Plastics can take up to 1000 years to decompose; that’s a well-known fact. We have facts that are even scarier. Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once and then thrown away ! Even after they decompose, plastics don’t disappear. They just break down into smaller pieces, yet bigger problems, called microplastics. Doesn’t it force us to find a solution? Countries are banning single-use plastic, but they need an alternative.

Environmental consciousness has prompted a shift toward sustainable alternatives in many industries. The trash bag market, once dominated by single-use plastics, is also witnessing a transformative change. The introduction of biodegradable trash bags aims to reduce plastic waste and its detrimental impact on the environment.

The global trash bags industry was valued at $12.64 billion in 2024, and biodegradable polyethylene is expected to be its fastest-growing material segment, according to Grand View Research. Biodegradable trash bags are designed to decompose more rapidly than conventional plastic bags. Unlike traditional polyethylene bags, biodegradable versions incorporate additives that promote oxidation, allowing them to degrade more swiftly under environmental conditions. This innovation addresses the growing concerns over plastic pollution, particularly in landfills and oceans.

Benefits of Biodegradable Trash Bags:

• Reduced Plastic Pollution: These bags break down more quickly than conventional plastics, helping reduce long-term waste in landfills and oceans.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Biodegradable bags are generally made with plant-based materials or recycled content, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions during production.
• Less Harm to Wildlife: Since they degrade faster, there's a reduced risk of animals ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste.
• Improved Soil Quality: Some biodegradable bags are also compostable, meaning they break down into non-toxic components that enrich the soil. Green Earth, Bag to Nature, If You Care, and UNNI compostable bags are some prime examples.

Applications and Examples

Several companies are leading the way in producing and distributing biodegradable trash bags.

• Polymateria, a London-based company, has developed a technology that involves adding a masterbatch to plastics during production to help their decomposition. This technology is applicable to polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, and allows them to decompose into a waxy substance in less than a year when exposed to environmental conditions.
• HoldOn Bags offers plant-based trash bags made from Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), Polylactide (PLA), and cornstarch. The company uses 100% compostable and FSC-certified materials.
• In April 2024, the Arkansas-based company Revolution introduced the DailyGood Bags. These heavy-duty trash bags are made with up to 97% post-consumer recycled plastic, emphasizing environmental sustainability while meeting everyday household needs.
• Simply Bio provides a practical solution for households seeking biodegradable options without compromising on durability. The company offers 13-gallon home-compostable bags with drawstring closures that transform into humus within 180 days.

Some Recent Developments in the Industry

• In April 2023, Microban International and Berry Global announced a collaboration to deliver a range of Color Scents flavored garbage bags featuring antimicrobial technology. These bags combine subtle fragrances with antimicrobial properties to combat odor-causing bacteria.
• In September 2022, Novolex invested $10 million to expand its capacity to recycle plastic bags and polyethylene film at its recycling facility in North Vernon, Indiana. This move aims to advance sustainability and innovation within the packaging industry.
• In Bangladesh, the development of the Sonali Bag has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags. It is a biodegradable polymer bag made from jute. The initiative highlights the potential of natural fibers in creating eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Upshot

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, modern biodegradable trash bags provide the strength and durability of traditional plastic bags, making them a viable everyday alternative. Many are designed to decompose in home composting systems or under industrial composting conditions, aligning with household waste routines. Some products also incorporate antimicrobial or odor-blocking technologies, enhancing user experience without compromising on sustainability.