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Degradable Polythene

Degradable Polythene is possible because of an additive that is mixed with the master batch during production that degrades the polythene. This can have several names, but they work in the same way. The additive firstly starts to degrade the polythene under the influence of heat and light; technically the process starts in the factory.

Due to the bags being stored in a dark box, and usually in colder storerooms, the process only continues in landfill i.e. in the soil. Once the polythene has been exposed to UV light, the degradation reaction is accelerated by heat in the soil. This breaks the polythene down transforming it into a fine powder and then biological degradation takes place. The end products of bio-degradation will be carbon dioxide and water, with a very small residue of non-toxic inert mineral material.

If the bags are not stored in an unusually “heated” stock room they should be ‘pristine’ for around three years. After this time there may be some discolouration of the bag. Once the bag is in landfill it will take somewhere between 18 and 24 months to degrade depending upon factors such as the heat, thickness of film etc

You can include the biodegradable logo and text in your design or we can put this information in the gusset for you, on request. Please ask your sales contact to send you then details and relevant logo.

Example:

Degradable Polythene Printed Carrier Bags