Compostable packaging

Polybags' range of compostable bags are derived from natural, renewable resources to reduce the impact of the packaging on the environment.

This renewable packaging is manufactured from sugar cane, potato starch and other renewable resources that can be converted into chemicals and polymers using conversion processes similar to those of traditional polythene.

Ideal for collecting food waste, this ultra-green packaging is biodegradable and compostable, meeting EU compostability standard EN13432.

To find out more about Polybags' other eco-friendly packaging, please visit:

What is the shelf life of compostable packaging and how do I store it?

Our compostable range has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture as standard, as the compostable polymers used are designed to structurally break down and decompose after this point.

It is important to store compostable packaging in a cool, dry place, as exposure to direct heat, sunlight or moisture can reduce its shelf life.

How long does compostable packaging take to compost?

Compostable packaging requires an active microbial environment, such as a compost heap, to fully degrade. When placed in industrial composting conditions, it will first disintegrate and then biodegrade into carbon dioxide (CO2), water and biomass, leaving no harmful residue behind.

Our compostable packaging range meets the European standard EN13432 (further details below), which guarantees that the material will disintegrate within 12 weeks and biodegrade within six months in industrial composting conditions. In practice, actual composting times for much of our compostable range are likely to be shorter than this.

The composting process will take longer in domestic composting conditions, as these do not match the high temperatures generated in a controlled industrial composting environment. Times will vary according to composting conditions (e.g. location, size, temperature, moisture, microorganisms).

European compostable standard EN13432

Polybags' range of compostable packaging conforms to compostable standard EN13432 - a harmonised EU standard for compostable and biodegradable packaging, which has been adopted by the British Standards Institute and EU member states.

To comply with EN13432, all packaging must meet the following key criteria in industrial composting conditions:

• Disintegration - The packaging must decompose into tiny pieces so that, after 12 weeks, at least 90% of it can pass through a 2x2mm mesh
• Biodegradation - At least 90% of materials must break down by biological action (into CO2, water and minerals) within six months
• Chemical composition - The packaging must meet limits for volatile matter, flourine and 10 heavy metals, including copper, zinc, lead and mercury
• Compost quality - Adding the packaging to compost should not affect the quality of that compost. Ecotoxicity tests examine whether the germination and biomass production of plants are adversely affected by the introduction of the composted packaging

OK Compost

Products certified as OK Compost are guaranteed to meet all of the requirements of the EN13432 compostable standard (listed above). These products carry the OK Compost logo for easy verification purposes and are guaranteed to biodegrade in an industrial composting plant.

Advantages of compostable packaging

• Biodegradable and compostable
• Made from a compostable polymer blend with a minimum 30% renewable content
• Conforms to European compostable standard EN13432
• Disintegrates within 10-12 weeks and biodegrades (into carbon dioxide, water and biomass) within six months in industrial composting conditions
• Leaves no harmful residue behind in compost
• Free from Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMO)
• Strong and durable - equivalent strength to standard plastic at the same thickness
• Food-use approved
• Soft gentle feel
• Keeps your kitchen caddy or food bin clean and free from bad bin odours
• Can be thrown into your food waste collection with your food scraps in it (no need to empty out the bag)

Disadvantages of compostable packaging

• More expensive than biodegradable polythene bags (regular polythene with additive that accelerates the degradation process)
• Requires the correct composting conditions - e.g. temperature, microorganisms, humidity and oxygen - to biodegrade fully
• Whilst compostable packaging can be disposed of in a landfill, the biodegradation process takes much longer due to the lack of oxygen and moisture required to break the packaging down
• Shelf life of just 12 months - reduced if exposed to direct heat, sunlight or moisture