Are biodegradable plastics expensive? Yes, biodegradable plastics like PLA and PBAT used in Shandong ORIZOB Biomaterials' 8 gallon compostable bags cost $2 to $7 per kilogram, while conventional plastics cost $1 to $2 per kilogram.
Why are biodegradable plastics costly? Factors such as environmentally friendly materials and special production processes drive up the cost. But is it really worth it? Shandong ORIZOB Biomaterials is a trusted Chinese compostable bag manufacturer that is known for its focus on quality and sustainability in providing high-quality compostable bags.
This article explores why biodegradable plastics are expensive and compares them to regular plastics, hoping to help you choose the right compostable bag.
Why Is Biodegradable Plastic More Expensive?
Biodegradable plastics, also called eco-friendly plastics or compostable plastics, cost more than traditional plastics for a number of reasons. Understanding these factors helps explain why products like Orizon's compostable trash bags cost more.
Raw materials: Biodegradable plastics use renewable materials such as corn starch or sugar cane to make PLA (polylactic acid) or PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate). These materials cost 30% to 50% more than the petroleum-based materials used in regular plastics (source: Industry Report, 2024).
Production process: The production of biodegradable plastics requires advanced technology, which is more complex and expensive than traditional plastic manufacturing processes.
Certification: In order to prove that the product is truly compostable, it is necessary to obtain relevant international certification standards such as EN13432 (Europe) or ASTM D6400 (USA). The cost of testing fees is relatively expensive, but it can ensure quality.
Small market size: Biodegradable plastics are not yet popular around the world and are not as common as regular plastics. Manufacturers cannot currently benefit from large-scale production. As demand grows, prices may fall in the future.
Choosing Orizon Biomaterials, you will get reliable, certified compostable plastic bags that support a cleaner environment even if the upfront cost is higher.
How Much does PLA plastic Cost?
The cost of PLA raw materials or finished products (e.g. 8-gallon compostable bags) is generally $2-7 per kg, while traditional petroleum-based plastics cost $1-2 per kg (source: Industry Report, 2024). 3D printing consumables cost $15-40 per kg, and specialty consumables (e.g. flash or high-temperature PLA) can cost as much as $40-60 per kg.
3D printing consumables:
Standard PLA: $15-30 per kg (e.g. 1 kg spools from brands like Sunlu or YOUSU cost $9.99-13.49,,).
Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk (e.g. 10 kg) can reduce the cost to $10-12 per kg (e.g. Elegoo's bulk offers,,).
Specialty PLA: Impregnated filaments (e.g. wood, metal or carbon fiber blends) cost $30-60 per kg.
Packaging (e.g., compostable bags): Orizon Biomaterials’ compostable bags cost about $0.10 to $0.50 per unit in bulk (contact the supplier at www.orizonbio.com for specific prices), and PLA resin raw materials cost $2 to $7 per kilogram.
Biodegradable vs Traditional Plastic: A Cost Comparison
How does biodegradable plastic stack up against traditional plastic? The table below compares costs, environmental impact, and decomposition time, using Orizon’s 8-gallon compostable bags as an example.
| Feature | Biodegradable Plastic (e.g., Orizon’s 8-Gallon Bags) | Traditional Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kg | $2–$7 (source: Industry Reports, 2024) | $1–$2 |
| Carbon Emissions | 30–70% lower (source: EPA, 2024) | High |
| Decomposition Time | 90–180 days in compost (EN13432 certified) | Hundreds of years |
Is Biodegradable Plastic Worth the Cost?
Is it worth paying extra for biodegradable plastics? For many, the answer is yes, thanks to the environmental and economic benefits.
Environmental benefits: Biodegradable plastics reduce microplastic pollution and landfills. For example, Orizon's plastic bags decompose into natural materials within 90-180 days, contributing to a cleaner planet (source: TUV Austria, 2024). This is in line with global trends, such as the EU's 2021 ban on single-use plastics.
Business economic value: Using compostable bags can enhance a company's reputation. Restaurants or stores using Orizon plastic bags can attract environmentally conscious customers, thereby increasing sales. Studies show that 70% of consumers favor brands that adopt sustainable practices (source: Nielsen, 2024).
Orizon's promise: Orizon Biomaterials' 50,000 square meter factory uses renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions by 30-70%. Its 8-gallon plastic bags are certified to EN13432 and ASTM D6400 and are designed for home or commercial composting, providing long-term value.
User scenarios:
Consumers: Use Orizon’s 8-gallon plastic bags to dispose of food waste and support a green lifestyle.
Businesses: Retail or food industries adopt Orizon plastic bags to meet environmental regulations and attract consumers.
Environmental advocates: Promote Orizon certified products to encourage sustainable habits.
Although biodegradable plastics have a higher upfront cost, their advantages—less pollution, better brand image, and compliance with laws and regulations—make them a worthwhile investment.
How to Choose Cost-Effective Biodegradable Plastic Products
Check certifications: Check if the product meets EN13432 or ASTM D6400 certification to ensure that the product is truly compostable.
Choose a reliable supplier: Choose a manufacturer with strong production capacity. Ensure that the quality and supply are stable.
Consider customization: Need a specific size or logo? Does it provide OEM/ODM services to customize color, size, logo, packaging, weight, etc. according to your needs to help companies save costs.
Buy in bulk: Does bulk orders reduce unit prices and is it suitable for small orders. Orizon has a minimum order quantity of 5,000 pieces, which is perfect for companies looking to save costs.
If you want custom compostable garbage bags, contact Orizon Biomaterials (www.orizonbio.com) for free samples and quotes and to test their compostable plastic bags.
FAQ
Why Is Biodegradable Plastic More Expensive?
Biodegradable plastics cost more due to renewable materials (like corn-based PLA), complex production, and certifications. Orizon Biomaterials uses automation to lower costs while ensuring quality.
How Much Do Compostable Bags Cost?
Orizon’s 8-gallon compostable bags cost around $X per unit (contact for exact pricing). They’re pricier than regular bags but eco-friendly and certified for composting.
How Does Biodegradable Plastic Help the Environment?
It reduces microplastics and landfill waste. Orizon’s bags decompose in 90–180 days, cutting carbon emissions by 30–70% (source: EPA, 2024).
How Can I Verify Biodegradable Plastic Quality?
Check for certifications like EN13432 or ASTM D6400. Orizon provides proof of certification and free samples to test their 8-gallon bags.
Conclusion
Biodegradable plastic, Orizon Biomaterials' 8-gallon compostable bag, sells for $2 to $7 per kilogram, higher than the $1 to $2 of traditional plastic. The higher price stems from its environmentally friendly materials, advanced production process and strict certification.
