Shopping bags are used frequently in our lives. With the improvement of living standards, people have a stronger concept of green environmental protection and pay more and more attention to sustainable development. The demand for environmentally friendly compostable shopping bags in major retail, e-commerce, catering services and packaging industries is increasing.
Many people may not know much about compostable bags. This article will explore the materials, applications and other related information about compostable shopping bags. If your company wants to customize compostable shopping bags in large quantities, you can contact us to get a quote or customize samples!
What Are Compostable Shopping Bags?
Compostable shopping bags, often referred to as sustainable shopping bags or green shopping bags, are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags.
Made from renewable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), PBAT, starch-based polymers or innovative seaweed-based materials, these bags can be decomposed into water, carbon dioxide and organic fertilizer in commercial composting facilities.
Compliant with standards such as ASTM D6400 (US) and EN13432 (EU). Unlike biodegradable shopping bags that may contain residual microplastics, compostable bags are guaranteed to decompose completely without harming the environment, making them an ideal choice for sustainable packaging in B2B environments.
Compostable Grocery Bags Production Materials
Polylactic acid (PLA): Derived from corn or sugar cane, it is renewable and decomposes quickly.
PBAT: Enhances flexibility and strength, often blended with PLA.
Starch-based polymers: Cost-effective options, such as BioBag’s Mater-Bi.
Algae-based materials: Innovative solutions (such as Sway) with a minimal carbon footprint.
Compostable Plastic Grocery Bags Manufacturing Process
Blown film extrusion: ensures uniform thickness (30-110µm) to enable high-volume production.
Eco-friendly printing: uses water-based inks for branding and maintains green packaging solutions.
Certification process: rigorous testing by TUV Austria or BPI verifies its decomposition in a commercial composting environment.
Compostable Retail Bags product Features:
Fast decomposition: Decomposes within 90-180 days in commercial composting facilities (specific ambient temperature and humidity).
Compliance certification: Meets environmentally friendly packaging standards of TUV Austria, BPI or ABA.
Customizable options: Supports brand-specific designs such as printed logos, colors, sizes, flavors and customized packaging.
Wide application: Suitable for biodegradable retail packaging, compostable e-commerce bags and food-safe compostable bags, with a load capacity of 5-10 kg.
Why Large Enterprises Need Compostable Shopping Bags
The global biodegradable packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2034, reaching $232.47 billion, driven by stringent regulations and consumer demand for green packaging solutions. For enterprises procuring 10 tons annually, compostable carry bags offer multiple benefits:
Plastic Ban Compliance: Regulations like the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, China’s 2020 Plastic Ban, and U.S. city-level bans mandate eco-friendly alternatives, avoiding penalties.
Consumer Preference: 68% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging, and 75% of e-commerce shoppers prefer environmentally friendly shopping bags (Statista).
Brand Reputation: Adopting low-carbon packaging enhances ESG goals, boosting trust among eco-conscious consumers.
Environmental Impact: Reduces methane emissions and microplastic pollution, supporting soil health through organic fertilizer production.
Industry Applications:
Retail Industry
Retail giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s are adopting compostable retail bags to comply with regulations and enhance brand appeal.
Pain Points: Meeting plastic ban compliance while maintaining brand visibility.
Solutions: Customizable eco-friendly shopping bags with logo printing to promote green packaging solutions and attract eco-conscious consumers.
Case Study: Tesco’s compostable produce bags reduced plastic use by 80%, increasing brand reputation by 30%.
E-commerce Industry
With the global e-commerce market exceeding $6 trillion in 2023, platforms like Amazon and Joyride Harness seek compostable ecommerce bags to optimize logistics and customer experience.
Pain Points: Reducing shipping costs and enhancing unboxing appeal.
Solutions: Lightweight biodegradable shopping bags (e.g., EcoPackables D42, 30–110µm) with custom features like zippers or transparent windows.
Case Study: Joyride Harness used Better Packaging’s POLLAST!C bags, cutting plastic waste by 90% and boosting repeat purchases by 15%.
Food Service Industry
Restaurants and fast-food chains like Pret A Manger require food-safe compostable bags to balance safety and sustainability.
Pain Points: Ensuring non-toxic, food-contact-safe packaging that decomposes quickly.
Solutions: Bags meeting FDA or EU food contact standards (e.g., BioBag’s non-GMO certification) with rapid decomposition (10–45 days).
Case Study: Pret A Manger’s compostable takeout bags reduced plastic use by 70%, improving customer satisfaction by 20%.
Packaging Industry
Packaging suppliers like Dunplast Poly Bag focus on innovation and supply chain efficiency for sustainable packaging.
Pain Points: Delivering cost-effective, innovative materials with transparent supply chains.
Solutions: Use of PLA, PBAT, or seaweed-based materials (e.g., Sway) with FSC or GRS certifications.
Case Study: Dunplast’s compostable bags, with over 5,000 tons exported annually, have secured global trust through certified quality.
How to Choose a Reliable Compostable Shopping Bags Factory
For businesses that want to wholesale compostable shopping bags, you can consider the following suggestions:
Choose certified suppliers: Choose suppliers that are TUV, BPI or ABA certified to ensure compliance.
Evaluate capacity: Work with suppliers such as ORIZON who have years of production experience.
Cost optimization: Negotiate tiered pricing for 10-ton orders (market price: about $0.10-0.40 per bag or INR 370/kg).
Customization needs: Discuss size, printing and packaging options (logo customization for TORIZON).
Sample testing: Request free samples to verify load capacity and suitability.
Composting infrastructure: Confirm access to commercial composting facilities (only 15% of facilities in the United States accept compostable packaging).
Market Trends and Insights
Growth Projection: The biodegradable packaging market is expected to grow at a 15% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, reaching over $10 billion.
Regional Dynamics: Europe leads due to the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, while Asia-Pacific grows rapidly due to e-commerce and policies like China’s 2020 Plastic Ban.
Consumer Behavior: 80% of consumers trust brands with sustainable packaging, making eco-friendly shopping bags a key purchase driver.
FAQ
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable shopping bags?
Compostable shopping bags decompose in commercial composting facilities into organic fertilizer, meeting ASTM D6400 or EN13432 standards. Biodegradable shopping bags may break down naturally but can leave microplastics, making compostable options more environmentally friendly.
How long do compostable shopping bags take to decompose?
In commercial composting facilities, decomposition takes 10–90 days, depending on materials (e.g., BioBag bags decompose in 10–45 days).
Are compostable shopping bags safe for food contact?
Yes, bags meeting FDA or EU food contact standards (e.g., BioBag’s non-GMO certification) are safe, ensuring no toxic residues or microplastics.
What is the cost of procuring 10 tons of compostable shopping bags?
Costs range from $0.10–$0.40 per bag or ₹370/kg, depending on materials and customization. Suppliers like EcoPackables offer tiered pricing for bulk orders.
How can businesses ensure supplier reliability?
Choose suppliers with TUV, BPI, or FSC certifications, verify production capacity (e.g., 35,000 units daily), and confirm delivery timelines (e.g., 2–5 days).
Call to Action:
Compostable shopping bags are a strategic choice for retail, e-commerce, food service, and packaging industries to achieve plastic ban compliance and ESG goals. Ready to procure 10 tons of eco-friendly shopping bags? Contact us for a customized quote and free samples! Click here to submit your needs or call +86-18654506392 to speak with our experts. Let’s build a greener future together!
