You may have heard of the term “compostable mailers,” especially if you’re an eco-conscious person. Compostable courier bags are shipping envelopes designed to break down naturally in a composting environment.
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What are Compostable Mailers?
Compostable courier bags are similar products to regular plastic courier bags in that they’re bags used to ship products. But unlike traditional courier bags, which are made of plastic, compostable courier bags (compostable shipping bags) are made from plant materials. These materials can include corn starch, sugar cane, or other sustainable sources.
What Are the Main Materials Used in Compostable Mailers?
PLA (Polylactic Acid): A popular bioplastic resulting from plant fermentation, like corn or sugar beets. PLA does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and is compostable.
PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): A biodegradable plastic made from petroleum that is used in some compostable mailers.
Corn Starch: A common natural resource used in the production of bioplastics for compostable mailers. Some companies use only discarded corn for cornstarch production to further reduce the carbon footprint.
Recycled Paper: Some compostable mailers are made from 100% recycled paper that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
Sugarcane Pulp: Also known as bagasse, this is another natural resource that can be used in compostable packaging.
Why Choose Compostable Mailers?
Reduces carbon footprint: Plastic production is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Compostable mailers, made from plant-based materials, generally have a much lower carbon footprint.
Environmentally friendly alternative: Obvious, right? But it’s worth emphasizing. You’re actively choosing a packaging solution that minimizes harm to the planet.
Degrades quickly: In the right composting environment, these mailers can break down in a matter of months, not centuries like plastic.
Degrades into non-toxic, organic forms: They don’t just disappear; they turn into something useful!
Improves soil quality: The composted material enriches the soil, providing valuable nutrients for plant growth.
Reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact: You’re diverting waste from landfills and reducing pollution.
Enhances brand’s reputation: Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious. Using compostable mailers shows you’re serious about sustainability, which can boost your brand image and attract customers.
Compostable Mailers vs. Traditional Plastic Bags
| Feature | Compostable Mailers | Traditional Plastic Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Strength & Protection | High-quality options offer good tear and puncture resistance. Choose the right thickness for the item being shipped. May require extra padding for fragile or heavy items. | Known for extreme durability. Thin yet durable. |
| Durability | Improving but may not be as robust as plastic in extreme conditions. More susceptible to moisture and high temperatures. | Durable and resistant to the elements. |
| Water Resistance | Varies; some have water-resistant coatings, while others are more vulnerable to moisture. | Naturally water-resistant. |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces carbon footprint and plastic waste. Made from plant-based materials. Can be composted in home or commercial facilities. | Made from polyethylene plastic. May end up in landfills if not recycled, where it won’t biodegrade. |
| Compostability | Certified compostable options break down in months in compost environments, leaving non-toxic residue. Must meet standards like ASTM D6400, EN13432, AS5810, or prEN17427. | Does not break down or degrade over time. |
| Other Benefits | Can be reusable, depending on the material. Printed instructions for reuse encourage sustainable practices. Some are stretchy and don’t break under heavy weight. | Versatile sizes and dimensions. Customizable. Infrastructure exists for recycling them. Inexpensive. |
| Potential Drawbacks | May contaminate recycling if mixed with other materials due to additives that help them break down. Requires customer education on proper disposal. Sharp corners or edges of the product may cause damage. | Requires recycling to avoid ending up in landfills. |
Benefits of Using Compostable Mailers for Business
Reduces plastic waste: This aligns your business with sustainable practices, which is increasingly important to consumers.
Reduces overall carbon footprint: Show your customers you care about reducing your company’s carbon footprint.
Can be recycled for shipping multiple times: Depending on the material and construction, some compostable mailers can be reused, further reducing waste.
Reusable: Mailers add convenience for your customers.
Degrades within a short period, depending on the weather and environmental conditions: Faster degradation compared to plastic means less long-term environmental impact.
Requires less energy and resources to produce compared to plastic: This can lead to cost savings in the long run.
How to Choose a High-Quality Compostable Mailing Bag?
Certification standards:
Introduce common compostable certification standards (such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432).
Emphasize the importance of choosing certified products. Certified products mean that their quality and environmental performance have been recognized by authoritative organizations.
Materials and performance:
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of compostable mailing bags made of different materials. Compostable mailing bags made of different materials vary in durability, waterproofness, and scope of application.
Supplier selection:
Provide advice on choosing reliable suppliers, including evaluating their production processes and environmental commitments. Choosing suppliers with a good reputation and sustainable development concepts can ensure the quality and environmental protection of products.
Conclusion
As an environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solution, compostable mailing bags are gradually becoming an alternative to traditional plastic mailing bags. Its promotion and use will help reduce plastic pollution, protect the earth’s environment, enhance brand image, and meet consumers’ demand for environmentally friendly products.
When choosing compostable mailing bags, consumers and companies should pay attention to the product’s certification standards, material properties, and the reputation of compostable mailing bag suppliers, and choose high-quality and reliable products. At the same time, we should also actively participate in the promotion of sustainable packaging and contribute to the sustainable development of the earth.
