Concern for the environment is very important these days and because of this the popularity of biodegradable bags has increased. After looking into the range of biodegradable carrier bags on offer you may be shocked at the variety available.

Usual components that make up biodegradable bags are as follows:

- polymers made from starch (at least 90% starch from wheat, potatoes or corn;.

- hydrocarbons made into polyesters;.

- oxo-biodegradable polymers;.

- polymers which are photo degradable (break down with UV light);.

- water soluble polymers that dissolve in water at a certain temperature.

Biobased, alternatively Starch Based:

The bags have been made from a mixture of starches such as corn, wheat and potatoes. Bags like these will last about 180 days depending on a few factors. Fossil fuels aren’t used in the creation of the bags and generally they break down rather quickly. The shelf life of the bags will decrease if you over fill them. The bags require a composting facility to be composted so do not throw these out with your waste.

Oxo and Photodegradable.

They make the plastic bags by combining an additive that acts as a UV/oxidative catalyst when it is discarded. A plasic made in this way could decompose in a landfill within 3 month orit could take up to 3 years. These bags break down in 2 ways, firstly the plastic converts through reacting to oxygen, secondly they breaks down to molecular fragments which biodegrade to water, carbon dioxide and some other elements by micro organisms. This style of biodegradable bag will have a longer shelf life than most others on the market plus they are inexpensive. This style of bag is recyclable. The style of these bags is similsr to any ordinary plastic bag only these ones biodegrade when they are finished with.

The process of degradation means larger molecules being broken down into smaller ones, which then tiny micro organisms process. Biodegrading begins when light, air and heat come into contact with the plastic.

Biodegradable carrier bags are brilliant for the modern age of looking after our environment. The common plastic bag takes a toll on our planet by using up petroleum resources and having a complicated production procedure. These bags will eventually be banned.