As a 16-year manufacturer of biodegradable plastic bags and a sustainability advocate, I'm well aware of the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, especially biodegradable plastic bags. As more businesses and individuals turn to green alternatives, many are curious: how much do biodegradable plastic bags cost?
In this guide, take the price of biodegradable carry bags as an example to illustrate,I'll explain the price of biodegradable plastic bags, including factors that influence price, and a comprehensive explanation of retail and wholesale prices. I hope this helps.
Individual Vs. Wholesale: Biodegradable Plastic Bags Price
| Category | Product Description | Price Range (USD per bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Price (Consumer Packs) | Small kitchen compostable bags | $0.10–$0.20 |
| Dog poop bags | $0.08–$0.15 | |
| Shopping bags | $0.15–$0.30 | |
| Wholesale/OEM Price (Bulk Orders) | Basic T-shirt style biodegradable bags (10,000 pcs) | $0.035–$0.06 |
| Custom printed PLA bags (50,000 pcs) | $0.06–$0.12 | |
| Biodegradable mailing bags | $0.08–$0.18 | |
| Regional Differences | Made in China | Most affordable |
| US or EU made | 30–50% higher |
What Are Biodegradable Plastic Bags?
Biodegradable plastic bags are made from materials that break down naturally over time, usually through microbial activity. The most common materials include PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), and cornstarch-based blends. Unlike traditional polyethylene bags, these green alternatives decompose into non-toxic components.
In my factory, we often produce bags that meet global standards like ASTM D6400, EN13432, and BPI certification. Some clients refer to these as eco plastic bags, compostable plastic bags, or plant-based plastic bags. While "biodegradable" and "compostable" are sometimes used interchangeably, compostable bags are designed to break down under specific composting conditions and leave no toxic residue.
What Factors Affect the Biodegradable Plastic Bags Price?
Based on our factory’s years of experience supplying wholesalers, Amazon sellers, and retail chains, I’ve discovered several key factors that determine the cost of biodegradable plastic bags:
1. Raw Materials
- PLA and PBAT are more expensive than traditional plastic resins.
- Cornstarch-based blends, while sustainable and environmentally friendly, are more expensive.
2. Bag Size and Thickness
- Bag size and thickness also play a role. Larger and thicker bags require more raw materials, increasing production costs.
- Customized shapes or heavy-duty designs (such as garbage bags and shopping bags) can also increase the price.
3. Printing and Customization
- Custom printing: The number of words, patterns, logos, or QR codes printed on the bag will increase the unit price.
- Eight-color stencil printing is more expensive than single-color printing because the more environmentally friendly ink is used, which invisibly increases the cost.
4. Order Quantity
- Manufacturers can save money on bulk production compared to small orders of a few hundred units, as the equipment takes about half a day to warm up before starting up, making it more expensive to operate a small order.
- Large quantities of custom wholesale biodegradable bags with a minimum order quantity of 500kg or 1 ton are ideal for manufacturers and wholesalers.
5. Packaging and Shipping
- Export orders to the US, EU, or Australia incur freight and compliance costs.
- Retail-ready packaging (with barcodes and branding) also increases total cost.
6. Certifications and Compliance
- Bags that are certified compostable (BPI, TÜV Austria) often cost 10–20% more.
- Compliance with bans on single-use plastic adds testing and labeling expenses.
Biodegradable vs Traditional Plastic Bag Costs
I’m often asked to compare costs between eco-friendly plastic bags and traditional polyethylene ones. Here's a breakdown:
| Type | Cost Per Bag (Bulk) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Plastic Bag | $0.01–$0.02 | Cheap, but banned in many places |
| Biodegradable Bag | $0.04–$0.12 | Higher, but compostable & legal |
While biodegradable bag pricing may seem high, the environmental cost of plastic pollution is far greater. Cities and businesses are now paying to clean up plastic waste, while sustainable packaging offers long-term savings and a positive brand image.
Are Biodegradable Bags Worth the Extra Cost?
In my view—yes, absolutely. Many of our clients, from grocery chains to fashion retailers, report improved customer satisfaction and stronger branding after switching to compostable bags. Here’s why:
Enhanced Corporate Brand Image
When your customers, especially younger generations active on social media, see you using eco-friendly, biodegradable bags, they'll perceive your brand's commitment to responsibility. This positive experience translates into increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing, with marketing value far exceeding the extra 300 yuan per month.
