for Compostable Produce Bags?

At Orizon Biomaterials, we manufacture and export certified compostable produce bags made from PLA and PBAT. Our products comply with global standards such as BPI (ASTM D6400), EN13432, OK Compost Home, and more.

We support:

• ✅ Bulk & wholesale orders
• ✅ Private label customization
• ✅ Fast global shipping (USA, Europe, Australia, Latin America)

👉 Contact us today to request samples or pricing.