More Durable
Have you ever experienced a regular plastic bag bursting when filled with items? Many high-quality biodegradable plastic bags are made from durable materials, making them tougher and more puncture-resistant than regular bags of the same thickness. This lower breakage rate increases customer repurchase and reduces marketing costs.
Long-Term Value
With plastic bans being implemented in countries around the world and environmental awareness growing, proactively choosing environmentally friendly practices, strictly adhering to national policies, and safeguarding the planet's sustainability are significant investments for the future.
Let me give you a real example: A supermarket chain in Australia switched to certified compostable shopping bags. While the cost increased by 25%, they gained local government approval, PR coverage, and saw a measurable increase in customer retention.
How to Identify the Price of "Fake Degradation"
The market is vast, and marketing tactics abound. Consumers worry most about paying a high price for counterfeit goods that don't degrade. This is incredibly frustrating.
Excessively Cheap Prices
If someone tries to sell you "fully biodegradable bags" for just a few cents each, block them immediately. Limited by the three hard costs mentioned in Part 2, this price doesn't even cover the cost of the raw materials. 99.9% of these products are fake, often made from ordinary plastic with a small amount of starch or photosensitizer added to create "pseudo-degradable" or "oxidatively degradable" products, which pose even greater environmental risks.
- Look for authoritative certification marks
Look for the following marks on product packaging or bags (it's strongly recommended that merchants request relevant certificates from suppliers when purchasing):
China Environmental Label "JJ": Official Chinese certification for fully biodegradable products.
EU "OK Compost"/"Seedling": Commonly known as the "seedling" mark, it's an internationally recognized certification for industrial composting.
BPI Certification: The leading biodegradable certification in North America.
- Sensory Evaluation
Feel: Fully biodegradable bags feel softer and smoother, somewhat like silk, while standard PE plastic bags tend to feel more brittle or stiff.
Odor: PLA-based bags may have a faint sweet cornstarch or herbal aroma upon careful sniffing.
Stretchability: Gently stretch the bag; fully biodegradable bags typically exhibit good stretchability and can be stretched to considerable lengths before breaking.
Please note: Sensory evaluation is for reference only and should not be relied upon as definitive. Authoritative certification is always the most reliable source of information.
How to Get the Best Price on Biodegradable Plastic Bags
- Buy Direct from Manufacturer: Cut out middlemen. You’ll get better pricing and faster delivery.
- Order in Bulk: Larger quantities always reduce per-unit cost.
- Simplify Design: Avoid excessive printing, extra thickness, or fancy handles unless necessary.
- Work with OEM Suppliers: Custom biodegradable bags can be cost-effective if you're sourcing at scale.
- Bundle Orders: Combine dog poop bags, mailers, and grocery bags in one shipment.
FAQ
What is the factory cost of producing a biodegradable plastic bag?
There's no absolute price; it depends on the material mix, size, thickness, and order volume. However, the combined cost of a typical medium-sized biodegradable shopping bag (including raw materials, production, management, and certification) is unlikely to be less than 0.3-0.4 RMB.
Why do supermarkets charge for biodegradable shopping bags?
The "Plastic Ban" mandates that plastic shopping bags be charged, aiming to encourage consumers to reduce their use. Their inherent cost is indeed much higher than that of ordinary plastic bags.
What's the difference between "oxidative degradation" and "full biodegradation"?
"Full biodegradation" means that plastic can be completely broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and other substances under composting conditions. "Oxidative degradation" simply involves adding additives to the plastic, causing it to degrade under sunlight and heat into invisible plastic microparticles. This poses greater environmental risks and is widely opposed internationally as a "pseudo-environmental" practice.
Do biodegradable plastic bags have a shelf life?
Yes, typically around one year. Due to the nature of the material, it slowly degrades under sunlight, heat, and humidity, so long-term storage is not recommended. Please pay attention to the production date when purchasing.
Conclusion
The price of biodegradable plastic bags depends on various factors—material, size, print, certification, and quantity. While they do cost more than conventional plastic bags, the benefits in brand value, legal compliance, and environmental impact make them a smart investment.
If you’re a retailer, packaging buyer, or eco-startup founder looking to make the switch, start by requesting quotes from trusted suppliers. Ask for certifications like EN13432, ASTM D6400, or BPI certified. Compare not just pricing, but the value you gain in sustainability and reputation.
Interested in sourcing biodegradable bags in bulk? I can help you calculate total cost, advise on OEM options, or send you a sample pack. Let’s build a greener future—one compostable bag at a time.
Need a custom quote or cost calculator spreadsheet? Contact us today to get factory-direct pricing on your next biodegradable packaging order.
